Fire dept launches statewide awareness drive for safe Deepavali

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management and Fire Services department has conducted fire safety awareness programmes across the state ahead of Deepavali, urging people to celebrate the festival responsibly and prevent accidents caused by the careless use of fireworks.

On Thursday, fire services director general P V Ramana said public awareness, strict enforcement of safety regulations and collective responsibility were essential to ensure a safe and accident-free festival. He stressed that precautions must be followed at every stage, from the manufacture and transportation of firecrackers to their storage, sale and use.

In his message, Ramana said Deepavali symbolised the victory of light over darkness and should bring happiness to every family. However, negligence while bursting crackers and failure to follow safety guidelines could lead to serious injuries, loss of life and damage to property.

He advised parents to ensure that children burst crackers only under adult supervision and in open spaces, away from houses, vehicles, electric transformers, power lines, petrol stations and gas storage facilities. People should read the instructions printed on cracker packets, maintain a safe distance after lighting them and never attempt to relight unexploded crackers. Buckets of water and basic fire safety equipment should be kept readily available.

The DG cautioned traders against storing or selling fireworks without valid licences and urged them to comply with prescribed safety norms at temporary sales outlets. Manufacturers and transporters, too, must strictly follow regulations governing the handling and movement of explosive materials.

He said regular fire safety inspections, public awareness campaigns and coordination among the fire services, police, revenue and local authorities were crucial to preventing mishaps. In case of an accident, people should immediately alert emergency services and avoid crowding around the incident site, ensuring unobstructed access for fire tenders and ambulances.

Ramana appealed to people to minimise noise and air pollution, protect children and senior citizens, and make safety a shared responsibility. “Let us spread light and protect lives,” he said, calling upon people to celebrate a safe and joyful Deepavali across the State.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dasari Srinivasa Rao

[email protected]

Dasari Srinivasa Rao is a Staff Reporter with The Hans India, covering NTR and Krishna districts, with a primary focus on Vijayawada. He has 32 years of experience in journalism. His reporting spans a wide range of beats, including city and rural development, politics, irrigation, education, crime, and human-interest stories.

Read More