• Diwali is among the most celebrated festivals in India and is observed in various ways across the country. Regardless of the manner of celebration, it is a time of year when everyone desires to celebrate and spend quality time with their loved ones. Diwali is referred to as the festival of lights, encompassing rangolis, illumination, delicious food, fireworks, and of course, family and friends. Whether at home or in the workplace, the festival is embraced with immense enthusiasm. While spending time with family holds great significance, what takes precedence is ensuring the safety of your loved ones?

• A property insurance policy can safeguard your home, but it’s imperative to be vigilant and remember several key considerations to keep your family safe. When discussing safety during Diwali, the immediate concern is safety from firecrackers and diyas. This may certainly be a starting consideration, but it is not the only one.

• You must make an effort to secure your home, protect your children from noise and pollution, ensure the health of the elderly, and look after your pets. Given that pollution is a significant issue, it’s crucial to think about keeping the environment safe as well and not to contribute to the noise and pollution.

Let’s discuss some recommendations that will assist you in keeping your family safe this Diwali.

1. Littering and Disposal
   There are numerous gifts received, resulting in considerable packaging material that becomes waste. Additionally, the burnt firecrackers contribute to waste and must be disposed of properly. Half-burnt crackers pose dangers and should be discarded cautiously. It’s not solely about cleaning your home, but also about maintaining a clean and safe environment. All used firecrackers should be disposed of only after submerging them in water for a certain period. All other waste should be discarded in an environmentally conscious manner.
   
2. Smoke and Noise Pollution
   Diwali’s celebration creates significant noise levels. You may not always be the source of the noise; frequently, it is the people around you. Elevated noise levels are harmful to infants, the elderly, and pets, and the smoke is detrimental to everyone. You should lessen the usage of firecrackers and motivate those around you to do the same. If smoke triggers allergies for family members, keep them indoors and employ air purifiers. Infants should be kept indoors as both noise and smoke pollution can be harmful to them.
   
3. Safety with Diyas
   Diyas and lamps are closely associated with Diwali, and it is rare to find a home that isn’t illuminated by them. They enhance the festival’s brightness, but we must remember that they can also pose dangers. Fire-related incidents should be prevented. Even though you will manage the fire as best as you can, make sure you have property insurance. This home insurance policy guarantees that in case of a fire, the contents and structure are covered, and the insurer will compensate for any damages.

• It is essential for every household to have home contents insurance. However, the primary step should always focus on staying protected and safe from fire-related hazards. Diyas and lamps should not be placed near curtains or any areas with fabric or electrical wiring. To prevent them from tipping over, they should always be used on a stable, flat surface. Lamps and diyas should be kept out of the grasp of babies and toddlers. By considering some basic precautions, you can prevent any fire incidents.

4. Fire Crackers
   Pollution has become a significant concern, leading to the banning of these crackers in many states and cities. For those who still light them, it is advisable to choose green crackers that are eco-friendly. Any crackers that produce excessive noise and smoke should be avoided. It is important to buy high-quality crackers and not ignite them all at once to prevent chaos. Ensure that the crackers are set off in open areas to minimize the chances of fire outbreaks. To prevent any accidents from escalating, always keep a bucket of water nearby when bursting crackers.

• Ensure you have home insurance to alleviate financial pressure if an accident were to occur. Obtaining home contents insurance guarantees that repairs and damages are covered in the event of a fire or other incidents.

5. Clothes
   Diwali is a significant celebration, and everyone enjoys dressing up for it. However, while selecting outfits, remember to opt for cotton clothing rather than synthetic ones, as they can easily ignite. Choose well-fitted and comfortable garments, and ensure that children’s hair is tied back. Fire accidents can be extremely hazardous, and clothing can exacerbate their severity. Therefore, maintaining safety and wearing appropriate attire is crucial.
   
6. Environment Safety
   While ensuring your family’s safety is vital, we cannot disregard the environment. The health of our environment impacts us, making it everyone’s responsibility to keep it protected. Avoid noise pollution and control decibel levels. Properly dispose of packaging materials, wrappers, and used crackers. One of the best approaches is to educate children to cultivate a generation that is environmentally conscious.
   We can obtain property insurance to protect our home and personal items, but we must remain aware and care for the environment. The only insurance we can provide to our environment is to look after it and educate our children about the same.