First, please ensure that you have a working smoke alarm installed in every bedroom, hallway and living area. If there is a fire, a smoke alarm will immediately warn you, giving you and everyone in your home time to escape to safety. Every home should also have an escape plan, and these can be created at escapemyhouse.co.nz(external link).

If you light diyas at home, it is important to think about the following things before you light them. 

• The wick size – if you are planning on leaving home after you have lit the diya, use a smaller wick to make sure it doesn’t burn too long.
• If you are leaving the house, always extinguish your diyas.
• If you are lighting a diya following the passing of a relative or family member, make sure it is in a closed diya. Remember check on it regularly and that it is not close to anything flammable.
• Always have a working smoke alarm in the room your diyas are being used in. A working smoke alarm will alert you if anything has gone wrong.

If you are planning on lighting fireworks check out our safety tips for lighting fireworks(external link).

If you are looking for more information on safe fire ritual practices in your home or community centre, see our helpful resources below.