Dear Families,
ISKCON’s North American Child Protection Office (NACPO) recently published fire safety recommendations for temples to observe during the month of Kartika, where it is customary to offer lamps or candles. The policy is quoted below:
FIRE SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
For the safety of children and devotees in general, the CPO recommends ISKCON temples implement a Fire Safety Policy, in particular during the month of Kartika.
Suggestions include:
- All children less than 11 years old must be directly accompanied by their parent/guardian while offering a ghee light.
- Children must be 11 years or older to light the ghee wicks being given to the devotees.
- Children should not be allowed to use lighters or matches. That is an adult responsibility.
- Make sure children of all ages are wearing cotton clothing when handling fire. Synthetic clothing (sweaters, jackets, etc.) catches fire easier and burns faster.
- Teaching children to respect fire, even when having a celebration is important for the safety of all.
Based on these recommendations, we have instituted the following policies to keep our students safe while participating in lamp offerings at the temple on Tuesdays:
- Only students in Krishna Sharanam (Middle Years Programme) may serve as lamp/candle helpers.
- A teacher is now tasked with directly supervising all elementary-age students while making lamp/candle offerings at the temple.
Our goal is to continue to give students the opportunity to participate in the yearly traditions of Kartika and to keep them safe while doing so.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Yours in service,
Visvambhara Dasa
Head of School