FIRE WORKS SAFETY | Tips for a safe Diwali

The “Festival of “DIWALI” fun, joy, and togetherness. Children and youth eagerly look forward to the arrival of the festival. In fact, they begin bursting of Patakha/Bomb and playing with fireworks well before the festival.

Dipawali marks the triumph of good over evil and dispels darkness. Unfortunately, improper handling and playing with fireworks put a damper on the celebrations every year. Every year a large number of people across our country lose their eyesight and major burns during the festival. Property is also damaged in mishaps. So, as a proactive measure, we have decided to wear our hearts on our sleeves and pass on
some do’s and don’ts to prevent fireworks-related mishaps during the coming Diwali festival. (Tips for a safe Diwali)

Tips for a safe Diwali

Do’s:

• Parents should always supervise the use of fireworks by children.
• Check the area before igniting fireworks to ensure that all flammable and combustible materials are removed.
• Follow all safety precautions issued with the fireworks.
• Use incense stick to ignite fireworks. They burn without an open flame and provide a long and safe distance between your hands and the fireworks.
• Use fireworks only outdoors. Keep a bucket of water and sand nearby to extinguish any incipient fire.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Wear protective goggles while bursting fireworks to prevent eye injuries.
• Firecrackers, bombs, and flowerpots should not be lighted while holding them. Move away quickly before they burst.
• Hold lighted sparklers away from the body.
• Flying fireworks like rockets should always be lighted in open grounds and not around high rise towers.
• Preferably wear thick cotton clothing.
• Store fireworks in a cool and dry place.

Don’ts:

• Never give fireworks to small children.
• Never ignite fireworks while holding them. Put them down, then burn them and walk away.
• Never buy substandard quality firecrackers. These may malfunction or could pose hidden dangers while using them.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket. Do not put fireworks in any bottle/box to ignite.
• Never mix anything with the Barud of fireworks or make fireworks at home.
• Never ignite aerial fireworks where overhead obstruction (trees, wires, etc.) may interfere with their trajectory.
• Never re-burn a firework which has not burn properly.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never place the earthen lamps near any flammable material like wood, cloth or paper.
• Don’t wear synthetic clothing.
• Don’t light flying sky fireworks if there is a high wind speed.
• Never store flammable liquids at homes such as Petrol kerosene and diesel.

In Case of an Accident:

• Minor burns can be treated by running cold water the affected area.
• In case someone’s clothing catches fire, Stop-Drop-Roll to put out the flames.
• In case of eye burns, wash the area with water for 10 minutes and seek medical attention.
• Consult the doctor if any medical treatment required.

Final word

Throughout the celebrations remember to keep a watchful eye on your children to keep them out of harm’s way. If you are or
lighting fireworks yourself remember to follow all the above safety tips.

“Wishing you a Happy, Safe and Prosperous DIWALI”

Be aware of the hazards and risks while handling firecrackers. Ensure adequate safety measures are taken to eliminate any untoward accidents.