Useful tips for a safe Diwali
In the excitement of celebrating the festival of lights, it’s also important for us to be cautious so that we can enjoy this day safely with our loved ones. It is important to remember our dos and don’ts for Diwali to avoid unfortunate mishaps.
Bursting of crackers is not only a joy for children but also for everybody and we cannot ignore the risk factors involved like fire accidents, burns, and injuries. Also, pollution is another hazard caused by the emission of smoke from the chemicals contained in the firecrackers that will have an impact on health.
Besides it also causes sound pollution when high decibel noise is released from bursting of crackers. Though most of us are familiar with the precautions, here are some of the dos & don’ts for ready reference to refresh our memory.
Dr. Jimmy Prabhakaran, Consultant General Physician, Fortis Malar Hospital, Adyar shares the dos and don’ts which need to be followed during Diwali.
DOS:
Do read and follow the label instructions on the crackers.
Do have water handy (garden hose and bucket) to soak fireworks after firing.
Do store the crackers in a dry place away from inflammable materials like gas, stove, electric appliances etc.,
Do keep emergency ambulance number in a visible part of the house, where one can contact in an emergency.
Do keep blankets and buckets of water accessible. Water is the best way to douse off accidental fires and accidental burns.
Do burst crackers in open space like parks, grounds, etc. Maintain 2-3 feet distance from crackers.
Do use long incense sticks for lighting fireworks. They add to the safety distance.
Children should always burst crackers under the supervision of adults.
Put cotton plugs in your ears to avoid damage to your ears, as the noise of crackers can be quite deafening.
Use goggles and other protective equipment to avoid injury to the eyes and other body parts.
DON’TS
Don't light fireworks in metal or glass containers.
Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket. They're explosives and can go off prematurely even if they're not lit.
Don’t hold crackers and light them in your hands. It can leave you seriously injured.
Don’t try to examine a cracker that has not burst.
Don’t wear inflammable clothing, and instead wear fitting cotton clothes.
Don’t pile up all the leftover crackers and burst them.
OTHER GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
In case of an accident, the person must be taken out from the site of the explosion to a safe place and injury must be treated.
Small burns on the skin can be treated by applying ointments like ‘Silver Sulfadiazine’. Do not apply butter, grease, powder, or any other remedies to the burn, as this increases the risk of infection.
When there is breathing difficulty because of burns, one should not pour water over the affected area, but instead, cover the individual with the non-flammable material, move to an airy environment, and call for an ambulance at 108.
Children/adults with grievous injuries should not travel in their cars, and instead call an ambulance, as the treatment can be started at the earliest, and the time is taken to reach hospital also can be substantially reduced as the golden hour is one hour after the incident.
Make sure the streets are cleaned post bursting crackers.
People suffering from asthma and other breathing issues should wear a mask.