Tips for a safe Diwali
The festival of lights, Diwali, brings fun, joy and togetherness. Children and youth look eagerly forward for the arrival of the festival. In fact, they begin bursting of crackers and playing with fireworks well before the festival. Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil and dispels darkness. Unfortunately, improper handling and playing with fireworks, mar the celebrations every year.
Every year a number of people across the country, lose their eyesight and sustain burns during the festival. Property is also damaged in mishaps.
Mohsin Eye Bank has suggested a number of do's and don'ts to prevent loss of eyesight and other mishaps during the ensuing Diwali festival.
Do's:
* An adult should always supervise the use of fireworks by children.
* Check the area before igniting fireworks to ensure that all inflammable and combustible materials are removed.
* Follow all safety precautions issued with the fireworks.
* Use a candle or an agarbathi to ignite fireworks. They burn without an open flame and provide a greater and safer distance between your hands and the
fireworks.
* Open flames from matches and lighters can cause additional fire hazards.
* Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby to extinguish any incipient fire.
* Keep burn ointments handy.
* Use fireworks only outdoors.
* Wear protective goggles while lighting fireworks to prevent eye injuries.
* Light only one firework at a time.
* Firecrackers, bombs and flowerpots should not be lighted holding them. It is always safer to light them from the side without bending over them.
* Move away quickly before they burst.
* Hold lighted sparklers away from the body.
* Flying fireworks - rockets, missiles, etc. - should always be lighted in open grounds pointing straight up.
* Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water.
* Wear close-fitting clothes of thick material instead of loose or flowing garments.
* Store fireworks in a cool and dry place.
* Consult an opthalmologist immediately in case of eye injuries.
Don'ts:
* Never give fireworks to small children.
* Never ignite fireworks while holding them. Put them down, then ignite them and walk away.
* Do not put fireworks in any container to ignite.
* Never mix anything with the contents of fireworks or make fireworks at home.
* Never ignite aerial fireworks where overhead obstruction (trees, wires, etc.) may interfere with trajectory into open air space.
* Never ignite an aerial firework near an opening to a building.
* Never use fireworks inside a vehicle.
* Never re-light a firework which has not burnt properly. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
* Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
* Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
* Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
* Ensure that your children don't engage in dangerous pranks such as throwing lighted crackers or sparklers at others, or try to make fireworks themselves.
Following these precutions can go a long way in ensuring a safe Diwali.
--
Dr Marwah
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