Diwali 2024: Firecracker Safety Tips For Families With Young Children

As Diwali knock in our door, it’s crucial to prioritize safety while enjoying the festivities. Fireworks and diyas enhance the celebrations but can pose risks, especially to children and pets.

Here are key safety guidelines to ensure a safe celebrations.

Firework Safety

Purchase wisely: Always buy fireworks from authorized dealers to ensure quality and safety.

Supervise children: Keep a close watch on kids; only adults should handle the lighting.

Designate safe areas: Light fireworks in open spaces, away from flammable materials, buildings, and crowds.

Emergency preparedness: Keep buckets of water or sand nearby for immediate fire control. Safely discard used fireworks in them.

Use proper techniques: Light only one firework at a time and stand at arm’s length. Use long candles or ‘Phooljhari’ for lighting.

Wear protective gear: Use safety goggles and avoid loose clothing to minimize injury risk.

Maintain distance: After lighting, retreat to a safe distance and never lean over fireworks.

Handle duds safely: Wait for 20 minutes before disposing of misfired fireworks, ensuring they are cooled down.

Educate about risks: Teach children the dangers of fireworks and ensure they understand to stay at a safe distance.

Candle and diya safety: Place diyas on stable surfaces and never leave them unattended. Ensure they are out of reach of children and pets.

Consider the environment: Opt for eco-friendly fireworks to minimize noise and air pollution. Clean up any debris responsibly to protect the community.

Expert Tips To Protect Against Injury

Burns: In case of burns, Dr Kushal Agrawal, H.O.D Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics at KVR Hospital Kashipur advises cooling the area with running water for at least 10 minutes. He adds, “Avoid applying ice, ointments, or household products. Cover the burn with a clean cloth and seek medical assistance for severe cases.”

Eye injury response: If an eye injury occurs from fireworks, Dr Agrawal, advises not to rub the eye but to rinse it with clean water for at least 10 minutes. And, If an object is lodged, cover the eye and seek medical attention.

Conclusion

Kids can be kids, but as adults, we should take responsibility for our own safety and for others. By following these safety tips, we can celebrate Diwali joyfully and responsibly. Let’s make this festival a celebration of happiness and health.