Diwali festival - Do's & Don'ts

Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!

Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!

Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!

Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

    Celebrate Diwali with a Safety Band

With Diwali festival round the corner one need to brush up with the dos and don’ts to avoid unforeseen incidents. Though bursting of crackers is a joy for everyone especially children, one cannot ignore the risks factors involved like fire accidents, burns and injuries.  Pollution is another hazard caused by emission of smoke from the chemicals contained in the fire crackers that will have an impact on health.  Besides it also causes sound pollution when high decibel noise is released from bursting of crackers.  

In spite of congestion in residential areas we find people bursting crackers in front of their houses without taking proper care though it is a rarity nowadays to find adequate space for firing of crackers in the growing metro environment and rapid urbanization.  Considering these facts some of the State Governments have even prohibited manufacture of crackers that release high noise and also bursting of crackers in silent zones like schools, hospitals etc.  Parents should take proper care of their children while using fire crackers and educate them on the precautions to be taken. Though most of us are familiar with the precautions, at the cost of repetition here are some of the dos & don’ts for ready reference.

Do's & Don'ts

Children should always burst crackers under the supervision of adults. Keep small children away from the bursting area.

Look for an open space and ensure there are no combustible and inflammatory things around.  If so remove them at once.

Always buy fire works from licensed and reliable sellers. Read the label on the crackers and follow the instructions carefully.

Keep a watch on what you wear. Ensure that you wear a cotton outfit.  Avoid silks and synthetic fabrics while bursting crackers.

Use a sparkler, agarbatti or a long fire wood to burst a cracker as they keep you at a safe distance and do not possess open flames.

Strictly avoid using matches and lighters for bursting crackers as they have open flames which can be dangerous.

Never ignite aerial fireworks like rockets if there is any overhead obstruction present like trees and wires etc.

While igniting aerial fire works like rockets ensure that they are not facing any opening like window, door or an open building which may cause fire accidents.

Never ever leave a lit match, agarbatti or sparkler near unused crackers.

Never experiment with crackers or make your own fire works.

Avoid bursting fire works on roads.

Never ever light a cracker in your hand.  See to it that you put it down and ignite it.

Don’t keep your face close to the cracker while trying to ignite it.

Do not throw fire works at people.

Strictly avoid children from handling fireworks.

Never try to burst crackers indoors or from inside a vehicle.

Keep first aid and a bucket full of water handy.

Do not have fireworks in your pocket while igniting another and always see to it that you burst only one at a time.

When crackers take time or do not ignite immediately, do not indulge in trying to burst them.  Rush to a safe place immediately.  Throw some water to diffuse them.

Malfunctioning fireworks should be abandoned.

Don’t light fireworks in metal or glass containers as the container may burst and cause severe injuries.

First Aid for superficial burns

Remove the injured person immediately from the heat source and remove the clothing from the burned area.

Run cool (not cold) water over the burned are.  If water is not available any cold, drinkable fluid can be used.  Or hold a clean, cold compress on the burn for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.  Do not use ice as it may cause the burn to take longer time to heal.

Do not apply butter, grease, powder or any other remedies to the burn as this may increase the risk of infection.

If the burned area is small, loosely cover it with a sterile gauze pad or bandage.

If the area affected is small, keep the area clean and continue to use cool compresses and a loose dressing for the next 24 hours.

Seek the medical help immediately when?

The burned area is large, even if it seems like a minor burn.

For any burn that appears to cover more than 10% of the body, call for immediate medical assistance.   Don’t use wet compresses because they can cause the body temperature to drop.  Instead cover the area with a clean, soft cloth or a towel.

The burn comes from fire, an electrical wire or socket, or chemicals.

The burn is on the face, scalp, hands, joint surfaces, or genitals.

The burn looks infected (with swelling, pus, increasing redness, or red streaking of the skin near the wound)

Ensure that you follow these seriously while opting to ignite fireworks for a happy and safe Diwali.  Dos & Don’ts, first aid tips courtesy...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Dos-and-Donts-for-a-safe Diwali/articleshow/5126806.cmshttp://living.oneindia.in/do-it-yourself/diwali.html

Safety first – Celebration next

Have a Safe Diwali