By IANS,
New Delhi : Following are some tips – the do’s and don’ts – for a safe Diwali from Arun Khazanchi, who is president of the Fire and Safety Association of India:
The Do’s:
– Before bursting fire crackers, 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
– Keep small children away from the bursting area
– Use a sparkler, agarbatti (incense stick) or a long fire wood to light a cracker as they keep you at a safe distance and do not possess a naked flame
– Read the label on the crackers and follow the instructions carefully
– While igniting aerial fire works like rockets ensure that they are not facing any opening like an open window, door or an open building which may cause fire accidents
– Keep fireworks stock away while lighting a particular firework
– Wear footwear while lighting fireworks
– Keep a bucket full of water handy
– Be prepared for emergency
– Organize a community display of fireworks rather than individuals handling crackers
– Keep first aid and buckets of water handy. In the event of fire, extinguish flame by pouring water from the buckets. Every major fire is small when it starts
– Light only one firework at a time, by one person. Others should watch from a safe distance
– In case of burns, pour large quantity of water on the affected area
– In case of major burns, after extinguishing the fire, remove all smouldering clothes. Wrap the victim in a clean bed sheet
– The patient should be taken to a burns specialist or a major hospital. Don’t panic
– In case of eye burns, wash the eye with tap water for 10 minutes and take the victim to a hospital
The Don’ts:
– Do not wear nylon clothes. Prefer cottons while bursting crackers
– Strictly avoid using matches and lighters for bursting crackers as they have open flames that can be dangerous
– Never ignite aerial fireworks (like rockets) if there is any overhead obstruction present like trees and wires
– Never ever leave a lit match, agarbatti (incense stick) 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 light it
– Do not throw fire works at people
– Never give any firework item to small children
– Never try to burst crackers indoors or from inside a vehicle
– Do not have fire works in your pocket while igniting another
– Do not tend to burst crackers when some one else is trying to ignite one
– 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
– Never try to light used fireworks
– Do not ignite fireworks in any container
– Do not approach immediately the misfired fireworks
– Do not tamper with misfired fireworks
– Do not wear loose, hanging clothes. Secure all clothes properly
– Do not apply any cream or ointment or oil on burnt area