Dos and don’ts while bursting crackers

Keep children well away from fireworks, and never let a child handle or light one. Even sparklers can be unsafe if unsupervised! Do not give sparklers to a child under five. Make sure that children are aware of the dangers.

All mishaps due to fireworks occur as a result of carelessness, negligence and ignorance. Simple precautions can help avoid these mishaps. Contact helpline 040 30612100, 9347573377 in case of emergency.

Do's

• Use fireworks only outdoors.
• Buy from authorised/reputed manufacturers only.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Keep the fireworks to be used at a safe place away from the actual lighting area.
• Organise a community display of fireworks rather than individuals handling crackers.
• Always use a long candle for igniting firecrackers and keep elbow joint straight to increase the distance between the body and the crackers.
• Keep two buckets of water handy.
• In case of burns, pour large quantity of water on the burnt area.
• In case of major burns, after extinguishing the fire, remove all smoldering clothes. Wrap the victim in a clean bed sheet.
• Pool your pocket money and have a professional perform pyrotechnics for the benefit of many.
  

Don'ts

• Don't light flying fireworks if there is a breeze.
• Don't ignite fireworks while holding them.
• Don't bend over the fireworks being ignited.
• Don't ignite fireworks in any container.
• Don't tamper with misfired fireworks.
• Don't attempt to make fireworks at home.
• Don't allow small children to handle fireworks.
• Don't throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Don't carry fireworks in pockets.
• Don't store firecrackers near burning candles and diyas.
• Don't light firecrackers in narrow by lanes; preferably use open areas and parks.
• Don't wear loosely hanging clothes; secure all clothes properly.
• Don't apply any cream or ointment or oil on burnt area.
• Don't drive recklessly while taking a burn victim to the hospital; a delay of up to one hour is immaterial.

By: Dr Muralidhar Ramappa
(The writer is Consultant, Paediatric Cornea & Anterior Segment Services, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad.)