Diwali Celebrations – Safety tips to make Deepawali a bliss

Firecrackers

Do’s

• It is better to
  avoid burning firecrackers. But if you are not able to control the urge you
  should do it following precautions.
• While burning
  firecrackers you should burn them in open spaces only. Burning them in close
  areas may lead to fire or disasters.
• While burning a
  firecracker, make sure that there is no combustible or inflammatory material
  around. As sparks from the firecrackers are uncontrolled, these materials can
  catch fire.
• While buying
  firecrackers make sure you are only buying the right kind of firecrackers.
  Green firecrackers are in vogue recently. Also, ensure that you are buying from
  authentic sources. Most governments issues license for selling firecrackers.
• If you have
  bought a firecracker that you have not used before, you should read the
  instructions thoroughly
• Keep a bucket of
  water ready while lighting firecrackers.
• If you have
  bought firecrackers a few days before Diwali then you should store it in a
  container far from kids and inflammatory or combustive materials.
• While burning
  firecrackers ensure that you are not wearing loose silk clothes as they may
  catch fire. Well-fitted cotton clothes are ideal for this. Don’t forget to put
  on footwear.
• If you are fond
  of long hair, make sure you have tied them properly while you are burning
  firecrackers.
• If your child is
  burning firecrackers, make sure he is doing it under your guidance.
• If you are
  burning a firecracker that produces a deafening sound, then refrain from
  burning it. If must, use cotton plugs to avoid damage to eardrums.
• If you are
  suffering from respiratory diseases then don’t stop out and keep the air
  purifier on. If you are living in a big city with a high firecracker burning
  rate then it is better to leave the city and go to a rural area.
• You should
  dispose of the unused and half-burnt firecrackers safely.

  

Don’t

• As we have
  already understood what to do, it is time to understand what not to do to stay
  safe while burning firecrackers. These are as follows.
• Don’t get
  adventurous. Some people make it thrilling by lighting firecrackers in hand. It
  may prove costly.
• As it is Diwali,
  there might be burning candles and diyas around. You shouldn’t put firecrackers
  near them as they may burn unaware. Burning firecrackers near electric poles
  and wires should also be avoided.
• Silk and
  synthetic clothes are more prone to catching fire. So, avoid wearing them while
  lighting firecrackers.
• Don’t light
  firecrackers directly with matchboxes and lighters. Consider using long
  firewood or sparklers that are relatively safer.
• Don’t try to burn
  a firecracker while inside a vehicle as it may end up in a big accident.
• Sometimes
  firecrackers don’t burn immediately and you may think that it is dormant. But
  don’t ever try to temper it as it may burst anytime and injure you.

Adulterated
sweets

It is no doubt
that Diwali is synonymous with sweets and the demand for sweets is more than
the supply on this day. So some shopkeepers use this opportunity to their
advantage and sell adulterated sweets that may cause harm to our health.

Dos

• Always go to a
  sweet shop that sells fresh sweets. Check the manufacture date if the sweets
  are packed.
• Some reputed
  sweet shops take pre-orders of the sweets. So, you can also pre-order sweets
  for this occasion.
• Smells and tastes
  the sweets before buying. Don’t buy them If they are different from their usual
  taste.
• Always buy from
  sweet shops that are routinely checked by food security professionals.
• Different sweets
  have different self-life. So, you should buy them accordingly.

1. Milk-based sweets
   – 2 Days
2. Ladoo and khoya –
   4 Days
3. Ghee and dry
   fruit sweets – 7 Days
   

Don’ts

• Don’t buy sweets
  from a shop that is known for old stock.
• Khoya sweets can
  be easily adulterated. So, buy it from authentic sweet shops only.
• Always go to a
  popular sweet shop as usually, they have fresh sweets.
• Don’t buy from a
  sweet shop that doesn’t allow you to smell or taste before buying.
• Authorities issue
  licenses to sweet shops. Don’t buy sweets from an unauthorized shop.

Lights

As Diwali or
Deepawali is the festival of lights, decorating homes and streets with lights
is a norm. The preparation starts weeks before.

Do                                                  

• Always buy
  lighting and jhalars from authentic sources. Always go for standard products as
  substandard products are prone to catching fire.
• If you have
  complex lighting to fit, always seek an electrician. An ill-fitted lighting can
  prove disastrous.
  

Don’ts

• Never allow kids
  to go near electric jhalars. If they go, they should under the supervision of
  an elder.
• When buying
  lighting and jhalars, don’t go for cheap products. Instead, look for quality
  products.
• Don’t overdo it.
  Have you heard about light pollution?

Earthen lamps or
diyas

Diwali has a long
tradition of earthen lamps or diyas. Even the arrival of electric lighting or
jhalars has not replaced it. If these lamps and diyas are lighted carelessly
they may lead to the eruption of fire.

Dos

• Keep diyas or
  lamps away from curtains.
• Put diyas on flat
  surfaces to keep them in balance.
• Always use good
  quality diyas.
• Keep sanitizers
  away from fire.

  

Don’ts

• Don’t put diyas
  near inflammable material.
• Don’t let
  children or kids go near diyas.
• Don’t overfill
  diyas.
• Don’t put diyas
  near doorways or on passages.
• Don’t apply
  alcohol-based sanitizers on hand before lighting diyas as such sanitizers are
  inflammable.

General tips

• Have a fire
  extinguisher ready.
• Keep a first aid
  kit ready.
• Many people seek
  pleasure in alcohol. Don’t do this.
• If you have pets
  in your home, then take them to a place where outside noise is the least.
• While you are
  rejoicing in firecrackers make sure you are also fulfilling your responsibility
  towards nature.
• If you have
  elderly people at home, request them to stay indoors as the air around them
  would be polluted.

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