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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.

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›‘ Children should always burst crackers under the supervision of adults.

Keep small children away from the bursting area.
›‘ £ook for an open space and ensure there are no combustible and
inflammatory things around. If so remove them at once.
›‘ ºlways 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.
ºvoid silks and synthetic fabrics while bursting crackers.
›‘ èse 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.

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›‘ Strictly avoid using matches and lighters for bursting crackers as they
have open flames which can be dangerous.
›‘ ÷ever ignite aerial fireworks like rockets if there is any overhead
obstruction present like trees and wires etc.
›‘ While igniting aerial fire works like ensure that they are not facing any
opening like window, door or an open building which may cause fire
accidents.
›‘ ÷ever ever leave a lit match, agarbatti or sparkler near unused crackers.
›‘ ÷ever experiment with crackers or make your own fire works.
›‘ ºvoid bursting fire works on roads.
›‘ ÷ever 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.
›‘ ÷ever 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.
›‘ -alfunctioning fireworks should be abandoned.
›‘ Don¶t light fireworks in metal or glass containers as container may burst
and cause severe injuries.

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›‘ 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.

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›‘ 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.

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

›‘ Dor 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




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