Diwali Safety Tips- Secure Home by celebrating a Safe Diwali

That time of the year is here again. When the taste of sweetmeat and the brightness of colourful firecrackers will put a smile on your face. The festivities are infectious and bridges gaps between communities and people. Such is this festival, which is perhaps one of the biggest festivals celebrated in India.
Often the spirit of festivity is marred by accidents that could have been avoided had we practiced some safety measures.

Care must especially be taken to protect children, elderly people and pets from the perils of firecrackers and the pollution it causes. We must make efforts to reduce the damage caused to the environment.
Aren't we responsible towards the environment before getting about bursting firecrackers? Should we add up to the pollution that has depleted the air quality in the cities? What are some simple precautions that can ensure safety while you enjoy the "mother of festivals" with gaiety.

Here are a few Diwali safety tips to follow :

1. Clothing

It is recommended that you wear fitting cotton clothes and stay away from synthetic clothing. Loose fitting clothes are also a bad option as they could attract fire easily. These should be avoided at all times when you are celebrating the festival.

2. Crackers

You must purchase firecrackers from legal manufacturers and ensure that you take a look at the instructions before bursting them. Firecrackers of the highest quality can reduce the risk of a dangerous mishap.
Look at some of the hazards that are caused by the noise pollution.

• Disruption in hearing ability
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Disorders in sleeping
• Temporary or permanent Deafness

By reducing the consumption of crackers and taking steps to reduce pollution, we can ensure a safe Diwali that can be enjoyed by the family while not worrying about the harmful consequences.

3. Instructing children

Before taking your children out in the open to burst crackers, it is highly important for you to give them instructions about firecrackers and the safety measures that one must take before handling them. Supervising them while they burst crackers is one of the most important steps you can take to assure safety for your children.
Tell them about the importance of green diwali and make sure that they reduce the use of crackers.

4. Preparing for Emergency

It is also important to have a fire extinguisher near the place where you are bursting firecrackers. Even a bucket of sand or water would also come handy in case of an urgency.

5. Do not burst firecrackers in closed areas

It is critical to not burst fire crackers in a closed space. Such incidents can lead to an outbreak of fire and damage property and human life.

6. Use Green Crackers

From this year onwards, green crackers that will create 30% less pollution. Green crackers will have barium and strontium as constituents, and thus will have limited polluting particles.
Such steps will make sure that a clean and green diwali will be celebrated in the future and there will be considerable reduction in pollution.

7. Keeping a First aid kit handy

A first aid kit should always be present in a house. During festivals like Diwali, it will come handy and useful to treat minor injuries.

8. Discarding used fireworks

Dispose of the used firecrackers by immersing it in a bucket of water or putting it in a heap of sand to cool it. Discard them carefully by wrapping it properly.

9. Candles and Diya

Keeping candles and diya at home can sometimes cost you dearly if you do not observe precautions. Make sure that there aren't any inflammable materials or curtains close to them. Use earthen diya to reduce pollution and ensure that you celebrate a green Diwali. Do not opt for cheap plastic diya.

10. Safety of pets

Deepavali 2019 can be a time of agony for pets because of the extreme noise around. Try to sensitize your pet to the noise by playing similar noise in the background. Keep them away from firecrackers and do not leave them alone on the day.

11. Sensitivity

Using firecrackers that do not create noise and too much smoke is the first step towards being polite and tolerant towards your neighbours. Senior citizens, young children and pets won't be able to put up with those kind of loud noises. Precautions should be taken to keep them away from noises and pollution even while they are indoors, which is why make sure that they are in airy rooms that are properly ventilated and would keep smoke at bay.

12. Use Homemade Colourful sweets

Colourful sweets are hard to resist during Diwali. Indians are genetically prone to diabetes and should stay away from starch and sugar to avoid diabetes. Stay away from sweets that use chemical preservatives, because such preservatives can damage our lungs and kidneys. It might lead to serious problems like asthma and cancer as well.Do not consume sweets that have silver coating. Such foils are often adulterated by aluminium and aluminium is a hazardous material that can cause grievous diseases.

13. Avoid Loose Clothing

Prioritize safety when using fireworks during Diwali celebrations. Choose well-fitted clothing that minimizes loose fabric. This greatly reduces the likelihood of sparks or embers igniting flowing clothing. Loose sleeves, dupattas, and dangling scarves can easily catch fire, resulting in burns. For a safe and joyful Diwali, wear well-fitted clothing that allows for freedom of movement while reducing the possibility of fabric becoming entangled with firecrackers.

14. Dispose of Waste Properly

After the sparkle fades, make sure to properly dispose of spent fireworks and leftover debris. Never throw them directly into the trashcan, as residual heat can reignite and start a fire. Instead, designate a disposal area - a metal bucket filled with water is ideal. To extinguish any remaining sparks, carefully discharge used fireworks into the water. Once completely cool, the firework remnants and debris can be safely disposed of in regular trash. This simple step can prevent accidental fires and ensure a safe and responsible conclusion to your Diwali celebrations.

15. Choose Open Spaces

While fireworks illuminate the night sky during Diwali, it is critical to select the right spot to set them off. Don't be tempted to turn on the lights right next to your house or building. Instead, prioritize open spaces like parks, playgrounds, and even large empty parking lots. This creates a clear zone in which stray sparks or embers cannot come into contact with flammable materials such as leaves, dry bushes, or even parked cars. Celebrating in a safe and spacious environment reduces the risk of accidental fires, allowing you to watch the spectacular fireworks display with confidence.

16. Check Expiry Dates

Diwali celebrations are synonymous with colorful fireworks, but safety should always be a priority. Before you set off your fireworks, double-check the expiry dates. Fireworks' chemical composition can deteriorate over time, making them unpredictable and dangerous. Expired fireworks are more likely to fail, ignite prematurely, or explode unexpectedly. The simple act of checking expiry dates and discarding expired fireworks significantly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. This allows you to celebrate Diwali with the joy of dazzling fireworks while maintaining the peace of mind that comes from prioritizing safety.

17. One at a Time

Fireworks can be unpredictable. To ensure a safe and sparkling celebration, remember the mantra: one at a time, from a safe distance! Always light one firecracker at a time and avoid leaning over it while it is burning. This enables you to respond quickly if there is a malfunction or an unexpected ignition. Maintain a safe distance as indicated on the packaging and never crowd around fireworks. By prioritizing patience and creating a safe zone, you can ensure that you and your loved ones can enjoy the dazzling display of Diwali fireworks without risk.

18. Childproofing

Childproofing is essential for the safety of small children during Diwali celebrations. Keep children away from kitchen areas, where hot surfaces, open flames, and boiling liquids offer serious hazards. Use safety gates or barriers to prevent access to the kitchen, and regularly monitor their activity in these areas. In addition, cover electrical outlets with safety plugs to avoid inadvertent shocks and keep cords and wires out of reach. Identify and secure any other possible hazards, such as sharp objects, chemicals, and heavy items. By taking these precautions, you make the environment safer for children and lower the possibility of accidents.

19. Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential while lighting oil lamps or candles indoors during Diwali to avoid smoke inhalation and to provide a safe environment. These ancient light sources can create smoke and fumes, which, if not properly vented, can collect and degrade air quality. To avoid this, keep the space well-aired by opening windows or utilizing exhaust fans to circulate fresh air. This approach not only improves indoor air quality but also lowers the risk of respiratory problems. Furthermore, avoid placing lamps or candles in locations with minimal airflow, as smoke might get concentrated.

20. Avoid Alcohol

It is critical to avoid drinking alcohol while handling fireworks or cooking in order to keep focus and limit the danger of mishaps. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction speed, increasing the risk of errors, particularly when dealing with potentially harmful things such as pyrotechnics or hot cooking equipment. Staying sober ensures that you are fully attentive and capable of responding promptly to any unforeseen situations, increasing your own and others' safety. Prioritizing clearheadedness during these activities contributes to a safer and more enjoyable Diwali celebration for all.

21. Wear Protective Gear

When handling fireworks during Diwali celebrations, emphasize safety by wearing suitable protective gear. Wearing safety glasses protects your eyes from flying sparks and debris, lowering the chance of eye injury. Additionally, gloves protect your hands from burns and hot surfaces when handling fireworks. This preventive measure protects you against unintentional accidents and increases overall safety. By investing in and routinely using safety glasses and gloves, you can create a safer atmosphere for yourself and others, allowing everyone to enjoy the celebrations with greater confidence.

22. Emergency Contacts

Keeping emergency contact information readily available is important for assuring a prompt response in the event of an accident or disaster during the Diwali celebrations. This should include contact information for the local fire department, medical services, and poison control centers. Having these statistics on hand can make a big difference in the event of a fire, injury, or poisoning, allowing you to respond quickly and efficiently. Consider keeping these contacts in a visible position, such as on your refrigerator or in a special emergency binder, so that all family members can readily reach them during the festivities.

Do's and don'ts for Diwali

Do's for Diwali

• Always burst crackers in an open space. Ensure that there are no inflammatory substances near the crackers when your burst them.
• Always purchase fire workers from sellers who have a valid license.
• If the crackers is being used for the first time, make sure that you read the instructions properly. These are important precautions that can ensure a safe Diwali.
• While burning crackers maintain a safe distance.
• Ensure that the crackers are stored in closed containers and kept away from inflammable substances.
• Tie your hair properly while you are bursting crackers especially if you have long hair.
• Wear fitted clothes made of natural fibres like cotton.
• Put cotton plugs in your ears if the noise of the crackers is too loud and deafening.
• Stay indoors if you have respiratory problems.
• Wear footwear while lighting firecrackers.

Don'ts for Diwali

• Don’t keep crackers in your hand while lighting them.
• Do not burst crackers near poles and wires.
• Don’t wear silk and synthetic fabric while bursting crackers.
• Avoid using lighters or matchsticks for bursting crackers.
• Don’t burst crackers in a vehicle.
• Do not tamper with crackers if they are not burning.
• Maintain safe distance from crackers and diffuse it only by using water.

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