Even a little carelessness while lighting firecrackers can prove costly; PGI issues advisory for safe Diwali celebrations

Even a little carelessness while lighting firecrackers can prove costly; PGI issues advisory for safe Diwali celebrations

Appeal to protect children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory problems from firecracker smoke; pour water immediately on burns and rush to the hospital without delay if there is an eye injury

Chandigarh 7 November ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Diwali is a festival of joy, light, and enthusiasm, but even the slightest carelessness in the use of firecrackers can lead to a major accident. Every year during Diwali, the number of patients admitted to hospitals with firecracker burns, eye injuries, and respiratory problems increases. Keeping this in mind, the Department of Environmental Health, School of Community Medicine and Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, has issued detailed advisories regarding the safe use of firecrackers.

Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal, professor of the department, appealed to people that Diwali should not be celebrated at the expense of health and the environment. He said that most fireworks accidents occur due to carelessness, inattention, and lack of information. These accidents can be avoided with a little caution. As per the advice of PGI, firecrackers should always be bought from licensed and reliable shops. Avoid buying firecrackers from temporary roadside shops. Keep firecrackers in a closed box away from the source of fire and carefully read the safety instructions written on their packets.

Choose an open place to burn firecrackers. Do not burst firecrackers in crowded areas, near houses, garages, dry grass and inflammable objects. While burning firecrackers, maintain a proper distance from the body and do not make the mistake of burning them by holding them in the hand. A long candle or a sparkler can be used for this. Always keep two buckets filled with water at the place where firecrackers are to be burnt.

PGI has specifically warned parents not to allow small children to burn crackers alone. It is necessary for an adult to be with them during fireworks. Wear cotton and body-friendly clothes while burning crackers. Avoid loose synthetic clothes, as their open fringes can catch fire. Light crackers only after wearing shoes or slippers.

After use, put the burnt sparklers and crackers in a bucket of water. Do not leave burnt material on the ground. If a cracker does not burst, do not go near it to check or try to light it again. Instead, maintain a safe distance.