Dos & Don’ts While Bursting Crackers
Dos
• Burst firecrackers only outdoors.
• Light only one firework at a time, by one person preferably. Others should watch from a safe distance.
• Keep all extra fireworks at a distance from bursting place.
• Always use a long candle/’phooljhari’ for igniting fire crackers and keep elbow joint straight to increase the distance between the body and the crackers.
• Keep buckets of water handy. In case of fire, extinguish flame by pouring water from the buckets. Every major fire is small when it starts.
• 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.
• The patient should be taken to a burns specialist or a major hospital. Don’t panic.
• In case of eye burns, wash the eye with tap water for 10 minutes and take the victim to a hospital.
Don’ts
• 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 allow small children to handle fireworks.
• Don’t throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Don’t carry fireworks in the pocket.
• 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 synthetic clothing; preferably wear thick cotton clothing.
• 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.
