BE SAFE THIS DIWALI
Diwali, the festival of lights, imparts diverse meanings to the various elements of nature. The delight is in the exquisite beauty of the firecracker as it lights up the sky, the thunder of the firecrackers that give language to the diyas, the enchantment lies in the wall of sparkles thrown up by the flowerpots (annar), the ground smiles when the chakkri turns its hypnotizing circles.
As the month of October rolls towards the cooler month of November; the fervor of festivals rises to a crescendo. With the festival of lights “Diwali” drawing near, the days start becoming darker and the nights become brighter, lit by the magnificent lights in the bazaars and homes. Even though the hysteria created behind excessive air pollution by firecrackers rises to a higher pitch every year, the number of burn injuries also keeps pace. The reasons are numerous; faulty firecrackers, faulty igniting techniques. But the real factor is IGNORANCE.
Kids get cracking with the crackers, mothers get busy in the kitchen for guests and treats, fathers’ are fumbling with the gift lists. With the festivities in the air, a few safety measures can keep you and your family safe and usher in the prosperous New Year with smiles.
SAFETY TIPS WHILE BURNING FIRE- CRACKERS:
- Keep the pile crackers away from the area where they are being lit.
- Keep a bucket full of mud and another full of water nearby.
- Avoid wearing long dresses/ kurtas lest they catch fire from the ground chakkar
- Avoid wearing synthetic clothing (they catch fire faster).
- Discard used sparkles in a bucket.
- Always look around before lighting up a fire cracker; the other person may not know what you are up to.
- Light the Annar (flower-pot) with a sparkle (phooljhari) keeping it at an arms length. Do not bend over it while lighting it.
- Do not hold the annar/ fire cracker in your hand to light it.
- Let the flames die out completely before you place another one in its vicinity.
- While lighting a ground chakkar make sure your clothing is not touching the ground.
- Let the fuse of the bombs be long so you have enough time to move away.
- Light the firecrackers with a candle or sparkle as it increases the distance between the firecracker and your hand.
- Avoid putting boxes over lit bombs they become projectiles when the bomb goes off.
- Always keep the rockets in a tall bottle with wide base so that it doesn’t topple over when you light it.
- Wear footwear while lighting fireworks
- Light only one firework at a time, by one person. Others should watch from a safe distance.
- An adult should always supervise the use of fireworks by children
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF BURN INJURY:
- Remove burnt clothing as it stops the burning process.
- Remove all constricting clothing/ jewelry immediately.
- Place the burnt part under running tap water for 10min.
- Avoid putting a blanket to stop the burning.
- Avoid putting ice over the burnt part.
- Eat a pain killer
- Consult your doctor/ plastic surgeon
Don’t let ignorance rule your actions; Be aware, Be safe and Enjoy a prosperous new year.
Happy Diwali!!!!
DR. ASHISH GUPTA
ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT
DEPT. OF PLASTIC & MICROVASCULAR SURGERY
