– Keep sparklers away from the face, place flowerpots on the ground and use a glass bottle for rockets; in case of burns, cool the affected area under running water for 15–20 minutes
Ranchi: A moment of carelessness while bursting firecrackers can turn Diwali celebrations into a serious accident. From flowerpots and rockets to powerful crackers such as ‘Aloo Bomb’, every firework requires proper handling and adequate safety precautions. Experts advise people to maintain a safe distance, keep children under adult supervision and know the correct first-aid measures in case of burns, eye injuries or skin irritation.
Dr Anant Sinha, plastic surgeon and burn specialist, said that a burn injury caused by firecrackers should immediately be treated with running tap water. The affected area should be kept under cool running water for 15–20 minutes. This helps bring down the temperature of the burnt skin and reduce the severity of the injury. Applying ice, potato, toothpaste or other household remedies should be strictly avoided.
Keep Flowerpots on the Ground, Never Hold Them
Dr Sinha advises people to place flowerpots (anar) on the ground and light them using a sparkler, instead of holding them in their hands. Rockets should be launched from glass bottles. Plastic bottles may melt due to heat, potentially changing the rocket’s direction and causing an accident.
Crackers such as ‘Aloo Bomb’ should also be placed on the ground and lit from a safe distance. They should never be held in the hand or thrown after lighting. If a firecracker fails to ignite, people should not approach it immediately to relight it. Children must never be left unsupervised while bursting crackers.
Burn : Do Not Apply Ice or Toothpaste on Burns
According to Dr Anant Sinha, cooling the burnt area with running water for 15–20 minutes is the first step after a firecracker-related burn. Ice, toothpaste, potato, ghee or other household substances should not be applied. Clothing stuck to the burnt skin should not be pulled off forcefully. In case of deep burns, extensive injuries or burns involving the face, the person should be taken to a hospital immediately.
Eye : Firecracker Sparks Can Injure the Eyes
Ophthalmologist Dr Rahul Prasad advises people to remain cautious about sparks, smoke and particles released by firecrackers, as they can harm the eyes. If a spark or foreign particle enters the eye, it should not be rubbed. Rubbing may worsen the injury and damage the cornea. Pain, redness, irritation or blurred vision after exposure to a firecracker spark require prompt medical attention. People should avoid self-medication and consult an eye specialist.
Skin : Smoke and Chemicals Can Irritate the Skin
Dermatologist Dr Neha Rani advises people to be careful about exposure to smoke and chemical particles released by firecrackers. These may cause skin irritation, itching or allergic reactions, particularly in people with sensitive skin. If soot or chemical residue settles on the skin, it should be washed off with clean water. Persistent irritation, burns or blisters require medical attention rather than home remedies. Bursting crackers in open and well-ventilated spaces can also help reduce exposure to smoke.
DOS AND DON’TS WHILE BURSTING FIRECRACKERS
| DO | DON’T |
|---|---|
| Place flowerpots on the ground and light them with a sparkler. | Never hold a flowerpot in your hand while lighting it. |
| Use a glass bottle to launch rockets. | Do not use plastic bottles for rockets. |
| Place ‘Aloo Bomb’ on the ground and light it from a distance. | Never hold or throw a lit cracker. |
| Maintain a safe distance from fireworks. | Do not stand close to burning crackers. |
| Keep children under adult supervision. | Never allow children to burst crackers alone. |
| Cool burns under running water for 15–20 minutes. | Do not apply ice, potato or toothpaste to burns. |
| Seek medical help if a spark enters the eye. | Do not rub the eyes or use eye drops without advice. |
| Burst crackers in open, well-ventilated areas. | Avoid bursting crackers indoors or in crowded places. |
Experts emphasise that celebrating responsibly is the best way to keep Diwali safe. Knowing the right precautions and providing timely first aid can help prevent a minor accident from turning into a serious medical emergency.
