Stay safe this Diwali: Dos and Don’ts to follow while bursting crackers

This Diwali, safety should be the top priority while enjoying the festival's celebrations. The use of firecrackers significantly increases the number of eye injuries during the festivities. It is essential for elder family members to supervise children during the celebration.

Firework-related eye injuries can cause permanent blindness or persistent visual loss. The continuous smoke from firecrackers can irritate the eyes. To minimize risks, avoid using bottle rockets, stay at a safe distance from firecrackers, wear safety goggles, and do not use contact lenses when lighting crackers.

In case of eye injury, do not touch the affected eye. If debris is lodged in the eye, do not attempt to remove it, and keep your eyes closed until you see an eye doctor. If chemicals enter the eyes, rinse them with water for 30 minutes and seek medical help promptly.

Here are the Do's and Don'ts for bursting crackers:

Do's:
- Buy fireworks from licensed dealers
- Keep a bucket of sand or a fire extinguisher nearby
- Ensure no flammable materials are near the firecracking area
- Follow all safety instructions provided with the fireworks
- Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water
- Burst crackers in safe, uncrowded areas

Don'ts:
- Do not let children play with firecrackers unsupervised
- Do not wear synthetic or loose clothing; thick cotton clothes are recommended
- Do not apply cream or oil on eye injuries; consult an ophthalmologist immediately
- Do not light crackers while holding them; light them in open areas pointed straight up
- Do not keep firecrackers near burning diyas or incense sticks

Firework injuries can also impact bystanders, hence everyone must take precautions. Celebrate Diwali with happiness and joy, while prioritizing the safety of your loved ones.