Safety with Deepavali fireworks and crackers

They say our online stupidity is archived forever, and it seems to be true.  Searching for Deepavali Crackers brings out my utterly stupid, unsafe ‘Deepavali crackers bursting by hand’ YouTube video on the first page!

Since such idiocy can only be undone by a more responsible, safety conscious post, here are some safety points for a safe, accident-free, Diwali celebrations.  The first 3 are the most irritating, dangerous, inconsiderate safety violations I find in Chennai/India during Deepavali celebrations.

• do not throw crackers or fireworks – not only at people or animals - but even in air;
• do not tie/twist 2 or more crackers and light them – it is equal to throwing crackers at others;
• after lighting crackers or fireworks, do not scoot into your home – move away to the side to warn other people walking/moving towards the fireworks;
• never, ever, hold (lit) crackers or fireworks in hand – it is dangerous, and stupid;
• do not place stones, metal, pottery or even plastic cans/material on a cracker or firework – it will act as a mini explosive device – the stone or metal will fly, and can slice/injure people around;
• do not light crackers or fireworks on loose, sandy soils or on gravel, loose stones – they once again will fly, and can injure people;
• never place any part of your body above a cracker or fireworks when lighting them – once lit, move away to a safe distance;
• above all – keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby.

Here is an infographic lifted from the website of US Consumer Product Safety Commission, and their 2012 study on accidents – causes and injuries – due to fireworks.  Though the statistics are for USA, and pertain to their own fireworks celebrations on 4th of July, the situation must be broadly the same back home during Diwali.


(images courtesy cpsc.gov)

Have a safe Deepavali.  Happy Diwali to all.

IceRocket Tags: deepavali,diwali

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