Enjoy a safe Diwali Festival of Lights

Diwali is knocking at the door and the city is all geared up to celebrate the festival of lights with fireworks. Take care to ensure that no disaster mars the occasion. Rule of thumb: While bursting crackers, it is essential to be careful and not get over excited. Children should not be allowed to burst crackers in the absence of parents or a guardian. And as a cardinal rule, always maintain a safe distance from the crackers. Experts suggest that while bursting bombs, it is best to light them on the grounds. "Do not light bombs in your hands. This can cause an accident,".

For safety crackers should not be piled and lit together; neither should one burst crackers in rooms or closed spaces. Also crackers must be kept away from the kitchen or any other places that has a gas cylinder. First aid to the rescue: Be armed with a basic first aid kit. "Creams like Burnol or any other ointment for burns should be kept at home. In case of a minor accident, remove clothing from the burned area, apply cold water followed by the medicated ointments. These act as anti septics and prevent further damage to the skin. In case of major burns, after applying the first aid, rush the victim to a hospital,".

Unfussy attire: Wearing the right kind of clothing is also important while bursting firecrackers. While it is common sense to wear cotton clothes, designers opine that natural fabrics are more suit able than synthetic or nylon. However you need not worry about looking like a plain Jane. "Keep it simple and traditional during Diwali. Avoid wearing fussy clothes, especially while bursting crackers,". "Do not wear flowy things or carry duppattas that may easily catch fire. Rather wear some nice kurtas or churidars. They can have brocade or embroidered works, but ensure that they are not too elaborate. This will make you look nice and also be safe for Diwali."

Fire safety: Before bursting crackers, store buckets of water and keep them close at hand. "Be careful of the cable wires hanging on your rooftop,".

Advice for cracker stores. "Make sure your shed is made of zinc, asbestos or any other fire resistant materials. Keep two fire extinguishers and two drums of water and four buckets of sand. If there is fire, call 101 or 108 for immediate assistance.

Pet care: Animals also face a number of problems because of the smoke and sound created by crackers. Some advice for pet owners. "Keep your pet in a closed room with the fans and AC's on. Often we give herbal medicine to pets one week prior to Diwali. This modulates their nervous system and has no side effects. If the pet gets scared, we also give them mild sedatives,". In case of accidental burns, water and ointments should be applied and the pet should then be taken to a vet.

Follow these precautions and enjoy your Diwali !