The festival of Diwali is here. Fireworks have been an integral part of the celebrations of this festival. But, while using fireworks be sure to follow some simple safety rules given below. It is important to remember that all fireworks are explosives and thereby a fire hazard and therefore they need to be handled with care so that you do not cause damage to either yourself, others or to property.

Here are some simple Do's and Dont's that you need to remember:

DO's

1. Always keep an adult by the side to supervise the use of all fireworks by kids or children of all ages.

2. Check the area before igniting fireworks to be sure all flammable and combustible materials are removed.

3. Follow all safety precautions issued with the fireworks.

4. Use a candle or an agarbathi to ignite the fireworks. They burn without an open flame and provide a greater, safer distance between your hand and the fireworks. Open flames from lighters and matches can cause additional fire hazards.

5.Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water at hand to extinguish an incipient fire. Also keep burn ointments handy.

6. Have a safe landing zone for aerial fireworks. Consideration must be given to wind direction and the ignitability of everything in the landing zone.

DONT'S

1. Never ignite fireworks while holding them. Put them down, then ignite them and walk away.

2. Never confine fireworks being ignited. Don't put fireworks in any container to ignite.

3.Never assume an ignited fireworks, that fails to explode, is safe to approach. Many people have been injured by a delayed explosion. Any malfunctioning fireworks should be abandoned.

4.Never mix anything with the contents of the fireworks or make fireworks at home. Don't put others in danger at your personal risk.

5.Never ignite aerial fireworks where overhead obstructions (trees, eaves, wires, etc.) may interfere with trajectory into open air space. Never ignite aerial fireworks near an opening to a building. An open garage door or window could allow aerial fireworks to fly into the structure and cause a fire.

6. Never use fireworks inside or in a vehicle.

7. Obey the law.

8. Use fireworks outdoors, but not on the public thoroughfare.

9. Light only one item at a time, and put used fireworks in a bucket of water.

10. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

11. Read and follow the directions on all fireworks, and never point or throw them at another person

12. Don't let small children handle fireworks; make sure there is adult supervision.

13. Keep your distance from those setting off fireworks.

14. Always read and follow label directions.

15. Have an adult present.

16. Buy from reliable sellers.

17. Use outdoors only.

18. Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).

19. Never experiment or make your own fireworks.

20. Light only one firework at a time.
Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).

21. Never give fireworks to small children.

22.If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

23.Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.

24.Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

25. Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

26. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

27. For big fireworks the shooter should better wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.

28. Stay away from illegal explosives.

A note of caution :- Every year a number of people from across the country end up with burn injuries, loss of eyesight, burst eardrums and other such minor or serious injuries sometimes even leading to death, and there are also cases of property damage due to rash use of fireworks.

Wishing all the readers a very "Happy and Safe Diwali"!