Fire Works-Fun or Folly?

Safety Tips

The lighting of lamps is symbolic of dispelling darkness and showing a ray of hope and happiness. This year, with the crisis crept in and the war on the world fronts has shattered many a hopes to rays of sunshine turning out to be one of the darkness and anguish. Since last many months, humans have witnessed the doom lurking in the dark and it is during these times that celebration is just another passing year through the turmoil of fate.  The number of death tolls is bygone and the world disaster with recent happennings and war is still a trauma. Comes again a Diwali and accidents and injuries due to Fireworks rises sharply all over the nation. There is hardly any standardization and quality control regarding the manufacture of fireworks at times. Some standards are laid down for sparklers, rockets and airplanes but lack of precise and correct information and wrong ideas about particular firework result in the majority of accidents. Flower pots are also a cause of major accident. There has been Explosives Act and Rules, which monitor manufacture, storage, construction, etc. but unfortunately, there is no restriction on use, age or venue. Children too can buy fireworks. Criminal negligence and unsafe handling fireworks are a cause for major accidents. The danger potential is not realized. Ignorance, carelessness, negligence and recklessness invite trouble. Young children drawn by colorful sparkles get caught frenzied with burns and as such adult accidents are on a rise too. Fireworks can create havoc if lighted in busy areas. Rockets are dangerous as they shoot off dangerously in different directions injuring people, entering homes and setting things on fire. Fireworks worth Rs. 160 crores were manufactured way back before four years. It is not surprising that substantial amount of money is burnt away every year. There is poverty line brimming to the fore and a small fortune is burnt under the disguise of celebrations. There are families who do not get a square meal yet they would go to any length to buy fireworks to celebrate the festival. The pollution toll in terms of noise and smoke is something totally overlooked. Educating the masses of the safe use of fireworks is important. The best first aid measures are also necessary which are useful in times of emergency. Let Diwali be the festival of Hope and Happiness, Let not Darkness lurk around!

ATTITUDE – You can make the Difference SAFETY TIPS Buy legally manufactured fireworks Supervize children while they light fireworks Light fireworks outside the house Hold away sparkles from the body. Never make circles in the air. Do not bend over fireworks while lighting it. Don’t go near in hesitation whether it is burnt or not Keep flower pots on a flat ground while lighting Don’t light fireworks holding in hand Rockets like fireworks should be lighted during heavy winds and busy areas but in open grounds Never keep extra fireworks in pockets Keep fireworks stock away while lighting a particular firework Don’t wear Nylon clothes – prefer cotton while bursting crackers Wear footwear while lighting fireworks Never try to light used fireworks. Keep a water bucket handy Be Prepared for Emergency Have Fun but Play Safe, Play Cool! It’s Your Life, Anyway!

D I W A L I : FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Chandra Ba's Rangoli with Pistachio covers and color in a Thali (plate)

You can make your Own Rangoli with the Card here on this Diwali 123 Greetings web
and send to friends. Enjoy!

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore has truly said: The night is black Kindle the lamp of LOVE With thy life and devotion. Thus Diwali is a festival of lights with various cultures and customs that mingle together to make it a happy occasion and spread joys.

Chandra Ba's (see her pic) Rangoli with lighted lamp on Diwali Day 2007