Diwali Cracker Safety Guide for Siliguri Families

Crackers are a big part of Diwali, but they need care. A few simple habits make the evening safer for your family, your neighbours and your home.

Before you start

• Read the instructions on every pack, and keep crackers in a cool, dry place away from flames.
• Choose an open space, away from vehicles, dry leaves, wires and hanging clothes.
• Keep a bucket of water and a bucket of sand nearby.
• Wear cotton clothes and closed footwear. Avoid loose synthetic clothes.

While lighting crackers

1. Only an adult should light flower pots, rockets and sky shots.
2. Light one item at a time, at arm's length, and step back straight away.
3. Never hold a cracker in your hand unless it is a sparkler, and never lean over it.
4. Never light crackers indoors, in a closed space or inside a container.
5. Keep children with an adult at all times, and put used sparklers into water.
6. Keep your lighter away from children, and away from the crackers when it is not in use.

If a cracker does not go off

Do not go back to it or try to relight it. Wait for some time, then pour water over it from a distance and throw it away safely.

If someone gets hurt

• Burns: hold the area under cool running water for several minutes. Do not apply ice, butter or toothpaste.
• Eye injury: do not rub the eye. Go to a doctor or hospital straight away.
• For anything serious, get medical help immediately.