Fire Works: Fun or Folly?
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 happenings 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!
Safety Tips
You can make
the Difference!
SAFETY TIPS
- Buy legally manufactured
fireworks.
- Supervise 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!
|
|
|
