Deepavali firecracker safety guide: What to do if a firecracker causes burns?

Deepavali is celebrated with lights, decorations, sweets and firecrackers. However, careless handling of firecrackers can result in burns, eye injuries, hearing problems and fire accidents. Children are particularly vulnerable to such incidents.

Following basic safety precautions and knowing how to respond to an emergency can help prevent serious injuries. Here are 15 important firecracker safety tips and first-aid measures every family should know before celebrating Deepavali.

15 firecracker safety precautions to follow

1. Buy firecrackers from authorised sellers: Purchase firecrackers only from licensed shops. Avoid products without proper labels and safety instructions.

2. Choose an open space: Burst firecrackers in an open area, away from houses, vehicles, shops, hospitals, petrol stations and other flammable materials.

3. Keep children under adult supervision: Never allow children to light firecrackers on their own. An adult must supervise them throughout the activity.

4. Wear appropriate clothing: Wear well-fitted cotton clothes while bursting firecrackers. Avoid loose-fitting clothes and synthetic fabrics that can catch fire easily.

5. Keep water and sand nearby: Keep buckets of water and sand close to the area where firecrackers are being burst to respond to accidental fires.

6. Maintain a safe distance: Light firecrackers according to the manufacturer's instructions and move away immediately. Never stand close to an exploding firecracker.

7. Use a long lighting stick: Use an incense stick or a long lighting stick to light firecrackers instead of bringing your hands close to the fuse.

8. Never hold firecrackers while lighting them: Do not hold firecrackers in your hands unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically permit it. Follow the safety directions printed on the product.

9. Never relight failed firecrackers: If a firecracker does not explode, do not approach it immediately or attempt to light it again. Allow sufficient time and follow safe disposal instructions.

10. Avoid glass bottles and metal containers: Never place firecrackers inside bottles, tins or other containers, as explosions can send dangerous fragments flying.

11. Protect your eyes and ears: Maintain a safe distance from loud firecrackers. Never look directly at an exploding firecracker.

12. Keep flammable materials away: Keep petrol, cooking gas cylinders, paper, dry leaves and other combustible materials away from the area.

13. Avoid bursting firecrackers on roads: Do not burst firecrackers where vehicles or pedestrians are moving.

14. Keep pets and elderly people safe: Loud noises can distress pets and cause discomfort to elderly people. Keep them away from areas where firecrackers are being used.

15. Dispose of used firecrackers carefully: Do not leave burnt firecrackers scattered around. Allow them to cool completely and follow local waste-disposal guidelines.

First aid: What to do if a firecracker causes burns?

Burn injuries should be treated immediately. Follow these first-aid steps while arranging medical assistance when necessary.

• Cool the burnt area: Immediately place the affected area under cool, running water for 20 minutes. Do not use ice or extremely cold water.

• Remove jewellery: Gently remove rings, watches, bracelets and other tight accessories before swelling begins. Do not forcibly remove clothing stuck to the burnt skin.

• Cover the injury: After cooling, loosely cover the affected area with a clean, dry, non-stick dressing or lint-free cloth.

• Do not break blisters: Avoid touching or peeling the damaged skin.

• Avoid home remedies: Never apply toothpaste, butter, cooking oil, turmeric, ink or other household substances to burns.

Seek medical attention for serious burns, particularly those affecting the face, hands, feet or joints.

What to do if firecracker debris enters the eyes?

Eye injuries caused by firecrackers can be serious and may affect vision.

• Immediately rinse the affected eye with clean, cool running water for at least 15–20 minutes.

• Keep the eyelids open gently while rinsing.

• Do not rub or press the eye.

• Do not attempt to remove embedded particles.

• Seek immediate medical attention from an eye specialist.

Even if the pain reduces, do not ignore an eye injury.

What to do if clothes catch fire?

If a person's clothes catch fire, remember the following steps:

Ask the person to stop running or moving.

Make them drop to the ground.

Ask them to cover their face with their hands.

Help them roll on the ground to extinguish the flames.

Alternatively, smother the flames with a thick blanket.

Once the fire is extinguished, cool any burnt areas with running water for 20 minutes.

Do not allow the person to run, as this can make the flames spread faster. Seek medical assistance for burn injuries.

What if a firecracker causes severe bleeding?

Firecracker explosions can cause deep cuts, blast injuries and damage to body tissues.

• Move the injured person away from the source of danger.

• Apply firm, direct pressure to the bleeding wound using a clean cloth or dressing.

• Call emergency services immediately.

• Do not attempt to remove objects embedded in the wound.

• Take the injured person to the nearest hospital without delay.

Severe bleeding and suspected internal injuries require urgent medical attention.

When should you take an injured person to hospital?

Do not delay medical treatment if any of the following symptoms are noticed:

• Deep burns or burns larger than the person's palm.

• Burns affecting the face, eyes, ears, hands, feet or joints.

• Severe pain, swelling or blistering.

• Difficulty breathing, persistent coughing or hoarseness.

• Vision problems following a firecracker explosion.

• Heavy bleeding or suspected internal injuries.

Burns involving children or elderly people.

Weakness, pale or clammy skin, or rapid breathing.

In such cases, seek immediate medical assistance.

Emergency helpline numbers in India

Keep these emergency numbers accessible during Deepavali celebrations:

• 112: National emergency helpline for police, fire and rescue, and medical emergencies.

• 101: Fire emergency.

• 102: National ambulance service.

Keep a first-aid kit ready during Deepavali

Before lighting firecrackers, ensure that your household has the following essentials:

• Sterile gauze pads and clean dressings.

• Non-stick wound dressings.

• Medical adhesive tape.

• Clean cloths.

• A basic first-aid kit.

• Buckets of water and sand.

Keep emergency contact numbers accessible and know the location of the nearest hospital.

Celebrate Deepavali safely

Firecracker accidents can happen within seconds, but timely first aid can help reduce the severity of injuries. Avoid experimenting with firecrackers, never allow children to handle them without adult supervision and ensure that everyone maintains a safe distance.

Disclaimer: This article provides general first-aid information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Serious firecracker injuries require immediate medical attention.