Essential Diwali Safety Tips for Your Kids

Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in our country, bringing joy, togetherness and vibrance to every home. Sweets, new clothes and crackers make it a festival kids wait for all year. However, Diwali also sees many burn injuries and accidents every year, keeping fire brigades and hospitals on constant alert. Here are some simple tips to help you and your kids enjoy a safe, happy and memorable Diwali.

Safety Tips for Diwali Celebrations

The most common cause of accidents during Diwali is the mishandling of fireworks. Parents need to know the nuances of firework safety for children to have a happy and safe Diwali. For instance, you should know what type of fireworks are suitable for your child’s age. Never allow young children to handle fireworks without close adult supervision. Even the most innocent sparklers and flowerpots can cause serious injuries if basic safety measures are ignored. A fun-filled Diwali celebration boils down to a few simple ‘Dos and Dont’s. Here are some safe Diwali tips for you and your family.

Dos

Before you celebrate

• Buy crackers only from licensed shops, and choose green or low-emission crackers where they are permitted.
• Check your city’s current rules on cracker types and permitted timings.
• Choose fireworks that suit your child’s age, and read the instructions and safety warnings on the box.
• Store crackers in a closed box, away from heat, diyas, candles and the kitchen.
• Keep a bucket of water, a sand bucket or a wet blanket, and a first aid kit within reach.

While bursting crackers

• Always have an adult supervise, and have an adult do the lighting.
• Burst crackers only in open areas, away from buildings, vehicles, dry grass and crowds.
• Light them using a long incense stick (agarbatti), and stand at arm’s length or farther.
• Point rockets upward, away from windows, doors, people and roads.
• Light one cracker at a time, and move back immediately after lighting.
• Keep pets, babies and toddlers indoors, away from the noise and smoke.
• Keep a safe distance between children and fireworks, and make sure onlookers stand well back.

What kids wear

• Dress children in snug cotton clothes, with fitted sleeves and no loose, flowing ends such as dupattas or dhotis.
• Make sure they wear closed footwear, and ideally eye protection.
• Tie back long hair.

Diyas, candles and decor

• Place diyas and candles on stable, non-flammable surfaces, well away from curtains, decorations and kids’ reach.
• Keep fairy lights and extension cords away from water, and don’t overload sockets.
• Blow out all diyas and candles before sleeping or leaving the house.

After celebrating

• Soak used and unburst crackers in a bucket of water before throwing them away.
• Teach kids to wash their hands after handling crackers, since they contain chemicals.
• Consider cracker-free fun such as rangoli, diya painting, games, lights and a family dinner.

Don’ts

Handling and lighting

• Don’t let children light or handle crackers on their own, even if they say they know how.
• Don’t light crackers while holding them in your hand.
• Don’t light multiple crackers at once or place them close together.
• Don’t relight or pick up a cracker that hasn’t burst, and instead pour water over it and leave it.
• Don’t carry crackers in pockets or bags, or keep them in your clothes.
• Don’t experiment with crackers, take them apart or make homemade ones.
• Don’t throw lit crackers at people, animals, vehicles or into containers such as bottles and tins.

Choosing the right fireworks

• Don’t give babies or toddlers crackers or sparklers. Older kids can use sparklers only with close adult supervision, since they burn at very high temperatures.
• Don’t use crackers that are damaged, wet or have no safety labels.

Where and when to burst them

• Don’t burst crackers in narrow lanes, crowded places, near hospitals, petrol pumps, or indoors and on balconies.
• Don’t burst crackers on roads, as it can cause vehicle accidents.
• Don’t burst crackers late at night or outside the permitted hours in your area.

Clothes, fire and first aid

• Don’t let kids wear loose, synthetic or silk clothes near fire.
• Don’t leave lit diyas, candles or incense unattended, especially near curtains or children.
• Don’t apply toothpaste, butter, ice or home remedies on a burn. Cool it under clean running water for about 20 minutes and see a doctor for anything more than a minor burn.
• Don’t rub the eyes after a spark or smoke exposure. Rinse gently and get medical help right away.

Note:

• For children with asthma or allergies: Keep them indoors with windows closed when air quality is poor, and keep inhalers handy.
• For parents: Set clear rules before you start, so kids know what’s allowed and what isn’t.

Diwali is a time for light, sweets and togetherness, and a few simple precautions can keep it that way for your children. Supervise every firework, dress kids in snug cotton clothes, and keep water and a first aid kit within reach. You can also try cracker-free fun like rangoli, diya painting and family games, which is kinder to your children, pets and the environment. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Diwali!

Also Read:

Diwali Craft Ideas for Kids
Diwali Activities and Games for Kids
Trending Styles to Dress Up Your Kid This Diwali

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