Experts: 10 Tips To Make Sure Your Kids Are Safe Around Fireworks

Kidsstoppress asked safety expert Shalini Ahuja Agarwal of Safe Baby to share some tips on how to make sure safety is front and center around fireworks, especially with young children around. A study by KEM Hospital on injuries due to fireworks showed that 92% of children were injured because of lack of supervision. Make children wear cotton clothes (avoid synthetics) when they light fireworks. Make sure that your own use of fireworks is safe. Safe Baby recommends that children and adults wash hands with soap thoroughly after playing with fireworks. About Guest Blogger:About Safe Baby:Shalini Ahuja Agarwal is the CEO of Safe Baby which is Indias first business focused on child safety.
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Every household around the country is busy with Diwali preps. Whether it is repainting, shopping, cleaning. cooking…you name it, people are doing it! Firecrackers are undoubtedly fun and a big part of Diwali. If you are planning to indulge in bursting a few crackers this year, make sure safety comes first.

Kidsstoppress asked safety expert Shalini Ahuja Agarwal of Safe Baby to share some tips on how to make sure safety is front and center around fireworks, especially with young children around. Find out more about safe baby here.

Firecracker Safety

1. Studies show that Anaar (flares/fountain) cause the most burn cases during Diwali. Safe Baby recommends that parents be extremely careful when lighting Anaars and to never light them while holding them in your hand. Do not bend over the Anaar while lighting it on the floor. Maintain a safe distance and stretch your arm out while lighting it. Once lit, withdraw quickly. In case there is a spark but it doesn’t work, make sure you do not go close by for at least a few minutes. Don’t try to re-ignite it.

2. Cold water is the best home treatment for burns. Hold the burnt area under tap water for 10-15 minutes till the skin burn cools down. Locate a convenient source of running water before you use firecrackers. In an emergency you do not want to waste time looking for the water source. Do not apply butter, oil or any ointment on the burn as that could lead to infection. Contact a doctor immediately.

3. Make sure to supervise children around firecrackers at all times. A study by KEM Hospital on injuries due to fireworks showed that 92% of children were injured because of lack of supervision.

4. Used fireworks should be disposed carefully – especially sparklers phuljharis. Sparklers remain hot after use. Have a designated area to throw out lit fireworks, preferably use a sand pit or a bucket of water.

5. Make children wear cotton clothes (avoid synthetics) when they light fireworks. Make sure to wear long sleeves and cover legs. Make sure clothes are not loose as the fabric can catch fire. For girls wearing festive clothing, pin dupattas behind so that it does not catch fire accidentally.

6. To protect your children from the dangers of noise pollution use ear-plugs or ear-muffs. Remember babies cannot cover their ears. If you can’t find ear plugs or ear muffs, use cotton.

7. Often people do not use fireworks the way they are meant to be used. Make sure you never go against what the manufacturer intended. Remember that children mimic adults. Make sure that your own use of fireworks is safe.

8. Pick the venue for playing with fireworks carefully. Do not allow any fireworks inside the house. If you play outdoors make sure there is no traffic. Children may not notice oncoming traffic in the heat of the moment. Make sure there are no inflammable goods or articles close by.

9. Safe Baby recommends that children and adults wash hands with soap thoroughly after playing with fireworks. Fireworks carry a lot of chemical compounds which can be injurious to health if inhaled.

10. Safe Baby recommends that parents have a list of emergency contact numbers ready. This list should include phone numbers of your paediatrician, hospital, ambulance, and fire-station. This list should be saved on your mobile phones or kept in a place where it can be found easily.

Make sure to practice all these tips and have a happy and safe Diwali!

About Guest Blogger:About Safe Baby:

Shalini Ahuja Agarwal is the CEO of Safe Baby which is India’s first business focused on child safety. They specialise in child proofing homes, playschools, and day-cares. They also offer workshops on preventing accidents amongst children and teach first-aid.

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