Chandigarh, October 19:- To prevent accidents during festive celebrations, particularly Diwali when fireworks are widely used, the Fire and Emergency Services of the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh has issued essential safety guidelines for citizens and shopkeepers.

Safety Precautions for Citizens

Do's:

1. Carefully read the fire safety instructions on fireworks.
2. Keep a bucket of water and sand ready when lighting fireworks.
3. Immerse used fireworks, such as sparklers and rockets, in water or dry sand.
4. Light fireworks at arm's length and keep your face away.
5. Close windows and other openings to prevent lighted crackers from entering.
6. Use only standard-make firecrackers.
7. Closely supervise children when they handle fireworks.
8. Light sparklers away from your body.
9. Wear tight cotton clothing when using fireworks.
10. Use shoes and safety goggles.
11. For minor burns, pour cold water on the affected area and consult a doctor if necessary.
12. Prioritize the safety of elderly people, children, and women during celebrations.
13. Use standardized equipment for decorative illumination and follow sanctioned electrical loads to prevent short circuits.

Don’ts:

1. Do not allow children to light fireworks without supervision.
2. Never relight fireworks that fail to ignite.
3. Avoid lighting fireworks near buildings, Main Roads, Hospitals and Nursing Homes.
4. Keep lighted oil lamps, candles, or incense sticks away from fireworks.
5. Do not store combustible materials around buildings.
6. Avoid indoor firecracker displays.
7. Refrain from holding flower pots, bullet bombs, or similar items in hand.
8. Keep children away from dangerous, high-sound firecrackers.
9. Avoid fireworks near cracker shops.
10. Do not throw lighted firecrackers indiscriminately.
11. Handle malfunctioning fireworks carefully.
12. Never ignite fireworks in closed containers.
13. Launch rockets only in open areas.
14. Avoid using rockets, flower pots, or other flying crackers near thatched houses or haystacks.

• Guidelines for Fireworks/Cracker Shops

1. Maintain a safe distance between cracker shops.
2. Avoid using candles, lighters, or matches inside the shop.
3. Prevent anyone from playing with fireworks near the shop.
4. Do not use damaged or loose electric wires.
5. Stock only authorized and permitted quantities of fireworks.
6. Construct cracker shops without combustible materials.
7. Display "No Smoking" signs and strictly prohibit smoking.
8. Keep a safe distance between lights, bulbs, and fireworks.
9. Keep water buckets, sand, and fire extinguishers ready as per fire safety guidelines.
10. Children can use crackers under the direct supervision of their parents/elders.

• Emergency Contacts

In case of fire, dial 112 or contact the nearest fire station. Emergency contact numbers for all fire stations, along with the mobile numbers of fire officers, are available for immediate assistance.