CHANDIGARH, 06.11.26-Diwali is a festival of lights and most of us look forward to the Diwali festivities and celebrations.
Dr. Atul Parashar, Head, Department of Plastic Surgery at PGIMER, Chandigarh said that it is important to follow safe and eco-sensitive Diwali practices and enjoy this festival of happiness without any untoward incident.
He mentioned certain simple do's and don'ts during the Diwali celebrations to prevent unintended injuries.
* Avoid wearing synthetic and loose clothes while lighting diyas, candles or crackers
* Always stand at an arms distance while lighting crackers and diyas.
* Bursting crackers causes both air and noise pollution. Celebrate Diwali in a manner that does
not cause inconvenience or harm to others. Preferably use only green crackers and that too
within time limits prescribed by the civic authorities.
* Remember to discard the crackers in a bucket of sand or water to prevent injury to the feet.
* Wear shoes while bursting crackers.
* Never pick-up the fire crackers which have failed to burst, this can cause severe hand injuries.
* In case of minor burns pour ample amount of water over the burnt area till the burning
sensation completely stops.
* Never apply agents like toothpaste or blue ink over the burnt area. Remove any constricting
material like rings or bangles immediately, as swelling sets in later making their removal
difficult.
* In case of clothes catching fire Stop, Drop and Roll. To elaborate, stop wherever you are
without running, which can further flare up the fire. Drop or lie down wherever you are, to
avoid fire extending to your face: Roll over the ground to limit the oxygen supply. In most cases, this will control the fire. We can also use a thick rug to cut off the air, thus extinguishing the fire.
* It is a good practice to keep a bucket full of water or a fire Extinguisher in the vicinity during lighting the candles and bursting the crackers.
* In case of any eye injury, do not rub the eye but wash the eye with clean water and consult the Eye Specialist.
Dr. Parashar informed that adequate arrangements have been made to look after patients with burn related injuries during this festival season.