18/10/2017
Safe Baby wishes you a very happy and safe diwali.
10 safety tips to keep our children safe this festival season:
Diwali Tip # 1
At least two studies have shown that the ‘Anaar’ (flares/ fountain) caused the most burn cases during Diwali. Safe Baby recommends that parents be extremely careful when lighting Anaars. Don’t light the Anaar while holding it in your hand. Don’t bend over the Anaar while lighting it on the floor. Once lit, withdraw quickly. In case it does not work after lighting, don’t approach it before five minutes. Even then approach it cautiously. Don't try to re-ignite it.
Diwali Tip # 2
Cold water is the best home treatment for burns. Hold the burnt area under tap water for 10-15 minutes till the 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.
Diwali Tip # 3
KEM Hospital studied injuries due to fireworks from 1997 to 2006. The maximum injuries were in the age group 5-14 years. 92% of these children were unsupervised. Safe Baby recommends that parents supervise their children while they are playing with firecrackers.
Diwali Tip # 4
Used fireworks should be disposed carefully – especially sparklers (phuljharis). Sparklers remain hot after use. Have a designated area for the disposal of fireworks. Preferably use a sand pit or a bucket of water. Safe Baby recommends that parents educate children about the importance of disposing used fireworks carefully.
Diwali Tip # 5
Make children wear cotton clothes (no synthetics) when they go down to play with fireworks. Covered arms and legs are better. However make sure sleeves or clothes are not loose. For the girls, pin the dupattas behind so that it does not catch fire accidentally.
Diwali Tip # 6
To protect your children from the dangers of noise pollution use ear plugs or ear muffs. Also use safety goggles to protect the eyes. Remember babies cannot cover their ears. If you can’t find ear plugs or ear muffs, use cotton.
Diwali Tip # 7
On Diwali, one of the commonest causes of burn injuries is firework misuse. Read the manufacturer’s instructions on the fireworks. Read them to the children and follow them. Remember that children mimic adults. Make sure that your own use of fireworks is safe.
Diwali Tip # 8
Pick the venue for playing with fireworks carefully. Do not allow any fireworks inside the house. For external venues, make sure there is no traffic. Children may not notice oncoming traffic in the excitement. Make sure there are no inflammable goods or articles close by.
Diwali Tip # 9
Safe Baby recommends that after playing with firecrackers, please wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Fireworks carry a lot of chemical compounds which can be injurious to health.
Diwali Tip # 10
Safe Baby recommends that parents have a list of emergency contact numbers ready. This list should include phone numbers of your pediatrician, closest hospital and ambulance, and fire-station. This list should be saved on your mobile phones or kept in a place where it can be found easily.
Have a safe Diwali.
