How to celebrate safely

The lights, fireworks and celebrations of Diwali while thrilling, can often turn risky if enough caution is not maintained.

Last year, the national capital alone recorded over 700 fire incidents during Diwali and the Delhi Fire Department its highest number of emergency calls in a decade.

Risk from crackers

Dr Sanjay Mehta, director, accident & emergency, and consultant, internal medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, says, “Prevention is key during celebrations. Safety measures include wearing cotton clothing to reduce the risk of burns, lighting crackers only in open and ventilated areas, and ensuring children are supervised at all times.” Dr Mehta adds that immediate first aid plays a critical role, like cold water over minor burns within the first 10 minutes can mi