In many homes, today, the festival has become a cause of concern, bringing in its wake pain and anguish, injuries and deaths. Reason: the uninhibited use of fireworks. Fireworks are fun, if handled carefully. But in reality they are not. This is why we see a sudden increase in firework-related injuries during Diwali – a subject, which one is not inclined to give serious thought to, especially when festivities are in full swing.

Yes, fireworks can be a dangerous pastime. Look what other countries have done to curb the growing firework menace.

In the US, barring a few States, sale of fireworks, to the public, is limited to sparklers only. (The law, however, permits supervised firework displays that are done under controlled conditions by professionals and the fire brigades.

In Canada, the retail sale of fireworks is banned. Sparklers and indoor type fireworks are only available to those over 18 who have a ‘Certificate of Competency’ to light fireworks.

In Japan, fireworks are not available to people under the age group of 18. The only fireworks that are available are with a tiny quantity of explosive mixture. Legislation strictly controls the sale and use of fireworks in Australia. New Zealand, Italy, France and Belgium are countries where only adults can purchase fireworks. Exception being sparklers of certain indoor type fireworks.

In Holland, parents have a duty under the law to see that children do not get hold of any type of fireworks. They are available only to adults and used mainly at organised displays, which are strictly controlled and licensed. These regulations, however, have not led to the winding up of the fireworks industry in any of these countries. What it has resulted in is - more of supervised firework display, lots of fun and sharp fall in casualties.

The message is loud and clear: humans and fireworks don’t mix well. Hence, the need for regulation. Legislation apart, you will not like to see your dear ones become victims of firework accidents. So, here we have a few safety tips that you can bear in mind while using fireworks.

• Keep a watch when children are playing with fireworks. Ensure that they have fun the right way – the safe way.
• Never light fireworks inside the house.
• Firecrackers, ‘bombs’, anars (flowerpots) should not be lighted holding them. It is always safer to light them from the side without bending over them and quickly moving away, before they burst.
• Hold lighted sparklers away from the body.
• Flying fireworks – rockets, missiles, etc. – should always be lighted in open grounds pointing straight up.
• Don’t allow children to keep fireworks in their pockets. Store them away from fire or any other heat source.
• Ensure that your children don’t engage in dangerous pranks such as throwing lighted crackers or sparklers at others, or try to make fireworks themselves.
• Buy fireworks that are legally manufactured, and follow the caution or warning label in the carton indicating the method of firing, and precautions to be taken.
• Wear close-fitting clothes of thick material instead of loose or flowing garments.
• Keep a bucket of water handy – lest the untoward happens. It can help in putting out a fire. Water can also be used as first aid for minor burns till the pain subsides.

On Diwali day, why don’t you try out an experiment? Persuade friends in your locality to come together and have a combined fireworks display at one place, under controlled conditions. You have been organising pooled-effort programmes in the past too, Ramleela, Durga Puja, etc. Then why not fireworks during Diwali? It will lead to nose dive in accidents. It will be easier on the pocket too. And, yes lots of fun for the near and dear ones!