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Deepavali, the festival of lights, the festival of fun, frolic and fireworks is just round the corner. Old and young alike love and enjoy the splendour and sparkle of fireworks. Fireworks are associated with festivities and gaiety not in India alone but world wide. They lend a distinct colourful and glittering aura to religious, political, social, sports and other celebrations.

However, there is no clear evidence of how fireworks came to be associated with festivities. Fireworks are believed to have their origin in China. It is said that a Chinese cook accidently mixed three common kitchen ingredients: Potassium nitrate or salt petre, sulphur and charcoal and lighted it. The result was colourful flames. The cook also noticed that if the mixture was burned when enclosed in the hollow of a bamboo shoot, there was a tremendous explosion.

Slowly the theory took roots that this loud sound was perfect to chase away evil spirits and to celebrate weddings, victories in battles, eclipses of moon and religious ceremonies. From China the fireworks moved on to the West. Legend has it that Marco Polo brought this new accidental invention to the West from one of his many trips to China and other eastern countries.

By the 14th century almost every country had its own version of fireworks. While the Germans used them in battles, the British lighted fireworks in celebrations and the Italians, who were the first to manufacture fireworks in Europe, used them to mark great occasions.

In Britain, King Charles V had a great liking for fireworks. He had many 'fireworkers' in his staff. He celebrated all his victories with fireworks. Gradually the royal courts took up fireworks as a favourite form of celebrations and festivities. Fire Masters soon became a much sought after commodity. Many of them were killed or grievously injured as they entertained others with their dangerous profession. Though the credit for invention of fireworks goes to China, Europe surpassed China in pyro-technic development. By the middle of 17th century fireworks were used for entertainment on a large scale in Europe and became popular at public resorts and gardens. Regular fireworks pageants were held where elaborate displays of fireworks were held.

Germans contributed a lot to the scientific advancement of fireworks. Their pyro-technicians experimented with different combinations of chemical and metalic salts to produce different and brilliant colours.

Fireworks are not devoid of dangers. Fireworks have always been dangerous and have caused and continue to cause serious and tragic accidents. Efforts to control the dangers and ill effects of fireworks began as early as the late 19th century. In 1890 a 'Society for Suppression of Unnecessary Noise' was formed. This society persuaded people to stop using fireworks.

Awareness campaigns were launched so that fatalities and injuries caused by fireworks could be brought down. We too can ensure that we do not become a statistic by falling prey to the perils of fireworks. It is certainly not difficult. All mishaps due to fireworks occur as a result of carelessness, negligence and ignorance. Simple precautions can help avoid these mishaps.

The pleasure of light and sound is enjoyed by all but when disaster strikes it is the injured who has to bear the cross. To help you celebrate safely, the Loss Prevention Association of India offers the following safety tips:

•  Store your fireworks safely: in a closed metal box, somewhere cool and dry, out of reach of children.
• Store them away from all sources of heat, until the time they're needed. Don't keep the box under the stairs or in a passage way.
• Pets hate bangs and flashes and get very frightened on fireworks night, so keep all your pets indoors and close all the curtains to make things calmer for them.
• Have a full bucket of water handy for any emergency, and for putting used sparklers into.
• If you have the chance to get together with some other families, try to go to the home with the biggest open space and safest surroundings.
• Things you definitely don't do! Never try to re-ignite the fireworks that don't light in the first instance.
• Never give ANY firework items to small children. Never throw fireworks at another person.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket. Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.
• Never experiment, modify, or attempt to make your own fireworks.
• Watch what you wear: Loose clothing can very easily catch fire, and should not be worn near any fire or fireworks. Long dangly scarves can be risky too.
• One at a time please: Let the fireworks off one at a time and don't rush.
• Don't allow anyone else - especially children - to do so.
• Light the tip of each firework at arm's length, using a candle. Stand well back immediately. If one doesn't go off, don't go back to it - it could still be live, and could go off unexpectedly in your face.
• At the end of your fireworks celebrations, douse the 'duds' with lots of water, keep it soaking in a bucket of water. Never throw left over fireworks onto a bonfire.

Different fireworks mean different hazards: Read the instructions on each one carefully (by flashlight, never an open flame) and follow them properly. Sparklers need careful handling - light them one at a time at arm's length; make sure that anyone holding a sparkler wears gloves; and put each spent one into a bucket of water as soon as it is gone out. Fireworks are dangerous, so do not fool around with them: Putting fireworks in your pocket is stupid and dangerous. Throwing fireworks at people is dangerous and illegal.

Fireworks and alcohol don't mix: Drinking can pose an added danger when there are fireworks and bonfires around. So don't drink during while you light fireworks. Keep children well away from fireworks, and never let a child handle or light one. Even sparklers can be dangerous if unsupervised! Make sure that children are aware of the dangers.

Don't light flying fireworks if there is a heavy wind. Never take unnecessary risks while lighting fireworks, just to show off. The best and safest option would be to pool the money that you intend spending on fireworks and have a professional perform pyro-technics for the benefit of many.

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