Safety on Diwali: Important Advice for Children and Parents
Diwali, the festival of immense joy and enthusiasm is here again. Many people will celebrate Diwali in their homes, offices, and communities by lighting up diyas, making rangolis, having delicious food, and much more. Kids will also indulge in the activity of burning firecrackers. However, this festival is also the time when the safety and security of your children become a concern. It is important to ensure that everyone enjoys Diwali wholeheartedly while keeping in mind their safety as well as that of others.
Importance of Safety During Diwali
Diwali is one of India’s biggest celebrations and should be celebrated with pure joy and happiness. To maintain happiness throughout the festival, taking care of some crucial safety tips is important, especially for kids. During childhood, a kid is at a developing stage. Parents cannot expect enough intelligence from a kid about maintaining safety measures. This is why parents need to take care of them adequately to prevent any mishap.
Diwali is all about fire-related traditions and practices, be it burning firecrackers, lighting up diyas or candles, or much more. This is why parents should always keep a watch on their children and ask them to maintain a distance from a firecracker or illuminated lamp. By taking care of such precautions, the chance of injury or any other serious consequences can be reduced.
Tips to Celebrate A Happy And Safe Diwali
Here are some of the tips that everyone should follow while celebrating Diwali:
1. Fireworks Safety
Always keep an eye on children when fireworks are being used. Speak to them regarding the risks of playing with fireworks and the importance of staying at a safe distance. During Diwali, it’s essential to follow fireworks rules and make sure that kids only join firecracker activities when an adult is present so that each safety guideline is ensured.
2. Decorations
Traditional Diwali decorations often include lights and candles. Make sure to place these out of reach of children to keep them safe. It’s a good idea to use LED lights rather than candles to lessen the danger of fire.
3. Food Safety
With so many sweets and snacks around, it’s important to ensure all food is prepared hygienically. Keep an eye on your kids’ sugar intake to avoid health problems. Encourage them to eat sweets at minimum capacity as a good diet will help them be at their best.
4. Sugar Awareness
Diwali is known for its delicious sweets, but if you or someone at home has diabetes, it’s important to limit your sugar intake. A single day of overeating sugar can lead to health issues. When you are gifting sweets, it is vital to consider choosing low-sugar options or healthy snacks like nuts.
5. Limit Noise and Pollution
The excitement of Diwali is often measured by the loudness of fireworks, but it doesn’t have to be overpowering. Loud noises can disturb babies, pets, and older adults. Keep windows and doors closed if fireworks are too loud, and find ways to keep sensitive individuals engaged and comfortable. Any noise more than 80-85 decibels can be tough on them.
6. First Aid and Emergency Contact
Keep necessary first aid equipment and a fire extinguisher nearby for any accidents. Make sure to have emergency contact numbers in hand such as those for doctors, fire stations, and the police, so they’re easily accessible in case of an emergency.
7. Safe Disposal of Fireworks
Always dispose of used fireworks properly after burning them. Used fireworks can attract kids and pets which pose a risk of heat and chemicals that it holds. Even a burnt sparkler can still cause burns.
8. Eye Safety
Teach your kids to protect their eyes during fireworks. They should turn away from sparklers and avoid looking directly at any bright or flashing lights. Always wash hands before touching their face and consider using protective eyewear when you are going to light fireworks.
9. Age-Appropriate Fireworks
Always look for those fireworks that are suitable for your child’s age. If they want to use something more advanced than their age then restrict them to ensure the utmost safety during Diwali celebrations.
10. Supervision
It is advised to always supervise children during Diwali activities, regardless of their age. Regularly check on them to make sure they are safe and not engaging in risky activity or behaviour.
Conclusion
Diwali comes once a year and should be celebrated with complete joy. Any hindrance before, during, or after this festival can lead to spoiling the overall enthusiasm of the festival. By being mindful of these dangers, you can take measures to create safer surroundings for your children during Diwali. Preparation and supervision are key to preventing accidents and ensuring a fun and safe celebration.
Also read: Diwali: Role of Beliefs And Traditions in Indian Culture
