Handle with care: Lighting crackers for a dazzling display of fireworks may be fun but precautions need to be followed for a happy Deepavali.
Here are a few tips from the Madurai Collector, S.S. Jawahar, for celebrating a safe and noise-free Deepavali this year.
Sustained exposure to noise generated by bursting crackers and from loudspeakers has the potential to cause hearing problems.
There is a ban on manufacture, sale and use of crackers that create noise above the prescribed limit of 125 decibels.
There is a Supreme Court order which prohibits bursting of crackers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The Collector has issued a set of guidelines to be followed while celebrating the festival of lights: sound from loudspeakers should not exceed ambient noise standards of 10 dB (A).
Playing drums and advertising through loudspeakers should be avoided.
The public should refrain themselves from bursting crackers in crowded and congested areas including roads, near courts, hospitals and school zones.
Bursting crackers in an open area is advisable.
Live crackers should not be dumped at home. Use long incense sticks and not match sticks to ignite crackers.
Wear cotton clothes. It is good to burst crackers wearing footwear. As a first aid measure, use plenty of water for burn injuries and seek medical attention.
Do not permit children to carry crackers in their pockets. Keep buckets filled with water and sand ready while using fireworks. T. Saravanan
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