Before you start

• Read the instructions printed on each product.
• Choose open ground away from houses, parked vehicles, dry grass, electric wires and anything that can catch fire.
• Keep one bucket of water and one of sand ready.
• Wear cotton clothes. Avoid loose, silk or synthetic clothing, dupattas and loose sleeves.
• Keep unused crackers in a closed box, away from where you are lighting.

While lighting

• Light at arm’s length with a long agarbatti, never with a matchstick or lighter held close.
• Light one firework at a time and step back quickly.
• Never hold a lit cracker in your hand, and never burst crackers inside tins, bottles or pots.
• Fire rockets only from a stable bottle or stand, pointed straight up and away from buildings.
• Never point or throw fireworks at people, animals or vehicles.

Duds and used crackers

• If a firework does not go off, do not go near it or relight it. Wait at least 15 minutes, then soak it in water.
• Drop used sparklers and spent crackers into the water bucket before throwing them away.

Children, elders and pets

• Children should use fireworks only with an adult watching. Give young children sparklers and ground items, not sound crackers or aerials.
• Keep elders, people with breathing problems and pets indoors, away from noise and smoke.

Be a good neighbour

• Follow the timings and rules set by your local authorities.
• Avoid bursting crackers near hospitals, schools, places of worship and animal shelters.
• Clean up paper and debris when you are done.

If someone gets burnt

• Cool the burn under clean running water for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Do not apply ice, toothpaste, oil or ointment. Cover loosely with a clean cloth.
• If clothes catch fire: stop, drop and roll.
• For serious burns or eye injuries, go to a hospital straight away.