Indian Red Cross Society
Kallakurichi District

IRCS Kallakurichi District Chairman Urges Public to Prioritise Safety for an Accident-Free Diwali Celebration

KALLAKURICHI, TAMIL NADU – As the vibrant festival of Diwali approaches, a time synonymous with joy, new clothes, sweets, and the bright sparkle of fireworks, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Kallakurichi District extends its warmest wishes to the community. In a heartfelt address, District Chairman Dr. S. Ponnarasu issued a crucial public awareness message, calling on every citizen to celebrate responsibly and ensure a "Safe Diwali for All."

Diwali is a cherished occasion that brings families and communities together. However, the excitement of bursting firecrackers can sometimes lead to preventable accidents. To empower every family with the knowledge to stay safe, we are sharing essential guidelines to make this festival of lights a truly joyous and secure one.

Prioritising Precaution and Preparedness

In his message, Dr. Ponnarasu emphasised that simple preventive measures are the key to an incident-free celebration. “Diwali is a festival of happiness, and it is our collective responsibility to keep it that way,” he stated. “By following some basic safety protocols, especially when handling fireworks, we can protect our loved ones, particularly children, from harm.”

He highlighted several critical safety tips for the Kallakurichi community:

1. Adult Supervision is Non-Negotiable: Children must never be allowed to handle or light fireworks without the direct supervision of an adult. Their enthusiasm must be guided by caution and care.

2. Keep Water Handy: Before beginning any firework activities, place a bucket of water or sand nearby. This simple step ensures that you can quickly extinguish any small fire or douse used fireworks to prevent them from reigniting.

3. Dress for Safety: Avoid loose, synthetic clothing, which can easily catch fire. Instead, opt for well-fitted cotton garments. Protective footwear is also recommended over being barefoot.

4. Handle Duds with Care: If a firecracker fails to burst, do not approach it immediately or attempt to relight it. Wait for a safe amount of time, then pour water on it to defuse it completely. Never pick it up with your hands.

5. Safe Handling Practices: Children can become overly excited and may not distinguish between the hand holding the firecracker and the one lighting it. To avoid accidents, ensure only one firecracker is handled and lit at a time, and never hold a large number of fireworks at once.

6. Read the Instructions: Different fireworks have different handling instructions. Always read the labels and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe use.

First Aid for Minor Burns

In the unfortunate event of a minor burn, Dr. Ponnarasu advised against using unverified home remedies. "If a minor burn occurs, immediately pour cool, running water over the affected area for several minutes. Do not apply ink, toothpaste, or coffee powder," he explained. "For any serious injury, please seek immediate medical attention from the nearest hospital."

The fire triangle—heat, oxygen, and fuel—is essential for a fire to burn. If clothing catches fire, it is vital not to run, as this will fan the flames. Instead, remember to Stop, Drop, and Roll on the ground to smother the fire.

A Community Call for a Hopeful Celebration

The Indian Red Cross Society Kallakurichi is dedicated to promoting health, safety, and humanitarian values. Our mission is to empower our community to be prepared, resilient, and compassionate. By embracing these safety measures, we can ensure that Diwali remains a beacon of hope and happiness.

We invite everyone in the Kallakurichi district to join us in celebrating a festival that is bright, beautiful, and, above all, safe. Let us light the lamps of joy while extinguishing the risks of accidents.