Fireworks Safety Instructions for Diwali – Family Safety Guide 2026

Diwali is a joyful time for families, but fireworks must always be handled responsibly. Following proper fireworks safety instructions can help reduce avoidable accidents and make the celebration safer for children, adults, senior citizens and everyone nearby.

The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) recommends using fireworks from authorized or reputed manufacturers, lighting only one firework at a time and ensuring that other people watch from a safe distance.

Here are important safety precautions every family should follow.

1. Choose Properly Labelled Fireworks

Always select properly labelled products from authorized or reputed manufacturers.

Check the package for:

• Manufacturer information

• Product name

• Safety instructions

• Usage directions

• Packaging condition

Avoid using damaged, wet or tampered packages.

PESO publishes information about authorized fireworks and regulates fireworks under India's explosives-safety framework.

2. Read the Instructions Before Lighting

Different fireworks work in different ways.

Before lighting any product:

• Read the manufacturer's instructions

• Identify the correct lighting point

• Check how the product should be positioned

• Understand the recommended safety distance

• Make sure the area is suitable

Never assume that two similar-looking fireworks should be used in exactly the same way.

3. Use Fireworks Only in a Suitable Open Area

Choose a clear area appropriate for the product being used.

Keep fireworks away from:

• Buildings

• Vehicles

• Dry leaves

• Flammable materials

• Electrical installations

• Crowded areas

Aerial products also require sufficient clear space above the firing area.

Always follow current local restrictions and permitted locations.

4. Light Only One Firework at a Time

Never light several fireworks together unless a product has been manufactured and approved specifically as one combined item.

PESO advises that only one person should light one firework at a time while other people remain at a safe distance.

This helps the person lighting the firework concentrate on one product and allows spectators to remain in a controlled viewing area.

5. Keep Children Under Adult Supervision

Children should never handle fireworks without responsible adult supervision.

Even products that appear simple can become dangerous when handled incorrectly.

Adults should:

• Read the instructions first

• Prepare the firing area

• Supervise children continuously

• Keep children away from unused fireworks

• Ensure everyone maintains a safe distance

Products should never be treated as toys.

6. Wear Suitable Clothing

Wear comfortable cotton clothing and suitable footwear during the celebration.

Avoid:

• Loose synthetic clothing

• Flowing scarves near fireworks

• Easily flammable materials

Tie back long hair and avoid leaning directly over a firework while lighting it.

7. Use a Safe Lighting Method

Keep your body as far away from the firework as reasonably possible while lighting it.

PESO recommends using a long candle or similar long lighting method and keeping the arm extended to increase the distance between the body and the cracker.

After ignition, move away promptly to the recommended viewing distance.

8. Never Hold Fireworks Unless Specifically Designed for It

Do not hold ground fireworks, fountains, sound crackers or aerial products in your hand.

Place products on the type of surface specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

For ground products, use a stable and suitable surface.

Never attempt experiments or homemade modifications.

9. Never Relight a Failed Firework

If a cracker does not ignite or stops midway, do not immediately approach it.

Never bend over it or try to light the same fuse again.

Allow sufficient time, keep other people away and follow the manufacturer's instructions for handling failed products.

10. Keep Water and Sand Nearby

Before beginning the celebration, keep basic emergency materials easily accessible.

Useful items may include:

• A bucket of water

• A bucket of sand

• A suitable fire extinguisher where available

The area around the celebration should also be kept clear so adults can respond quickly if necessary.

11. Keep Unused Fireworks Away from the Lighting Area

Do not keep all unused fireworks next to the place where products are being ignited.

PESO advises keeping fireworks that are waiting to be used in a safer place.

Keep them:

• Dry

• Away from flames

• Away from sparks

• Away from children

• Away from the active firing area

Only take out the product that is about to be used.

12. Do Not Carry Fireworks in Your Pocket

Never carry fireworks, loose crackers or ignition materials in clothing pockets.

Keep products in their original packaging until they are required.

This helps prevent accidental ignition and product damage.

13. Maintain a Safe Viewing Distance

After lighting a firework, everyone should move to a suitable distance.

The appropriate distance depends on the specific product, so follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Spectators should never crowd around the person lighting the firework.

14. Take Extra Care with Aerial Fireworks

Aerial fireworks should only be used where adequate open space is available.

Before using them, check for:

• Overhead electrical wires

• Trees

• Buildings

• Balconies

• Vehicles

• Crowds

The product must be positioned correctly and used according to its instructions.

15. Consider Babies, Senior Citizens and Pets

A family celebration should also consider people and animals who may be sensitive to sudden sounds.

If babies, senior citizens, people who are unwell or pets are nearby, consider reducing high-sound fireworks and choosing more visual effects.

Keep pets securely indoors and away from the firing area.

16. Follow Local Rules and Permitted Timings

Fireworks rules and permitted timings can vary by location and can change.

Always follow the latest instructions issued by:

• Local administration

• Police authorities

• Fire and Rescue Services

• Other competent government authorities

Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services maintains the state's official fire-safety service website, while PESO administers key responsibilities related to explosives and fireworks safety.

17. Do Not Experiment with Fireworks

Never:

• Open a firework

• Remove its contents

• Combine different crackers

• Alter the fuse

• Create homemade fireworks

• Throw a lit firework

• Point fireworks toward another person

Use every product only for its intended purpose.

18. Keep the Celebration Area Clean

After the celebration:

• Allow used fireworks to cool

• Keep children away from remains

• Dispose of waste carefully

• Check the area for glowing or smoking material

Do not immediately handle partly burnt or failed fireworks.

Simple Family Fireworks Safety Checklist

Before starting your celebration, confirm:

✓ Products are properly labelled
✓ Instructions have been read
✓ Children are supervised
✓ Water and sand are nearby
✓ Suitable clothing is worn
✓ Celebration area is clear
✓ Only one firework is being lit at a time
✓ Unused fireworks are stored safely away
✓ Spectators are at a safe distance
✓ Local rules and timings have been checked

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children light crackers by themselves?

No. Children should always remain under responsible adult supervision when fireworks are being used.

Can I relight a cracker that did not burst?

Do not immediately approach or relight a failed firework. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dealing with a failed product.

Where should unused crackers be kept?

Keep unused fireworks in their original packaging in a dry, safer location away from sparks and the active firing area. PESO also advises keeping fireworks waiting to be used in a safer place.

Should I light several crackers together?

No. PESO advises lighting only one firework at a time, by one person, while others maintain a safe distance.

What should I keep nearby while using fireworks?

Keep water and sand nearby, maintain a clear firing area and ensure adults know how to respond if something goes wrong.

Can fireworks be used anywhere?

No. Use them only in suitable and legally permitted locations and follow the current instructions of local authorities.

Celebrate Brightly, Celebrate Responsibly

Fireworks can add colour and excitement to Diwali, but responsible handling must always come first.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions, supervise children, light only one product at a time, maintain suitable distance and keep unused fireworks safely away from the firing area.

A few minutes spent preparing your celebration area can help create a safer and more enjoyable Diwali for everyone.

Balaganapathy Fireworks – Sivakasi

For current product information and price reference:
https://www.balaganapathyfireworks.com/price-list/crackers/

Safety Notice: This article provides general fireworks safety awareness. Always follow the instructions printed on each product and the latest directions issued by the competent authorities in your area.