Some tips for wheelchair users to stay safe this Diwali

Diwali is all set to begin in a few days. It is that time of the year when every house is lit with colours and lights. But it is also important to stay safe during this festival season. When you are a wheelchair user, there are certain tips that needs to be followed to stay safe. Read on to know more.

Diwali is round the corner. It is that time of the year when every home is lit with smiles, colours and light. One of the most celebrated festivals across India, Diwali brings a lot of good times with friends and family. But it is also a time to be extremely careful and watchful since you often come across fire and firecrackers. If you are a wheelchair user who is gearing up for the festival, ensure that you have a safe Diwali.

One of the most dangerous ways to celebrate Diwali is by bursting firecrackers. Apart from the heavy environmental pollution that it causes, firecrackers can pose many other risks too. If you have an option to stay away from them, it is best to do that for yourself and for the environment. Wheelchair user Pulkit Sharma, who is an accessibility reviewer from New Delhi, feels the same.

I don’t believe in bursting crackers during Diwali because I don’t want to become a part of polluting Delhi air. I would rather hang out with friends and family and even go out for shopping. These are safe ways of celebrating Diwali. Why do we need to handle with fire during such a beautiful festival? Instead of burning crackers, try and burn your calories, negativity and ego this Diwali-Pulkit Sharma, Wheelchair user.

Here are some tips for wheelchair users to stay safe this Diwali

• Avoid wearing loose clothes– Wearing a lose kurta or long skirts are definitely not a good idea for wheelchair users because clothes tend to catch fire soon. So whether you are lighting a ‘diya’ or bursting a cracker, this can pose as a grave threat. When clothes catch fire, they spread immediately before you can even control them. Try and wear body hugging clothes so that you remain safe. Avoid wearing materials like synthetic because they catch fire very fast.
• Maintain safe distance– If you are someone who does not enjoy lighting crackers, then it is always recommended to keep a safe distance from fireworks. That way, the risk is lesser and you can become part of the fun too. Always remember that safety must be given utmost priority before fun.
• Keep a first-aid kit– You never know when an accident could occur, whether it is for you or your loved ones. Diwali is a time when people handle with fire a lot. So ensure that you always have a first aid kit that is handy and easily available at your fingertips.
• Keep emergency numbers– You never know what might happen while handling with fire and fire crackers. So always ensure that you have emergency numbers of fire and ambulance services available at you fingertip. This for your safety as well as safety of your closed ones who are celebrating Diwali.
• Never burst crackers inside the house– Apart from polluting your home and causing health hazards for inmates, bursting crackers inside the house can be very dangerous. Talk to your family members and friends so that they also refrain from doing it.

“I use an adaptive long stick with which I can burn crackers because it can be inserted into those sticks. Moreover, I don’t use heavy crackers. I prefer lighter ones. I love watching new release movies on Diwali. This year too, I plan to do this. It is safer and fun”, says Satish Kumar, a wheelchair user from Chennai.

By following some basic instructions and tips, you can have a safe and happy Diwali with your loved ones.

Also Read: Some makeup tips for blind people to look great this Diwali

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