Bengaluru, Nov 2: Ahead of Deepavali, the Karnataka police on Monday issued a set of guidelines, directing people to burst firecrackers only between 8 pm and 10 pm, use green crackers and avoid fireworks in public places and crowded areas to ensure public safety and prevent accidents.
In the event of any accident or emergency during the bursting of firecrackers, immediately contact the emergency helplines 112 or 108 and seek assistance, they said.
Citing Supreme Court directions, the police said that fireworks shall be burst only during the permitted period, from 8 pm to 10 pm and that only green crackers shall be used during this period.
"Firecrackers shall not be burst in public places, including bus stands, railway stations, hospitals, educational institutions, religious places and other crowded or sensitive locations," it said in a statement.
People are advised to maintain a safe distance while bursting firecrackers and avoid doing so near thatched structures, huts, inflammable materials, vehicles, trees and other combustible objects.
Children are instructed not be allowed to burst firecrackers without supervision. Parents and guardians shall accompany and guide children, and ensure that they follow safety precautions, it said.
The police also urged public to avoid usage of firecrackers that produce excessive noise, citing that loud noise may cause distress and harm to senior citizens, patients, infants and others.
It also cautioned public from purchasing firecrackers from online platforms or unauthorised vendors.
"If illegal sale or storage of firecrackers is noticed, inform the local police or call 112," it said, asking public to purchase them only from licensed shops and verify the QR code/label on the packaging to ensure that the products are genuine and authorised.
It also cautioned public from bursting firecrackers near electrical installations, transformers, power lines or other electrical equipment and suggested to take appropriate safety measures to prevent fire and electrical accidents.
"After bursting firecrackers, ensure that they are completely extinguished. Do not leave partially burnt or unexploded crackers unattended. Dispose of used firecrackers safely; do not throw them into drains, garbage piles or water bodies," it said.
Police also suggested that public keep a bucket of water, sand or other suitable fire-extinguishing material nearby while bursting firecrackers.
"In case of fire, take immediate steps to extinguish it and call the fire and emergency services, if required," it said.
After the celebrations, clean the surroundings and dispose of firecracker waste safely in designated bins or as instructed by the local authorities, police said.
All government and other competent authorities' guidelines must be strictly followed, warning that violations could invite legal action, including prosecution by the police, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and other enforcement agencies, they added.
