Firecracker Safety Tips & Rules in Tamil Nadu
Simple steps to keep your family safe this Diwali, and where to check the rules that apply.
Before You Light
- Read the instructions printed on each cracker.
- Choose an open area away from buildings, vehicles, dry leaves and overhead wires.
- Keep a bucket of water and a bucket of sand close by.
- Wear cotton clothes; avoid loose synthetic clothing.
- Keep unused crackers in a closed box away from where you are lighting.
While Lighting
- An adult should light crackers. Children must always be supervised.
- Light at arm's length using a long incense stick (agarbatti), then step away.
- Never hold a lit cracker in your hand or lean over it.
- Never relight a cracker that didn't go off — wait, then soak it in water.
- Never burst crackers inside a home, a vehicle or a container.
- Keep pets indoors and stay away from hospitals and other quiet zones.
After Use
- Soak used and unburnt crackers in water before throwing them away.
- Check the area for smouldering material before leaving.
If Someone Is Burned
- Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes.
- Don't apply ice, butter, toothpaste or oil.
- Cover loosely with a clean cloth or cling film.
- For serious burns, or any eye injury, get medical help immediately — call 108 for an ambulance.
Rules & Restrictions
Firecracker sales and use in India are regulated, and the rules can change each year. Points to know:
- Fireworks are licensed under the Explosives Rules, administered by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
- In 2018 the Supreme Court restricted firecracker sales to licensed traders, allowed only reduced-emission “green” crackers and barred sales through e-commerce websites (summary on LiveLaw).
- The Tamil Nadu government announces permitted bursting times each Diwali. Check the current announcement and any district-level restrictions before celebrating.
- Air-quality guidance for the state is published by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Always follow the latest official notices for your area.