Fireworks Safety Tips

The Honolulu Fire Department released a list of fireworks safety tips and laws regarding the use of fireworks Thursday. Here is a look at them.

Fireworks safety tips:

Use only approved fireworks from a licensed retail outlet that has posted their retail permit at their selling site.

Always read and follow all warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer for the safe use and handling of fireworks.

Ensure that other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.

Have a garden hose or a bucket of water ready in case of a fire.

Children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult. Even sparklers can be dangerous to small children.

Home Safety:

This is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Every home should have a smoke detector inside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas, such as family rooms, living rooms, or dens.

Remember cooking vapors and steam sometimes set off a smoke detector. To correct this, try moving the detector away from the stove or shower. Cleaning your detector regularly, according to the manufacturer's instructions, may also help.

Plan escape routes from your home. Know at least two ways out of each room. Go directly to a specified outside meeting place and then call the fire department. Once you're out, stay out. Never go back in a burning building.

After holiday parties, check around and under sofa and chair cushions for smoldering cigarettes. (Provide lots of ash trays during the party)

Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.