Fireworks have become synonymous with the 4th of July holiday, and lighting fireworks from home is a popular tradition here in Hawaii. But without the proper supervision and safety measures, playing with fireworks, which have caused a number of injuries
Fireworks have become synonymous with the 4th of July holiday, and lighting fireworks from home is a popular tradition here in Hawaii. But without the proper supervision and safety measures, playing with fireworks, which have caused a number of injuries and house fires each year, can easily turn from fun to dangerous.
In light of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, firework enthusiasts are urged to take below precautions to ensure your family enjoys a fun, safe event!
• Follow the instructions that come with fireworks and make sure children are under adult supervision at all times.
• Only use fireworks outdoors. Keep a bucket of water nearby to soak fireworks after use and keep a hose handy in case of accidents.
• Clear the surrounding area of dry brush and debris to eliminate the chance of something catching on fire.
• Be sure to keep fireworks — including sparklers — away from face, clothing and hair.
• Don’t allow children to pick up fireworks after use as some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Only licensed pyro-technicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks. Also, according to state law, aerial luminaries or flying lanterns are illegal to possess.
• It is allowable for citizens to purchase and/or light firecrackers on July 4, between the hours of 1 and 9 p.m., but a permit must be obtained from the fire department. And fireworks can only be lit on private property.
Applications are available at KFD headquarters located at the Lihue Civic Center Piikoi Building, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 315, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday through July 3.
The cost of a fireworks permit is $25 and can be used to purchase up to 5,000 non-aerial individual firecracker units. There is no limit on the number of permits an individual can obtain to buy firecrackers; however, applicants must be at least 18 years old to be issued a permit.
Although the following items are classified as fireworks, no permit is required to purchase them: snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners, and other similar products.
The bottom line is to be smart and stay safe. Follow all instructions that come with fireworks and be sure that children are properly supervised at all times. And never, ever let your keiki handle a fire source, such as lighters, matches, cigarettes or mosquito punks.
Professional fireworks shows are planned at Vidinha Stadium and in Kekaha. For more information on those shows, fire safety, or to request auxiliary support, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 241-4985.
• Daryl Date is KPD fire prevention captain.
