CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii --
The “Fourth of July” weekend can be fun for all, but safety and well-being should not be taken lightly during the holiday weekend.
While people run to fireworks booths to celebrate Independence Day, safety offices around Oahu are gearing up to ensure a safe and happy holiday.
The Federal Fire Department takes pride in the national holiday, but also knows it is a time to stay prepared.
Victor Flint, Battalion chief for the Federal Fire Department Fire Prevention Division, Hawaii said responsibility and adult supervision are extremely important when handling fireworks.
Reading the label on the fireworks package and following directions will prevent accidents. Flint recommended only using legal fireworks and having a water hose ready to put out any hot spots will also help.
Fireworks are not the only safety issue during the holiday.
Keith Glavic, ground safety manager for U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, said service members should use seatbelts and not speed or drink and drive.
“People tend to have vehicle mishaps on holiday weekends because it’s a time of vulnerability,” Glavic said.
Camp Smith is a smaller installation and has fewer mishaps, but precautions should still be taken.
“Fireworks should be used responsibly and caution should be exercised,” Glavic said.
According to Marine Corps Base Hawaii Order 5500.15B, Chapter 10, fireworks are prohibited on a military base, but there are other venues to enjoy fireworks during the holiday.
“Go to the many professional firework shows, displays and programs that are being conducted around the island on July 4th,” Flint said. “It’s cheaper and you get a better ‘Bang for the Buck’!”
There are fireworks displays scheduled at several military installations and around Oahu.
Multiple shows are scheduled from July 3-6.
The first fireworks display is scheduled to be at Aloha Tower Marketplace July 3 at 9 p.m.
Displays scheduled to appear on July 4th starting at 8 p.m. are scheduled at Maunalua Bay Hawaii Kai, Kailua Beach Park, Kapolei new Hawaiian Adventured Water Park and Maili Beach Park.
At 8:15 p.m. display is scheduled at Schofield Barracks, followed by 8:30 p.m. displays at Magic Island and Hickam Air Force Base.
An 8:45 p.m. display is scheduled at U.S. Naval Station Pearl Harbor and a 9 p.m. display at turtle Bay Resort Golf Course.
The final display for the night is scheduled at 9:30 p.m. at U.S. Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay and is planned to continue on July 5 and 6 at the same time.
Additional fireworks safety can be found at
www.safetycenter.navy.mil/toolbox/fireworks/default.htm,
www.nhtsa.gov/planners/july2008/index.cfm or
www.fireworksafety.com.