Fireworks and Pet Safety

It's that time of year again, backyard BBQ's, picnics and fireworks!

The fourth can be a frightening time for pets. The loud fireworks shows can result in many animals running away and then later becoming disoriented and lost.

"The 4th of July is a wonderful time of celebration for families and friends, but can also be a dangerous time for pets. People with animals need to be aware their pet may become frightened of fireworks and run away and become lost. Every year on the 5th of July and days following many lost animals are brought into the local shelters.

It is recommended keeping cats or dogs indoors and away from open or screened windows. They also say turning on the TV, radio or other familiar noises can provide comfort to pets during the fireworks show.  Try turning the volume up so they don't hear the boom from the fireworks!

Make sure to have proper ID information on pet's collars or to microchip their pets.

Some 4th of July tips to stay safe, from the LAPD.

The 4th of July is not only traditionally fun, but it is also traditionally the holiday with the most fires. These fires can be as small as a burning bucket and some burned fingers. However, it can be entire neighborhoods.

The worst part is that many children are the ones that are injured in these types of fires. This is because they are not prepared to use fireworks safely.  

Make sure that the area you are lighting fireworks off is also free of bushes, dry grass, trees, streamers, balloons, flammable helium, and other fire hazardous materials.

Have a fire extinguisher readily available. Or a hose or a bucket of water. This way if there was an accidental fire, the fire can be put out quickly.

When you are disposing of 4th of July decorations and fireworks, make sure that they are completely free of heat and fire. This way there will not be a smoldering fire happening after the party is over.

PLEASE secure your dogs/pets in a safe place.  So many dogs get frightened at the sound of fireworks and end up running away.

In the event that anyone becomes aware of illegal firework activity, please take action.  During non-business hours, calls can be made to Mission Police Station Desk at 818-838-9800.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). 

Tipsters may also contact Crime stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

MORE Firework Safety

National Council on Fireworks Safety Urges Consumers to Practice Safe and Responsible Use of Consumer Fireworks During Their Fourth of July Festivities

Washington, D.C.   Using consumer fireworks on our nation’s birthday is as traditional as cookouts and parades.  And it is equally safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Nancy Blogin, President of National Council on Fireworks Safety. “We want consumers to be safe from beginning to end when enjoying their fireworks. We want there to be a safe place to shoot, to have a designated shooter that takes responsibility for the show and to have the fireworks disposed of properly.”
The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in the hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season. It is up to consumers to use fireworks in a safe and responsible manner:

• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are using fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; Read the caution label before igniting.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Only light one firework at a time.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can kill you!
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
• Lastly, soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor, fire resistant garbage can away from buildings and flammable materials.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to follow common sense safety rules this Fourth of July in their holiday celebrations.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks.  For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.

Firework Safety

National Council on Fireworks Safety Offers Common Sense Tips for Staying Safe During Holiday Celebrations

Using consumer fireworks on The Fourth of July is a tradition.  And it can be safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Ralph Apel, the spokesperson for the National Council on Fireworks Safety. Consumer fireworks go through vigorous third party testing in China before being shipped to the United States.  But he notes, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), there were an estimated 9,600 fireworks related injuries during the Fourth of July season in 2011.  Most of these injuries would not have occurred if the fireworks had been used under close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season:

• Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
• Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label; never alter products.
• Observe local laws and use good COMMON SENSE.
• Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
• A responsible ADULT should supervise all firework activities.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.   Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; AWAY from buildings and vehicles.
• NEVER carry fireworks in your POCKET.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to follow common sense safety rules in their holiday celebrations.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks.  For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.

KUT the KABOOM Fireworks Abatement + Awareness rally Jun 20 Brand Park

Local elected, police and fire officials are sponsoring a rally on June 20, 2015, to remind the public that ALL fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles.

"Fireworks pose a danger every year to neighborhoods in the forms of fire, injury, even death," said Capt. Todd Chamberlain, commanding officer of the Mission Police Station, which is one of the main organizers for the rally.  "Fireworks complaints also divert police and fire resources, needlessly tying up cops and firefighters and delaying responses to other serious emergencies.  And in this time of drought and high temps, wildfires are a real concern.”

The rally will be held at Brand Park in Mission Hills.  It starts at 10 AM with raffles, music and food.  Local businesses have donated gifts and prizes to encourage participation.  Police and fire equipment will also be displayed.

The event will culminate with a local canvassing of neighborhoods, reminding residents that all fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles, and to encourage other forms of patriotism and entertainment on the 4^th of July.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Felipe Fuentes and Congressman Tony Cardenas, who represent the area in city council and the US Congress, will be at the rally.

The attached flyer provides more details of the event.

Prepared by PV

June 9, 2015

Burglary Prevention Tips

Summer is here and people will start taking vacation.  Here are some Basic Burglary Prevention Tips:

•Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.

•Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.

•Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.

•Keep your garage door closed and locked.

•Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.

•Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.

•Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.

•Push button locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.

•Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.

•Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.

Don't tempt a thief:

•Lawn mowers, snow blowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight.

•Always lock your garden sheds and garages.

•Use curtains on garage and basement windows.

•Never leave notes on your door such as "Gone shopping."

Other precautions you should take:

•Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other "secret" hiding places -- burglars know where to look for hidden keys.

•Mark your valuables with your driver's license number with an engraver you can borrow from your precinct. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of and easier for police to recover.

•Form a Neighborhood Watch Group. We can help you work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary.

•Consider installing a burglar alarm system.