This 4th of July, let's get there safely

There are not too many things I enjoy more than a good, old-fashioned 4th of July community celebration. Picnics, parades, outdoor concerts, and--of course--fireworks displays.

But, whether you're traveling across the country or just going to the nearest municipal park, it pays to think about safety. And for safe travel, DOT has just the agency: the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

We call it "PHMSA," and, wherever you're going this weekend, please check out safetravel.dot.gov before you go.

Now, it's not news that when we travel, we take stuff with us. But some of the consumer items we tote are hazardous and are only safe for transportation when packed and handled properly. Travelers can minimize the fire safety hazards posed by aerosols, ammunition, lighters, lighter fluid, matches, and fireworks by using the helpful tips at PHMSA's Safe Travel website.

So remember, it can be safe to travel with these items, but only when you meet DOT and the Department of Homeland Security's TSA requirements and take recommended common sense precautions.

For example, fireworks are both explosive and flammable; they present obvious travel risks.

• It is not permissible to transport fireworks of any kind on board a commercial airliner.
• But, if your state and local law allow fireworks, you can pack them safely in your vehicle.
• Transport fireworks in a spark-proof container, such as a cardboard box.
• Pack fireworks in the trunk of your vehicle and away from passengers.
• In a van or truck without a trunk, protect fireworks from direct sunlight.

If you're heading to a destination where you'll be barbecuing, similar precautions should be taken when traveling with lighter fluid.

And, if you're traveling by airplane, you'll want to pack your aerosols safely. Remember that it is illegal to bring flammable aerosols on board an aircraft unless they are medicinal or personal toiletry items.

For those flying with portable electronic devices like laptop computers and some cell phones and cameras, please note that spare lithium batteries cannot be packed in checked baggage. Instead, they must be in your carry-on baggage. This only applies to spare batteries, not the batteries installed in your devices.

I'm just trying to give you some idea of the common sense precautions wise travelers should take. I don't have the space here to list every safety precaution you should take when traveling with hazardous consumer items. So please don't assume that because I didn't mention something, it's okay to pack it carelessly.

Again, with potentially hazardous materials, let heightened common sense determine your precautions.

But remember also that PHMSA has prepared an excellent starting point for your trip: the Safe Travel website.

This holiday weekend and whenever you travel, please remember that safe travel is everyone’s concern.

Comments

[jmb]

The family truckster! Happy independence day everyone.

When I travel with a large cooler I like to fasten it down with a seat belt to avoid it turning into a lethal projectile in case of a collision.

[Savannah Rocco]

I stay home, or within walking distance, on the 4th. Too much risk..alcohol, fireworks, kids, not a good combo. Be careful and enjoy, everyone!

[Michael E. Bailey]

This is good information that everyone who travels should know. I remember back in 2000, I went on a trip with other disabled persons to Alaska for a week. We went through the airport in Vancouver, British Columbia. While we were in one of the small Alaskan towns, one of the girls decided to get a hunting knife in one of the stores and to bring it home with her instead of having the store mail it to her. The staff person with us said it would be cheaper if she brought it home with her. Coming back, Canadian Customs gave all of us forms to do including to declare if we had anything dangerous we were carrying in ourluggage. The girl didn't put on her form that she had a hunting knife in her bag. Then they had big signs up all over the passenger terminal to declare dangerous items and explosives. Her bag got about half way down the ramp to the baggage room when it set off lights and an alarm. The RCMP detained her and took her to the airport jail. It took 2 staff people talking with RCMP Police to get her out and they let her out just in time to get on the plane. They did let her bring the knife, but she had to keep it with her in a cardboard box with read and white tape around it saying "Warning Hazardous Goods". So, if you want to get a knife or a firearm at the place you go to, better to let the store mail it to you and pay a little bit more for postage. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Coleman Powermate Generator]

I stay home, or within walking distance, on the 4th. Too much risk..alcohol, fireworks, kids, not a good combo. Be careful and enjoy, everyone!