Eye center offers
advice for fireworks

They suggest staying away from t
he display by at least 500 feet

Illegal cache found

---

Star-Bulletin staff

To prevent fireworks-related eye injuries during the Fourth of July, the Hawaiian Eye Center is offering the following safety tips from eye care professionals:

>> Don't stand too close to anyone lighting fireworks.
>> Wear protective goggles if you are lighting fireworks.
>> Never let children play with or ignite fireworks of any type.
>> View fireworks from a safe distance, at least 500 feet away.
>> Respect safety barriers set up to allow pyrotechnicians to do their jobs safely.
>> Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.
>> Adhere to directives given by event ushers or public safety personnel, such as police officers and firefighters.
>> If you find unexploded fireworks remains, do not touch them. Immediately contact your local fire or police department.

"In the case of eye injury, the injured eye should not be touched, rubbed or pressed in any manner," said ophthalmologist Christopher Tortora, Hawaiian Eye Center medical director and owner.

"Most importantly, immediate care from an ophthalmologist or hospital emergency room should be sought."

Pet care

Fireworks noise and flash cause many pets to become frightened, run away and become lost.

The Hawaiian Humane Society recommends the following precautions for pet owners:

>> Make sure pets are wearing identification tags.
>> Call your veterinarian to get your pet a permanent microchip ID.
>> Make sure you have several photographs of each pet in the event they are lost.
>> If your pets may need sedatives to keep them from getting overly frightened, call your veterinarian for a prescription ahead of time. Human tranquilizers are dangerous for animals.
During fireworks:
>> Keep animals indoors in an area where they will feel protected, ideally in a quiet interior room.
>> If pet is usually kept outdoors, bring them into the garage or onto an enclosed lanai. Dogs often break leashes and chains and jump out of fenced yards.
>> If possible, stay with your pet to comfort and reassure them if your animal is very excitable.
If you've lost or found a pet:
>> If you find a lost animal, immediately call the Hawaiian Humane Society on Oahu at 946-2187, ext. 285, or bring the animal to the shelter.
>> If you lose your pet, come to the shelter during visiting hours to look for it and report it lost. Bring a recent photo of your pet. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends and holidays.