Friday Tips: Travel trips for Independence Day July 4th

It's time to celebrate our nation's Declaration of Independence! For those traveling out of Southern California or setting off fireworks, here are some basic tips to get the most out your holiday:

Flying? Buy your tickets and book your flight, airport shuttle and lodging reservations as early as possible. Arrive early at the airport and give yourself lots of extra time to clear security. Take advantage of online check-in options to avoid getting bumped off of an overbooked flight.

Taking the train or bus? Buy your tickets and book your trip early for the better fares. Take care of your lodging reservations early. Take advantage of online ticket options so that you can arrive at the station stress-free, check your baggage and board. Plan some stopovers along the way for long-haul ground trips.

Traveling by car? Plan your route and book your hotel/motel stops well in advance. Get your car properly tuned up. That means changing the oil if needed, inspecting the brakes, fluids and tire pressure. Remember that Inland Empire freeways, especially SR-91 will get very congested this Friday afternoon! The highways are also busy during commute hours and during the day and evening on weekends. The highways are generally wide open during the late night on weekdays and early morning hours on weekends. Make sure your designated driver gets proper rest breaks. If you have a smartphone, take advantage of numerous free travel apps to get live traffic reports and the best prices on gas, food and lodging.

For those who plan to shoot off fireworks at home, please follow these tips published by the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection and our friends working for Riverside and San Bernardino County:

• Obey all local laws and ordinances before buying or setting off home fireworks. Don't be the one responsible for fire damage due to unsafe or illegal use of fireworks.
• All fireworks are illegal in Riverside County. The only cities in the county that allow State Fire Marshal Safe and Sane Fireworks are Cathedral City, Indio, Blythe and Coachella. However, these fireworks must not be transported or possessed outside of the cities where they were purchased according to law enforcement. 
• Fireworks are not permitted in unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Safe and Sane fireworks are only allowed in Adelanto, Chino, Colton, and Rialto, as well as designated locations in Fontana, Grand Terrace, and San Bernardino. Please call the fire department in these cities for more information. 
• Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks. All fireworks that explode, shoot into the air or move along the ground are termed dangerous and are illegal anywhere in California.
• Never allow children or teenagers to light fireworks on their own without adult supervision. They are not toys. Parents will be liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
• Read the instructions on the package before lighting the fuse.
• Enjoy the fireworks outside only.
• Keep your fireworks show away from dry grass or other flammables.
• Enjoy one firework at a time.
• Keep a safe distance. Do not wear loose fitting clothing.
• Sparklers can reach 1800° F. Hot enough to melt gold.
• Never point or throw active fireworks at another person.
• Do not experiment with fireworks.
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets.
• Have a bucket of water to dose the used fireworks in & a hose in case of flying embers.
• Discard defective fireworks. Do not attempt to re-light or repair.