With the holiday season in full swing, the city's public safety officials are reminding residents to celebrate in moderation and take steps to prevent tragedy.

The period between Christmas and New Year's Day routinely keeps Honolulu police, firefighters and emergency services technicians busy. Representatives from each agency joined Mayor Mufi Hannemann yesterday to remind the public to exercise caution and make good decisions when celebrating.

"Obey the law. Do everything in moderation," said Hannemann. "If we follow these two basic principles, we won't have to call our men and women (first responders) to come protect us."

Honolulu police are setting up drunken driving checkpoints at areas all over the island through the end of the year and are hoping that people plan for rides home when they decide to drink.

By the end of the year, the tally of O'ahu drunken driving arrests is likely to reach a nine-year high.

Through October, Honolulu police arrested 3,664 drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence — an average of 366 a month. That compares with an average of 327 a month last year.

"There is nothing good that ever comes from combining alcohol and driving a vehicle," said deputy Honolulu police chief Karl A. Godsey. "The Honolulu Police Department does not want to be your designated driver. Please take care of each other."

Honolulu fire officials also asked everyone to remember to unplug Christmas trees and holiday light displays when leaving the house and to monitor the use of candles, especially within close proximity of flammable household items.

With New Year's Eve a little more than a week away, HFD cautions that legal fireworks may be set off, ignited or discharged from 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. Jan. 1.

A permit is required to buy fireworks and can be obtained at satellite city halls for $25. Fire officials yesterday cautioned that the safe use of legal fireworks can mitigate the risk of fire or bodily injury.

Illegal use of aerial fireworks, such as an impromptu display in the Aloha Stadium parking lot at the end of the University of Hawai'i's final regular-season football game against Cincinnati, are not sanctioned by the city, said Fire Chief Kenneth G. Silva.

"We are here to serve you in times of need. Historically, the holidays are a busy time of year for the fire department," said Silva. "It (illegal aerial fireworks) is something that is very dangerous in our community and we need to get our arms around it."

Emergency Medical Services Assistant Chief Donnie Gates urged the public to plan for every situation during the holidays and to remain calm.

"Everything in moderation: alcohol, food, and celebration," said Gates. "Plan ahead to reduce stressful situations."