Fourth of July Holiday Safety Tips

Article Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Independence Day is a time to celebrate and have family fun, but add safety measures to your celebratory activities to ensure it stays fun. Whether your holiday fun includes picnics in the park, swimming, grilling with friends and family, or fireworks, here are a few tips for you, your family members and neighbors to have a safe and happy holiday.

Fireworks Safety
Only use Safe & Sane labeled fireworks where allowed. Always be extra vigilant of our dry conditions and vegetation as one spark can ignite the neighborhood! And remember, it’s illegal for fireworks to be used by anyone under age 18.

When lighting Safe & Sane fireworks:

Do not use fireworks near dry grass or other combustible materials
Do not use fireworks while under a canopy, covered balcony, covered patio, or under a tree or bushes
Light fireworks from the ground, not on elevated surfaces
Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks
Always place used fireworks in a bucket of water to fully extinguish (drain water onto landscaping before going into the trash)
Have a garden hose ready

The majority of fires caused by fireworks are started by illegal fireworks or improperly used fireworks. Note that illegal fireworks explode, leave the ground, or send sparks more than 12 feet high. Safe and Sane fireworks bear the seal of the State Fire Marshal and are sold at legitimate fireworks booths.

Sacramento County allows Safe & Sane fireworks to be set off from noon June 28 – midnight of July 4.

Report fires to 911. Report the use of illegal fireworks in Sacramento County: Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District 916-859-3775; or, city of Sacramento Fire Department 916-264-5471, or outside of city limits, report to Sacramento Sheriff’s Department 916-874-5115.

Visiting Our Beautiful Regional Parks
If you plan on spending Independence Day in one of the County’s Regional Parks, please note that there are several rules put in place from July 4 – 7.

The vehicle entrance fee will increase to $8 for single vehicles and $13 for oversized vehicles and vehicles towing watercraft.
- This fee increase does not affect Annual Parks Pass holders.
The use or possession of any type of fireworks is banned in all Sacramento County Regional Parks.
There are several rules related to smoking, BBQs and open flames. Check out the Sacramento County Park Ordinances for additional information.
With the rivers flowing fast and cold, everyone is urged to wear a life preserver regardless of swimming skill level.
- It is the law that children under 13 must wear a life preserver at all times in public waterways in the County.
- For more water safety tips, visit the Regional Parks Water Safety page.
- If you are going to the American River Parkway, check out the Healthy Swimming Status web page.
Alcohol will be temporarily banned along the shoreline and on the American River between Hazel and Watt Avenues from July 4 – 7.

Pet Safety

Many pets are terrified by the sound of fireworks and can cause them to flee or become destructive to get away from the sound.
Keep pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area or run the TV or music to drown out outside sounds
Remove any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful if chewed
If you know that your pet is distressed by loud noises, consult with your veterinarian in advance
Every year animal shelters are inundated with lost pets after July 4, so be sure your pets are wearing identification tags, are microchipped and are licensed to help with their prompt return
Redemption fees are being waived for altered animals through July 15
Visit the Bradshaw Animal Shelter website for additional information

Food Safety

Many people will be firing up the grill and eating outdoors, so plan ahead to prevent food illness: Thaw food only in a 41-degree refrigerator, under cold running water or in a microwave
Keep raw meats separate to prevent cross-contamination and thoroughly wash anything that comes into contact with raw meat
Keep meat cold up until it is being cooked
Use a clean food thermometer to test doneness – different kinds of meat require different temperatures to be done
Perishable foods should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours
For more food safety tips visit the Environmental Management Department website

Most County offices will be closed Thursday, July 4.