Sacramento County wants to remind residents to add safety measures to their Independence Day activities to ensure that these celebrations remain fun. Whether your holiday fun includes outdoor time at a park, swimming, grilling or fireworks, here are a few tips to ensure you, your family members and neighbors have a safe and happy holiday.
Visiting Our 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.
- 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. All individuals are encouraged to wear a life jacket while enjoying the river.
- 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.
- The vehicle entrance fee will increase to $10 for single vehicles and $16 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. Using illegal fireworks within the American River Parkway can result in a $10,000 fine.
- Open flame fires are not allowed and barbecuing is only permitted in designated picnic areas. Check out the Sacramento County Park Ordinances for information related to smoking and open flames.
- Beginning Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7, possession of alcohol is prohibited on the shore and river of the American River within Sacramento County Regional Parks’ jurisdiction and at Sherman Island. The prohibition includes open or closed alcoholic beverages.
Pet Safety
- Many pets are terrified by the sound of fireworks which can cause them to flee or become destructive to get away from the sound.
- Keep pets indoors at home in a secured, 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.
- Be sure your pets are wearing identification tags, are microchipped and are licensed with updated information to help with their prompt return.
- For more tips, visit the Bradshaw Animal Shelter’s Pet Owner Safety Tips website.
Food Safety
Many people will be firing up the grill and eating outdoors, so plan ahead to prevent foodborne illness:
- Thaw food only in a 41-degree or colder refrigerator, under cold running water or in a microwave.
- Keep raw meats separate from cooked meats or vegetables to prevent cross-contamination and thoroughly wash anything that comes into contact with raw meat.
- Keep meat cold up until the time it is cooked.
- Use a clean food thermometer to test doneness – different kinds of meat require different final cooking temperatures.
- Perishable foods should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
- For more grilling safety tips, check out the Grill It Safe flyer (also available in Spanish!).
Most County offices will be closed Thursday, July 4.
