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.
Fireworks SafetyOnly 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 within 35 feet of dry grass or other combustible materials, such as lawn furniture and pads
- 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
- Have a garden hose ready
Before getting rid of used fireworks you need to:
- Submerge spent fireworks, “dud” fireworks and sparklers in a large bucket of water after use until they are thoroughly cooled and all of the embers have been extinguished.
- Soak for at least fifteen minutes, or overnight, if possible. Wrap the soaked fireworks in trash bags, plastic baggies or plastic wrap so that the wet explosives don’t dry out.
- Consider double-wrapping the bags. It’s okay to put several fireworks in the same bag, as long as it is sealed, and then put them in the garbage cart. Never put fireworks in the green waste or recycling carts. The same goes for barbecue ash and charcoal briquettes.
- If these items are not fully extinguished and cooled prior to disposal, they can easily start a fire in a cart, garbage truck, or the facility where they are brought, possibly endangering you and our employees. Never place hot fireworks, hot coals, or hot ashes in plastic, paper, or wooden containers.
Fireworks must have the Safe and Sane Seal from the California State Fire Marshal to be legal. It is not legal to buy fireworks second-hand, so do not purchase fireworks anywhere other than actual fireworks stands to ensure your items are not knockoffs or counterfeit products.
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.
It’s recommended that residents check their local jurisdiction for any additional restrictions.
How to report illegal sale and usage
- Unincorporated: 916-874-5115 or reportfireworks@saccounty.net
- Sacramento: 916-808-3473(FIRE) or “Nail ‘Em” App
- Folsom: 916-355-7231
- Elk Grove: fireworks@elkgrovepd.org or “Nail ‘Em” App
- Rancho Cordova: 916-362-5115
- Citrus Heights: 916-727-5500
- Galt: 209-366-7000
Visiting Our Beautiful Regional ParksIf 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 3 – 5.
- 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
- Check out the Sacramento County Park Ordinances for information related to smoking and open flames
- 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 3 – 5
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 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
- 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 being 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 food safety tips visit the Environmental Management Department website
Most County offices will be closed Monday, July 5.
