While typically a time to of celebration and block parties, Independence Day will look a little different this year. The County remains under a Public Health Order and COVID-19 cases continue to be traced back to at-home gatherings of extended family and friends, so it is as important as ever to stay home as much as possible and avoid gatherings.
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 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 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
- 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
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 an actual fireworks stand 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.
Report fires to 911. Report the use of illegal fireworks in Sacramento County:
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, 916-859-3775; or within the City of Sacramento:
City of Sacramento Fire Department, 916-264-5471; or outside of city limits, to the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction, i.e. the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department 916-874-5115, the Rancho Cordova Police Department, 916-362-5115, and the Citrus Heights Police Department at (916) 727-5500.
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 3 – 5.
- The vehicle entrance fee will increase to $8 for single vehicles and $13 for oversized vehicles and vehicles towing watercraft
- 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
- Picnic and BBQ areas are currently closed per the public health order
- With the rivers flowing fast and cold, everyone is urged to wear a life preserver regardless of swimming skill level
- Alcohol will be temporarily banned along the shoreline and on the American River between Hazel and Watt Avenues from July 3 – 5
- Please practice social distancing while outdoors
- Maintain at least six-foot social distancing from individuals who are not part of the same household or living unit
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer that is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as effective in combating COVID-19
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or fabric or, if not possible, into the sleeve or elbow (but not into hands);
- Avoid all social interactions outside the household when sick with a fever or cough.
- Wear a face covering if unable to maintain six-feet of physical distancing from individuals who are not part of your household or living unit.
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 Friday, July 3.
