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Celebrate Freedom Safely (flyer)

Call Tulare County Sheriff's Office at (559) 733-6218 to report illegal fireworks

The Tulare County Fire Department reminds residents that fireworks with the Safe and Sane logo are only legal from June 28 at 12 noon until July 4 at midnight.

Independence Day celebrations are fun and memorable if you and your loved ones remain safe. The Tulare County Fire Department and Tulare County Public Health urge community members to keep key public health safety points in mind this holiday weekend.

• When you are out at dawn or dusk, wear long pants and long sleeves in addition to using insect repellent, as West Nile Virus has been found in local mosquitoes.
• Never leave people or animals in a car in hot weather, even with the windows partway down. Temperatures can easily reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit and cause heat-related illness and death.
• Never swim alone; always supervise children near the water, and wait a half-hour to swim after eating.
• Avoid direct sun, but if you must be outside, wear a head covering and sunscreen.
• Stay hydrated during hot or humid weather. The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. 
• Store food safely during the heat to avoid food poisoning.

The National Safety Council advises that the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals. However, if you decide to use legal fireworks, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses, and flammable materials.
• Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.

While most people enjoy July 4th celebrations with fireworks, bright lights, and excitement, your pet may not. Both dogs and cats can react violently to loud noises, especially when they are left alone or in an unfamiliar environment, and they may break out of their enclosures and end up miles from home.

Here are some tips for a stress-free Fourth of July:

• Keep Your Pets Indoors: Even if your pet is used to being outside, with loud and often explosive noises such as fireworks, your pet may chew through a leash, doors, or break through your fence. Always keep your pet in a room without large windows or objects that can easily be knocked over and broken.

• Be sure your pet has identification: If your pet has a microchip and identification tag, it increases their chances of being returned safely. Be sure the collar is secure and the tag information is updated. Have a current picture handy.

• Leave something to distract your pet: If you can't be home with your pet, leave the TV or music on at a moderate volume to distract from the noise of fireworks. Toys, treats, and food are great distractions when combined with music and television.

• Give your pet a safe place to hide: If your dog is crate trained, leave the crate accessible to them. Leave blankets inside and over the top to make it feel more secure, and place the crate near a TV or music source. If you have a cat, an open box where they can easily hide can help.

• Try alternative methods: If you know your pet does not do well during fireworks, try talking to your vet to see what is recommended. Anti-anxiety vests and shirts are very popular for dogs who panic. Your vet may also recommend melatonin, Feliway, DAP, or another pet-safe medicine to help relax your dog. Always follow your vet’s instructions for any medication.

• Spend time with your pet: Often, the best remedy for a scared or stressed pet is the presence of their owner. If you can, check on them frequently throughout the fireworks or stay with them the entire time. Remember to never take your pet to a fireworks show or other Fourth of July party. The safest place for your pet is at home.

Where to watch July 4 Fireworks in Tulare County 
Freedom Fest, Porterville Sports Complex, June 29, 3 – 9 p.m.
57th Annual Firework Extravaganza, Tulare County Fairgrounds, July 3, 6 – 10 p.m.
Exeter Independence Celebration, Dobson Field, July 3,  5:30  – 9 p.m.
Dinuba Independence Day Celebration, Ridge Creek Golf Course, July 3, 4 – 9:30 p.m.
Woodlake Blast, Woodlake City Park, July 3, 5 – 10 p.m.
Racing & Fireworks, Plaza Park Raceway (Visalia), July 3, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Independence Spectacular, Riverway Sports Park (Visalia), July 3, 6 – 10:30 p.m.

Resources:

For more information on the use of fireworks, please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission at https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks

For more tips, tricks, and information, visit Tulare County Animal Services website at www.tcanimalservices.org.

Learn about safe fireworks, firework booth locations, safety tips, pet safety tips at https://www.visalia.city/epdts/fire/prevention/fireworks