RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The City of Rancho Cordova, RCPD and Sacramento Metro Fire District encourage residents to be safe when using fireworks this Fourth of July season.

The unsafe use of fireworks can cause severe burns, amputations, blinding and even death. Damaging fires occur when children use fireworks, and parents are responsible for any damage or injuries caused if their children use fireworks.

Follow these tips to ensure your Fourth of July celebration is safe for everyone:

All legal fireworks in California are called Safe and Sane Fireworks and must bear the State Fire Marshal’s seal; Safe and Sane Fireworks may be sold only from noon on June 28, 2020 through 10 PM on July 4, 2020; In Rancho Cordova, use of fireworks is allowed between noon on June 28, 2020 through 10 PM on July 4, 2020, and only between 8 AM and 10 PM daily during this period; It is illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to use fireworks; It is illegal to sell, give or deliver fireworks to anyone under 18 years of age; It is illegal to point or throw a firework into a crowd or at people; Fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal in California and prohibited by law, punishable by up to a year in county jail and up to a $1,000 fine; The sale or transfer of Safe and Sane Fireworks may only occur at a fixed place of business, which is licensed and permitted to sell Safe and Sane Fireworks; Fireworks are not allowed in any public park. The Fourth of July event at Hagan Community Park has been canceled, and Hagan Community Park will be closed to the public on July 4, 2020; Always have a bucket of water to dispose of fireworks; Always have a hose connected to water available in case of fire; Do not use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials. Cut your yard more frequently to reduce fire hazards; Do not use fireworks while under a canopy, covered balcony, covered patio or under a tree or bushes; Never attempt to relight or “fix” fireworks; Pets can become frightened by the loud sounds and unfamiliar sights during festivities. Keep your pets safely indoors, or if you must take your dog with you outdoors, keep him or her leashed and under your direct control at all times; Help stop the spread of coronavirus by practicing social distancing of six feet or more. Wear a cloth face covering in public places where social distancing is not possible. Learn more: CityofRanchoCordova.org/coronavirus

RCPD will double the number of patrol officers who are proactively patrolling and responding to illegal fireworks calls on the night of July 4th. If you suspect the use of illegal fireworks, report incidents to RCPD with a location of the activity by dialing 916.362.5115. In order to cite or arrest an individual for illegal fireworks, the crime has to happen in the officer’s presence for RCPD to take any type of enforcement action.

For a downloadable Fireworks Safety flyer, visit CityofRanchoCordova.org/fireworks.