With the fourth of July just a few weeks away, Fountain Valley Fire Department would like to remind everyone that fireworks are only legal in 10 Orange County cities. Fountain Valley DOES NOT allow fireworks. State-approved fireworks are allowed in the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Stanton, Villa Park and Westminster. The National Fire Protection Association as well as the Fountain Valley Fire Department would like to encourage residents to leave fireworks to the professionals.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, thousands of people each year are injured using consumer fireworks. Sparklers are often thought to be harmless and given to children; however, sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees and can cause significant injuries. United States hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,900 people for fireworks-related injuries in 2015. Of the reported injuries, 65% were burns. Additionally, on Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for 40% of all reported U.S. Fires. Fireworks start 18,500 fires, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and 16,900 outside/other fires. These fires result in approximately $43 million in direct property damage.
There are several public fireworks displays and parades scheduled around Orange County for you and your family to enjoy. Once again, please leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy a safe and fire-free holiday.
If you have pets, it's likely that you know how they'll react during this time of year. It's of great importance for you to take steps now to prepare, protect, and safeguard them.
The July 4 holiday is the time of year that results in more pets being lost than any other time of the year. Now is the time to focus on Fireworks Safety for your pets. It's important to ensure that your pet is properly ID’d with a microchip and a collar tag.
Here are some additional pet safety tips:
- Keep your pet indoors to protect them from noise and they won’t go missing.
- Give your pet everything it needs, especially if you’re going to be away from home and leave your pet inside.
- Create a safe space in their favorite spot – but not a crate.
- Watch your pet carefully, especially if you’re going to be outside.
- Ask your vet for help if you have a nervous or sensitive pet. He/She might be able to recommend a pet safe medication to help reduce your pets anxiety.