How Can Riverside Families Celebrate July 4th, 2020 with COVID-19 Orders Still in Place

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know? Sparklers burn at 1200 Fahrenheit? That is hot enough to cause third degree burns and start a fire with just about anything.

Summer is traditionally known for fireworks, barbeques, and picnics with loved ones.

Fireworks are beautiful to see and enjoy while being outside on a summer night, but it can also be dangerous.  This year can pose a change due COVID-19 and the CDC guidance regarding social distancing.  Many cities may not hold their annual fire work show.  Riverside typically hosts a show at  Mt. Rubidoux or La Sierra parks, however, reports indicate that Riverside will not host the show.  This is because of a need to reduce costs to balance the city budget and also to avoid large crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This may tempt many households to purchase fireworks and have their own 4th of July celebration. There are many reasons they are illegal in Riverside. Riverside County has very diverse terrain. The vegetation is very dry where fireworks can easily start a brush fire.  More fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. In 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks related injuries; half of those injuries were to the extremities and 34% were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2018 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2018 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Jason Ng.

Did you know?

That sparklers burn at 1200 Fahrenheit? That is hot enough to cause third degree burns and start a fire with just about anything. 

What Can Families do July 4th 2020?

Since many annual Independence Day events are canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, what can families do to observe this holiday?  Here are 18 4th of July activities for families from CountryLiving.com. 

18 4th of July Activities to Keep the Family Entertained All Day

1. Throw a Family-friendly Fourth U-Pick Party
2. Go Camping in Your Backyard
3. Watch a Patriotic Movie Outside
4. Plan a Soda Float Social
5. Take a Family Bike Ride
6. Play Patriotic Games
7. Dine Al Fresco
8. Create 4th of July Cocktails
9. Make an Unforgettable Dinner
10. Throw a Family Pool Party
11. Go for a Family Picnic
12. Spark Up the Sparklers (Not recommended in Riverside City)
13. Bake a Red, White, and Blue Treat
14. Stage a Hot Dog Eating Contest
15. Play a Little Baseball
16. Make DIY Decorations Together
17. Eat Barbecue with Family
18. Enjoy S'mores Around a Campfire

ALL fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Riverside County. All fireworks are illegal because they cause serious injuries and very often, cause fires. Riverside County has very diverse terrain. The vegetation is very dry where fireworks can easily start a brush fire. Individuals who cause fires by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs. These costs can run into the millions of dollars.

Since Studies show that there is more property damage on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year it is a good idea to check with your home owner’s insurance company regarding your coverage relating to fireworks. If you are involved in illegal fireworks you may not be covered. This could be a costly celebration!

If something happens to go wrong, and you experience fire damage, call SERVPRO of West Riverside City at 951-351-8033

When your Riverside home or business suffers fire damage, it can be especially devastating. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, your property may have substantial water damage from firefighting efforts. You may feel stressed and confused after such a disaster, and you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of West Riverside City has the specialized fire and water damage equipment and expertise to help you through this tough time. We promise to treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.