Last year fireworks caused a fire at a home and some residents had pets run off when they were frightened by fireworks.  Let’s look forward to a safe Fourth of July holiday by taking the lessons of the past and adding some timely advice from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and the Humane Society. Feel free to add your own tips.

Fireworks safety

• Keep pets safe and secure inside your home so they don’t become frightened by the sound of fireworks and run away. Leave pets at home if you are going to the fireworks display.
• All safe and sane fireworks must bear the state fire marshal's seal.
• Have an adult present when safe and sane fireworks are to be used by children.
• Safe and sane fireworks may be sold only from June 28 to July 6.
• Always have a bucket of water for disposing of fireworks.
• Always have a hose connected to water available in case of fire.
• It is illegal to sell, give or deliver dangerous fireworks to anyone under 18 years of age.
• It is illegal to point or throw a dangerous firework into a crowd or at people.
• If fireworks explode or leave the ground, they’re illegal in California.
• Do not use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials.
• 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.

Water safety

• Never leave a child alone in or near the pool or spa -- even for a second. During large gatherings, where there are a number of distractions and hazards, make particularly sure that children who are swimming or who are near a pool are watched constantly by a trained adult.
• Access to the pool or spa should be limited by locked doors and gate whenever swimming or soaking cannot be supervised.
• Keep toys, particularly tricycles or wheel toys, away from the pool or spa. A child playing with these could accidentally fall into the water.
• Do not allow anyone of any age to swim without a "spotter" nearby.
• Have poolside phones and rescue equipment, such as a long-handled hook and a ring buoy with a rope.
• All non-swimmers should wear approved personal floating devices when they are near water.
• Swimming lessons do not insure safety. About 25 percent of all young drowning victims have had swimming lessons. A child who falls into water unexpectedly will panic and forget his/her swimming skills.

In a river or lake

• Always supervise your children in and around water.
• California law requires anyone under 12 to wear a life jacket while on a boat.
• Never swim alone.
• Look before you leap.
• Drinking and swimming is just as dangerous as drinking and driving.

Pet safety

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.