The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit  is reminding San Diegans it is illegal to possess, transport and use fireworks in the county.  Fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner.

If you are convicted of possessing, transporting and/or using fireworks, you could be fined up to $50,000 and sent to prison or jail for up to one year.  Fines can be increased depending on the amount of property loss or if someone is hurt by a fire sparked by fireworks.

A Consumer Product Safety Commission study shows eight people were killed and more than 11,000 were injured while handling fireworks across the country in 2013.  Children under the age of five suffered the most fireworks-related injuries. Sparklers might seem kid-friendly, but they burn at a temperature hot enough to melt gold.

Let's leave fireworks to the professionals. 

The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit  routinely disposes of fireworks that were seized or dropped off at border crossings, as well as fire and police stations. 

Watch video of the fireworks disposal by clicking on the video above or following us on Vimeo. 

Sheriff's Deputies will be joining thousands of law enforcement agencies statewide to catch and arrest drunk drivers during the Fourth of July weekend.

The crackdown will run from Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th. Deputies and officers will conduct DUI patrols and checkpoints.

Sober Ride Options:

• Tipsy Tow - (800) 400-4222
• Be My Designated Driver
• Coaster
• MTS

Don't lose your freedom this Fourth of July.  It's Just Not Worth It. Remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. 
 

Watch our public safety message about drunk driving. Click on the image below or follow us on Vimeo.

Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment.

If you can't make the commitment, don't get the pet.  Animal behavior can often be unpredictable, but as their owner, you are responsible for their actions. 

Here are some tips on how you can be a responsible dog owner:

• Do not let your animals run loose. Keep your pets properly contained in your property where they cannot threaten or injure anyone.  
• Ensure your backyard is secure when your dog is outside. Check for holes in the fences or gates.  Put wires over gates with gaps in them so dogs won't be able to squeeze through the bars.
• Keep your dog leashed in public at all times.  This will prevent your dog from running away or jumping on other dogs or people.
• If you called for law enforcement to come to your home, inform the dispatcher over the phone that you own dogs.
• Secure your dog before the deputy arrives.
• When meeting a deputy at your gate or door, inform the deputy you have a dog.
• Tell people you have a dog on your property by placing clear and visible signs.
• Consider obedience training.  This will help you understand your dog's fears and dislikes, as well as learn methods to prevent the fear from developing into aggression.  Training will also expose your dogs to a variety of experiences, people and places, so your dog can behave appropriately in various settings.