The City of Idaho Falls reminds community members to pay extra attention to safety precautions during this busy Independence Day holiday, have patience and plan ahead to ensure the safety of residents and guests.

EMERGENCIES

Call 911 for emergencies only. To contact public safety for non-emergent issues call (208) 529-1200.

LOST CHILD

"Parents and caregivers are reminded to keep a close eye on children, especially around water and during the events that attract a significant amount of people," states Public Information Officer Kerry Hammon.  

To report a lost child or to seek help finding a lost child during the Independence Day Parade, public safety personnel from both the Idaho Falls Fire Department and Idaho Falls Police Department will be on bikes throughout the parade route.  Officers will also be located at the Common Cents store at the intersection of Boulevard and Elm Street.

Public safety personnel will also be on bikes and in the mini ambulance during the Mountain View Hospital Riverfest and Melaleuca Freedom Celebration at Snake River Landing and at the corner of Snake River Parkway and Event Center Drive. They will also be stationed on the east side of the river at South Tourist Park.  

WATER SAFETY 

"We encourage the public to stay out of the river, canals and water features in and around Snake River Landing and the Greenbelt/River Walk," adds Hammon. The waterways may look refreshing on a hot day, but there are many hidden dangers. Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent heat-related illnesses. 

BOAT DOCK/PARK CLOSURES

Ryder Park will be open to foot traffic and bicycles, but closed to vehicle traffic beginning at noon on July 3. The park will reopen to vehicles at noon on July 5.

South Tourist Park is the command post for emergency personnel from the Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff's Office and the Idaho Falls Fire Department. In order for emergency vehicles to respond quickly in the event of an emergency, South Tourist Park will be closed to all public vehicles, boats & campers/RVs. Please remove these items by noon on July 3 to avoid towing.  The park and adjacent River Walk/Greenbelt will remain open for foot/bicycle traffic.The park will reopen to vehicles boats and camping at noon on July 5.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

These events are very popular and bring a significant amount of people and traffic to Idaho Falls. Even with the extensive planning and increased staffing by all entities involved, the public should expect traffic delays. Please have patience and plan accordingly. Engineers and traffic safety personnel have designed and modified traffic control plans. Traffic signage, barriers and plans are in place to ensure safety and a coordinated entrance and exists from the events. Please obey all signs and personnel directing traffic. Keep emergency vehicle lanes open to allow public safety personnel to respond quickly and safely.

FIREWORK SAFETY

Due to the location of the fireworks launch site and Riverfest, the highly congested and grassy areas around Snake River Landing, and for the safety of persons attending the event, the Fire Marshal has restricted any and all personal fireworks, including sparklers, from Lochsa Drive, south to Sunnyside Drive, and from the Capital Avenue River Walk west to the Porter Canal.

Be safe, have patience, plan ahead and have a wonderful Independence Day, Idaho Falls! For a schedule of Independence Day events in Idaho Falls, firework code, and more safety information, click HERE.

Photos: (1) Idaho Falls Fire Department, parade; (2) Idaho Falls Fire Department bicycle team; (3) South Tourist Park. 

Media Contact: Kerry Hammon, Public Information Officer, (208) 612-8122, khammon@idahofallsidaho.gov.