The Yorba Linda Connection: a special 4th of July edition

Latest News from the City of Yorba Linda

A Special 4th of July Edition

CITY HALL

COMMUNITY

SERVICES

A Message from the City Manager

Dear Community Member,

In just a few days, Americans around the world will gather to celebrate the United States' most iconic and patriotic holiday, our Independence Day. The 4th of July is a day steeped in rich tradition and engrained deeply in the soul of our people. Gathering with friends and family and watching fireworks has been a mainstay of our tradition for generations, and yet last year, that celebration looked quite different. In reflecting on how far we have come since then, it is easy to find so much to celebrate, including the return of the City's annual 4th of July Spectacular (details in the article below).

On America's 245th birthday, we celebrate our democracy, our freedom, our land, our heroes, and the ideals of equality upon which our country was founded. But we also get to celebrate something sacred: each other. We are fellow Americans, and we are all beneficiaries of the sacrifice of those who bravely fought and died to give us our freedoms (as that famous song suggests). We can honor their sacrifice by gladly honoring each other and our shared inheritance: a beautiful country worthy of every contribution and effort to make it even better for our children.

This special edition of the Yorba Linda Connection focuses on important information about celebrating the 4th of July in Yorba Linda. The City of Yorba Linda wishes you a safe, memorable, and happy 4th of July!

Best Regards,

Mark Pulone

City Manager

Don't Miss the City's 4th of July Spectacular!

The City of Yorba Linda invites the community to celebrate America's 245th birthday at our annual 4th of July Spectacular! The event will include food vendors, family activities, live music, and of course: a spectacular firework show! The event is open to the public with seating throughout Veterans Park and the south field of Yorba Linda Middle School. Live entertainment starts at 5 p.m, with fireworks blasting off at 9:00 p.m. For more event information, including event guidelines and road closures, visit the City's website.

Be a Good Neighbor: Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Yorba Linda Police Services and the City of Yorba Linda remind residents that the possession or discharge of fireworks within City limits is prohibited. Fireworks are dangerous because they can start wildfires, explode unexpectedly, trigger a startle response in people with PTSD, and frighten and distress pets. Furthermore, the people most commonly harmed by personal fireworks are children. For your safety and the safety of others in the community, be a good neighbor and do not light fireworks in Yorba Linda. To safely enjoy professional fireworks, come out to the City's 4th of July Spectacular!

To report illegal use of fireworks, please do not call 9-1-1. Instead, call the Orange County Sheriff's Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000 to file a report. To provide clarity on when to call 9-1-1 this weekend, OCSD has shared the graphic below:

Keep Your Pets Safe at Home

Fireworks are loud, especially to animals with sensitive hearing. Explosions from fireworks can frighten pets, causing them great levels of distress. In preparation for the evening of the 4th of July, pet-owners should:

Get in a workout earlier in the day to tire out your pet;
Make sure your pet has current identification and a microchip in case your pet panics and escapes during the festivities;
Leave your pet at home, inside if possible, before heading to a large event or party;
Leave on the TV or radio at home to drown out the sound of fireworks;
Secure your yard to prevent escapes; and
Do not leave your pet in the car while enjoying fireworks.

The 4th of July is one of the highest intake days for animal shelters across the country. If your pet goes missing, visit OC Animal Care's Lost Pets webpage to search their database of found pets. For more 4th of July pet safety tips, visit OC Animal Care's website.

COVID-19 Safety Tips for the 4th of July

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Orange County Health Care Agency advises people to evaluate their risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 before traveling or participating in certain activities during the 4th of July weekend. For more information, view the OC Health Care Agency's July 4 Holiday Safety flyer.

Stay Vigilant to Prevent Drownings

Pool parties and swimming are summer activities enjoyed by many families trying to beat the heat, but the fun can quickly turn deadly. Drowning is silent and can occur in as little as two inches of water and within 20 seconds. Although 100% preventable, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages five and under and the second leading cause among children under 14. The most common reason children drown is a lapse in active adult supervision. Therefore, parents and caretakers are urged to remain vigilant when children are near water and should review and share the ABCs of Water Safety:

A is for Active Adult Supervision:

Assign an adult to be a Water Watcher, actively keeping their eyes on the water without any distractions;
Never swim alone, even adults;
Never rely on water rings, rafts, or other swimming aids in place of U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices (life jackets);
Keep infants and toddlers within an arm's reach; and
If a child or adult goes missing, every second counts! Check the water first!

B is for Barriers:

Install and maintain proper fencing around pools and spas to isolate swimming areas;
Use multiple layers of protection, such as fences, gate/door alarms, and safety covers to keep children away from pools and spas;
Use self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward and away from the pool; and
Remove items such as chairs or tables that a child could use to climb over a fence.

C is for Classes:

Learn to swim by taking lessons;
Learn first aid and CPR. Always keep a phone nearby to call 9-1-1; and
Teach children that running, jumping, and pushing others on pool decks is dangerous and can cause injuries.

To further protect your family from drowning, the City of Yorba Linda and the Orange County Fire Authority encourages residents to visit OCFA's Drowning Prevention website.

Practice Safe Grilling to Protect Your Family and Home

Grilling up delicious food is a popular 4th of July tradition. However, grilling accidents can quickly ruin your day and leave you seriously injured. Enjoy grilling while keeping your family and home safe by following these tips from the Orange County Fire Authority:

Grilling Safety Tips

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors;
Grills should be placed a safe distance from the home, deck railings, tables, overhanging branches, and areas where people gather;
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area;
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grates and in the trays below the grill; and
Never leave a heated grill, lighter, or matches unattended.

Charcoal Grills

If you use a starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire while cooking; and
When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool (for about 48 hours) before disposing in a metal container.

Propane Grills

Check the gas tank hose for leaks before grilling;
If your grill has a gas leak, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If a leak occurs while grilling, call the fire department; and
If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.

For more information, view OCFA's printable BBQ Safety tips. To learn more about fire safety, please visit OCFA's website.

City Facilities Closed July 5

In observance of the Independence Day holiday on July 4, all City facilities will be closed on Monday, July 5, 2021. Please note that refuse and recycling collection will also not occur on July 5, and collection will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week.