How to keep pets, property safe on July 4
go through glass windows or jump off apartment balconies to escape. She’s even seen sedated dogs try to chew through their crates and damage their teeth.
She said her department also sees an influx of dog bites during the holiday: people drinking at parties can aggravate an already-stressed dog.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy a fireworks show with your family, she said, but it’s important to plan ahead, make sure your pet is comfortable, and check in.
“Think of it from the animal’s perspective,” Barrett said. “From a dog’s perspective, it’s Armageddon.”
Mike Nichols, president of the Yuba Sutter Veterans Stand Down, said by now many veterans have learned to cope with fireworks in their own way. The sounds associated with fireworks can trigger stress or post-traumatic stress disorderrelated symptoms.
“It’s going to affect everybody a little different,” Nichols said. “I think a lot of vets have learned to deal with it in their own way.”
Yuba City Fire Analyst Bill Fuller said there will be a large police and fire department force in the days leading up to and following the Fourth of July, and hopes it will deter people from using illegal fireworks. For those lighting up “safe and sane” fireworks at home, Fuller cautions to have a bucket of water handy, and dump used fireworks into the water before throwing them in the trash. If you’re heading out of town, be sure to tell a neighbor so if something happens with an errant firework you can be alerted.
Sutter County Fire Chief John Shalowitz said unincorporated Sutter County is usually bustling with illegal fireworks, and he hopes a new ordinance and fine will deter use.
In order to prevent damage or fires, Shalowitz said it’s important to be mindful of where you light off “safe and sane” fireworks: not in a grassy area or field that could catch fire. And if there’s a “dud” that doesn’t immediately go off, he said to be patient and not grab it – it could be slowly burning and explode in your hands. Also keep a water supply, whether a bucket or yard hose, nearby.
He said the weather conditions over the weekend and into the holiday also create a heightened fire risk; he’s expecting high heat and strong, dry winds, which could influence the lighting of a “safe and sane” firework.
Property owners where illegal fireworks are lit will ultimately be responsible for fires that are started as a result, he said. That being said, if a fire does catch, immediately call 911 early so the fire doesn’t grow.
“Make sure you’re surrounded by a fire-safe area,” Shalowitz said. “Be more cognizant of your surroundings.”
Marcos A. Rodriguez, 41, of the 1700 block of Franklin Road, Yuba City, was arrested by the Yuba City Police Department at 6:09 p.m. June 26 at his residence on suspicion of spousal abuse. He was booked into Sutter County Jail.
Christopher D. Jenkins, 44, of Rocklin was arrested by the California Highway Patrol at 5:29 p.m. June 26 on Willow Glen Road on suspicion of DUI with injury. He was booked into Yuba County Jail.
Waylon A. Ward, 37, homeless was arrested by the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office at 12:22 p.m. June 26 in the 1100 block of North Beale Road on suspicion of concealing a dirk or dagger. He was booked into Yuba County Jail.
Austin T. Owen, 23, of Sacramento was arrested by the California Highway Patrol at 4:39 a.m. June 26 on Highway 70. He was booked into Yuba County Jail.
Daljit S. Gill, 20, of the 2300 block of Arizona Way, Yuba City, was arrested by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office at 11:34 p.m. June 25 in the 500 block of Anna Drive. He was booked into Sutter County Jail.