APD, AFD promote fireworks, gun safety
Agencies stress laws, safety guidelines for fireworks, use of celebratory firearms
By Gypsy Crow
ALBANY — The Albany Police Department and the Albany Fire Department have asked citizens of Albany to show caution during New Year’s celebrations regarding fireworks and celebratory gunfire.
AFD Plans Review Specialist Carlton Russell advised that a factor in fireworks danger is alcohol use.
“In actuality, we wouldn’t want people to be drinking and using fireworks,” Russell said. “That’s usually the first thing we start talking about. People start drinking, and then they think they know everything there is (to know) about fireworks.”
Another way to be mindful of fireworks safety during New Year’s celebrations is to check the surroundings for debris or other flammable materials, the first responders advised. The debris left behind from Hurricane Michael is drying and could be a fire hazard if fireworks are used around them. Also pine straw on top of homes and in gutters is a flammable substance.
“You might want to entertain the idea before you start firing fireworks to clear the gutters on top of your house,” Russell said.
Fireworks, if not handled properly, can cause physical injury. Individuals who wish to set off fireworks for New Years should take extra care in reading fireworks instructions to avoid a serious accident. Fireworks usage should be supervised by an adult. Persons under 18 should not handle fireworks.
Year around the Albany Fire Department sees its share of cooking fires. Individuals can take extra precaution around New Years, especially if there is alcohol involved, not to leave the stove on or unattended.
A cooking fire prevention tip Russell shared is to carry around a spoon with you while cooking to remember there is something on the stove or in the oven.
Also individuals should not try to heat their homes with stoves and should make sure that space heaters function properly to avoid possible fire hazards during the holiday season. The best way to test a space heater, Russell explained, is to turn it over. He said if it turns off, the space heater is doing what it is designed to do.
“The biggest thing I would say is to just be safe,” Russell said.
When it comes to setting off fireworks in neighborhoods, APD officials asked that individuals be mindful of their neighbors. Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can react negatively to the sounds of fireworks and so can pets.
Legal hours to use fireworks in Albany are 10 a.m.-midnight. On Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, the hours permitted are midnight-2 a.m. Using fireworks outside of the allotted hours could result in fines or charges.
Individuals considering firing a few celebratory rounds into the sky within the Albany city limits might want to think again. Celebratory gunfire is illegal within city limits and can result in a charges of reckless conduct (a state offense) and discharging firearms within a city limits ordinance violation, as well as incurring possible fines.
“What goes up, must come down,” APD Public Information Officer Phyllis Banks said. “That’s our message when it comes to celebratory firearms. Across the United States, there have been instances where people have been either hurt or killed due to celebratory firearms. We encourage people not to fire off celebratory firearms, especially in the city limits.
“The overall message as we go into the holidays is that we want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday. We want everyone to celebrate safely.”
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