How to Report Illegal Fireworks in Your Neighborhood
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Fireworks are a common sight during festive occasions, such as New Year’s Eve or Independence Day. They can be fun and beautiful to watch, but they can also be dangerous and illegal. Illegal fireworks are those that explode, fly, or move on the ground, and they can cause fires, injuries, and noise pollution. If you see or hear illegal fireworks in your neighborhood, you may want to report them to the authorities. But how do you do that? Here are some tips on how to report illegal fireworks in your neighborhood.
The Dangers of Illegal Fireworks
You may think that reporting illegal fireworks is not worth the hassle, or that you don’t want to be a snitch. But there are good reasons why you should report illegal fireworks, such as:
Safety
Illegal fireworks can cause serious injuries to people and animals, especially children, who may be curious or unaware of the dangers. According to the [Consumer Product Safety Commission], there were an estimated 10,000 injuries and 12 deaths related to fireworks in 2020 in the US. Illegal fireworks can also start fires that can damage property and endanger lives. In 2020, illegal fireworks sparked a [massive fire] in Los Angeles that burned 1,000 acres and forced thousands of people to evacuate.
Environment
Illegal fireworks can create a lot of noise and air pollution that can harm the environment and the health of people and wildlife. The loud noises can scare and stress animals, and the smoke and chemicals can affect the air quality and contribute to global warming. According to a [study] by the University of California, Irvine, fireworks increased the levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by 50% on average in the US on July 4, 2017, which is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Law
Illegal fireworks are against the law in many places, and you can face fines or even jail time if you use, buy, sell, or transport them. The penalties vary depending on the state, city, and county, but they can be quite severe. For example, in California, you can be fined up to $50,000 and/or imprisoned for up to one year for using illegal fireworks. In New York City, you can be fined up to $25,000 and/or imprisoned for up to one year for possessing, making, using, or selling fireworks.
The Steps to Report Illegal Fireworks
If you decide to report illegal fireworks, here are some steps you can take:
Call the non-emergency number
The best way to report illegal fireworks is to call the non-emergency number of your local police or fire department. Do not call 911, unless there is an emergency or someone is hurt or having a medical emergency. Calling 911 for non-emergencies can slow down the response time for life-threatening situations. The non-emergency number will vary depending on your location, but you can usually find it online or in the phone book. For example, in Los Angeles, the non-emergency number is 877-ASK-LAPD, and in New York City, it is 311.
Use an online portal or app
Some cities and counties have an online portal or app where you can report illegal fireworks. This can be a convenient and anonymous way to report illegal fireworks, especially if you have a smartphone or a computer. For example, in Los Angeles, you can use the [F/X Reporter app] to send general or specific reports about the use of fireworks that will be routed to local police and fire agencies. In New York City, you can use the [NYC311 portal] to report illegal firework use or sale in the past.
Provide as much information as possible
When you report illegal fireworks, try to provide as much information as possible, such as the location, time, frequency, type, and source of the fireworks. This will help the authorities to locate and stop the offenders, and to prevent future incidents. However, do not put yourself in danger or confront the offenders yourself. Leave that to the professionals.
The Benefits of Reporting Illegal Fireworks
Reporting illegal fireworks may not be easy or popular, but it can make a difference for your safety, environment, and law. Illegal fireworks can cause a lot of harm and trouble, and you have the right and responsibility to report them. By following the tips above, you can report illegal fireworks in your neighborhood in a safe and effective way. Remember, fireworks are not worth the risk. Leave them to the pros, and enjoy the show.
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