Top Tips for a Fun - and Safe - New Year's Eve
December 28 2023
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before making plans to shoot fireworks in your neighborhood, verify whether fireworks are permitted within your neighborhood in accordance with your governing documents. If you are unable to locate this information, visit your neighborhood webpage on MyNeighborhoodNews.com and contact your management team listed in the "HOA Information" section.
Everyone enjoys fireworks, especially around New Year’s Eve. The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office encourages everyone to be cautious and responsible when it comes to fireworks. Additionally, consumers need to be careful about where they buy their fireworks.
Stands selling fireworks in Fort Bend County are required to have a current permit from the Fire Marshal's office. Fire Marshal’s Office and the National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) recommends that you only buy consumer fireworks from a licensed store or stand. Never buy fireworks from an individual's house or from someone on the street. Such devices are likely illegal explosives or professional (1.3G) fireworks that can seriously injure you.
Fireworks are legal in unincorporated Fort Bend County, and a Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office or County Fire Marshal CANNOT instruct your neighbor to stop discharging fireworks since it is a legal activity. Also, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, please keep in mind that neighborhood or HOA deed restrictions are not enforceable by law enforcement.
Anyone who engages in shooting off fireworks needs to assume responsibility to uphold best practices and safety for all. It is against the law to explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization. For a full list of firework violations or safety tips, visit the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s website at www.fbcfmo.org
The Fort Bend County Fire Marshal Office inspectors will be out checking firework stands to make sure they are safe and in compliance for New Year’s Eve.
Below are 10 fireworks safety tips you should use this New Years Eve:
- Fireworks packaged in brown paper are made for professional displays – avoid buying.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, especially with sparklers.
- Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire and to douse used fireworks before discarding in trash.
- Never allow young children to play or ignite fireworks.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- Never try to re-light or pickup fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never place a part of your body directly over a firework device when lighting.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Keeping Pets Safe and Comfortable
With both New Year's Eve fireworks and the cold weather coming, please be sure to keep your pets inside where possible. Also, make sure that they have a collar with an ID tag on if not microchipped and if you do not have an ID tag, please write your phone number on the inside of the collar with a Sharpie.
Follow these top tips from Fort Bend County Pets to help your furry friends stay comfortable and safe during New Year's Eve:
- Do not share food: It's important to keep any alcohol and chocolate away from your pets, as they are both toxic.
- Identification: Make sure your pet has an updated microchip or tag. They can get loose when spooked.
- Exercise vigorously: They will be knackered and are more likely to snore their way through the countdown.
- Keep them indoors: Keep your pets in a safe, enclosed room and surround them with their favorite toys and familiar objects.
- Calming environment: Leave the TV or radio on at normal volume to drown out the noise.
Sources: Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, Fort Bend County Pets
