East Lansing Fire Department Encourages Safe New Year’s Celebrations

By Press release submission

Dec 31, 2021

City of East Lansing issued the following announcement on Dec 30.

With New Year’s celebrations expected this weekend in East Lansing, the East Lansing Fire Department (ELFD) encourages residents, family members and guests to celebrate safely and responsibly.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• The City of East Lansing’s fireworks ordinance permits fireworks to be used from 11 a.m. on New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Fireworks outside of this time are prohibited. Learn more about the fireworks ordinance here: https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/225/Fireworks.

• If planning to use fireworks, there should always be adult supervision and water nearby (hose or bucket).

• Dispose of all fireworks, especially sparklers, by soaking them in water before disposing them in the trash.

• Light one firework at a time, keeping extra fireworks at least 15 feet away.

• Only use fireworks outdoors and keep fireworks 15 feet away from combustibles.

• Never attempt to relight a firework that is a dud.

• Point fireworks away from people and pets.

• Don’t light fireworks when drinking alcohol.

• Drink alcohol in moderation. Eat before and during alcohol consumption and drink water throughout.

• Individuals should always call 911 if a friend needs medical help. Michigan’s medical amnesty law protects underage drinkers from criminal prosecution if they seek medical assistance for health care concerns related to alcohol use.

• Live-cut Christmas trees are extremely dry this time of year. Keep heat sources at least three feet away and turn off decorative lights when leaving the house.

• Remove the Christmas tree from the house when it dries out. Do not leave a live-cut, dried-out Christmas tree in the garage or near the house as they are highly combustible. Live-cut Christmas trees can be recycled through the City of East Lansing’s Christmas tree recycling program: https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/292/Christmas-Tree-Recycling.

• The COVID-19 pandemic continues, with first responders and healthcare workers overwhelmed. Community members are asked to continue to be diligent, responsible and safe in their celebrations.

ELFD wishes everyone a safe, happy and healthy New Year!

Original source can be found here.