Fourth Of July Fireworks Complaints
As our nation celebrated it's independance in the traditional way, some area residents had complaints about the celebrations.
One of the first complaints came at around 5pm at Diamond and Harrison.
The complaintant stated that people were setting off m-80's. She wanted them to quiet down.
She stated that they were setting off car alarms.
She also stated that if one of the fireworks hits her house, someone is getting a bullet.
Residents against fireworks in the city had stated that the noise was a disturbance to children, dogs, and sleep schedules. Stating that their children were in bed for the night, or that they had work early on Sunday morning, and were inconvienenced by the noise.
Others were in fear of the dangers presented by illegal fireworks being set off within city limits, and the threat of fire or injury occuring.
The city's noise ordinance can be found here: http://www.hazletoncity.org/City-Ordinances/noise-ordinance.html
Interestingly enough, Section 7 (Exemptions) item I states that celebrations in national, state, local, or public holidays are exempt from the city's noise ordinance, that was put into effect in April 2013.
Police became burdened with complaints regarding firework displays as soon as darkness had fallen.
9:10pm - 3rd and Peace - Firework complaint
9:12pm - 1st and Carson - Firework complaint
9:12pm - C Cedar - Firework complaint
9:14pm - E Elm - Firework complaint
9:16pm - Wyoming and Broad - Firework complaint
9:23pm - Muir Ave - Firework complaint
9:25pm - 13th and Locust - Firework complaint
9:25pm - 3rd and James - Firework complaint
9:57pm - 3rd and James again - Firework complaint
9:59pm - Wyoming - Fireworks bothering caller's dog
10pm - Pardee - Loud fireworks
10:01pm - Woodward Ct - Firework complaint
Although the noise ordinance makes an exception for celebrating holidays, it does make it clear that noise is to stop at 10pm.
The amount of calls placed on the shoulders of the HPD resulted in an average response time of 15 minutes.
Due to the firework complaints, a burgular alarm was put on hold for an available officer.
Next Fourth Of July, please do not notify police of celebrations prior to 10pm.
Unless there is a clear danger or concern for safety, please do not overburden the police or 911 dispatchers.
Of the 12 complaints listed, only two were legitimate complaints.
None of the 12 resulted in any evidence of illegal activity.
None of the 12 resulted in fines, citations, etc.
