EAST LANSING, Mich. — 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!