Light the night but don’t ignite your home

Tempe wants you to celebrate responsibly this New Year’s

You can celebrate New Year’s Eve with the pops and bangs of fireworks, but it might be kinder to sparkle the night away.

The City of Tempe would like to remind residents to be considerate of their neighbors when using novelties and permissible consumer fireworks; and not use illegal fireworks such as aerial fireworks like roman candles, firecrackers, sky rockets and bottle rockets.

By state regulation, legal consumer fireworks can be used between Dec. 24 and Jan. 3.

Loud noises can cause extreme distress for veterans with PTSD, children and adults with special needs and household pets. They also can be disturbing and disruptive for those with early bedtimes, such as infants, young children and residents who work nontraditional schedules.

As you ring in the New Year, please remember to be safe out there and remember those who live around you.

Safely dispose of all fireworks

When your night of celebration is done, make sure all fireworks - used and unused – are disposed of safely advises Tempe Fire Medical Rescue. Fireworks are combustible objects and should be in your home for the least amount of time possible.

For revelers who are buying fireworks for a home celebration, there are two important things to have on hand:  a fire extinguisher or water hose and a bucket of water. 

- The fire extinguisher or water hose will help control any minor fires resulting from sparks and embers.
- The bucket of water prevents the fireworks and resulting debris from reigniting or becoming fuel for fire.

To make sure fireworks don’t reignite, letting them cool off then soaking in water is recommended.

- Allow used fireworks to stand for at least 20 minutes before submerging in water for at least two minutes.  
- Once drained of debris, the dirtied water can be poured into the toilet but take care not to dump into storm drains or kitchen sinks.
- Place the debris in a plastic bag and dispose outside in a covered trash can.

Damaged, unused, or unexploded “dud” consumer fireworks should be brought to Tempe’s Household Products Collection Center, 1320 E. University Drive, for proper disposal. 

Fireworks and veterans

Fireworks can be very stressful for combat veterans who have served our country. Follow these steps to ease the stress of fireworks on our combat veterans:

- Eliminate surprises. If anyone in your neighborhood is a veteran, let them know about your plans for New Year’s Eve. Give the details about the times and dates you plan to celebrate with fireworks. You could even invite them to celebrate with you. By eliminating the element of surprise, this will lower the possibility of a panic attack for a veteran suffering from PTSD.

- Limit your use of fireworks. Many Americans want bigger and better every year and they try to “out do” their neighbors. Be mindful of your neighbors and consider limiting your fireworks to one night only and typically one hour.

- Use small fireworks first. When you are initiating your evening of celebration with fireworks, start with small “low impact” fireworks and build up to the larger “higher impact” fireworks. This will reduce the sudden shock of explosions in the sky without any warning, ultimately lowering the possibility of a veteran from being surprised and startled.

Fireworks and pets

Follow these steps to ease the stress of fireworks and keep your pet calm and safe:

- Keep them indoors. Make sure they’ve had exercise during the day and a chance to go to the bathroom.
- Give them a safe place to hide. Set up a comfortable room or crate in your house just for them. Keep the blinds and curtains closed.
- Drown out the noise. Turn on the radio or TV with comforting music or noise they are normally around to calm their nerves.
- Update their tags and IDs. Make sure your pets are wearing up-to-date tags and IDs in case they run away or get lost.
- Keep calm. Don’t punish your pet for being scared. Stay calm and they may do the same.

For questions about fireworks, the public can talk to a Tempe fire inspector in the department’s Community Risk Reduction Division at 480-858-7230. For complaints about improper use of fireworks, call the Tempe Police Department’s non-emergency line at 480-350-8311.

For questions about fireworks, the public can talk to a Tempe fire inspector by calling the department’s Community Risk Reduction Division at 480-858-7230. More information is available at tempe.gov/fire.

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