New Orleans Fire Department: The NOFD Wishes All A Safe And Happy New Year

Press release from the New Orleans Fire Department:

December 30, 2021

As we bring 2021 to a close and prepare to ring in 2022, the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) would like to stress some very important safety messages this New Year’s weekend:

FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL

The New Orleans Fire Department would like to remind citizens that fireworks are illegal in Orleans Parish. The use of illegal fireworks amplifies the risk of residential fires. Permanent scarring, loss of vision and dismemberment are also harsh realities of amateur fireworks use. Superintendent Nelson and the State Fire Marshal Butch Browning are urging everyone to treat all fireworks as suitable for use only by trained professionals. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), amateur firework usage endangers not only the users, but also bystanders and surrounding property and structures. Pyrotechnic devices ranging from sparklers to aerial rockets cause thousands of fires and serious injuries each year. Let’s all start 2022 off right by celebrating safely. A celebratory alternative to dangerous illegal consumer fireworks would be for residents and visitors to enjoy the public fireworks displays being put on throughout the metro area.

Finally, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of having WORKING SMOKE ALARMS in your home.  A few seconds of early notification can mean all the difference in surviving a residential fire. The New Orleans Fire Department will SUPPLY and INSTALL FREE 10yr SMOKE ALARMS in the home of any Orleans Parish resident in need.  Contact the New Orleans Fire Department at 504-658-4713 or submit your smoke alarm request online at www.nola.gov/nofd if you or any Orleans Parish resident you know needs this potentially lifesaving service.

On behalf of the entire New Orleans Fire Department, we wish a Happy and Safe New Year to all!

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This press release was produced by the New Orleans Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.