NEWBERRY COUNTY — On Sunday people all around the world will be celebrating the new year with fireworks and parties. For those celebrating in Newberry, Police Chief Roy McClurkin reminds everyone to be safe.
“We want people to have a safe and happy holiday as usual. We are out there to assist and if we are needed for emergency assistance, give us a call,” he said.
On New Year’s Eve there will be additional city police out to make sure everyone stays safe. McClurkin said this is just to make sure everyone has a safe and festive holiday, but to also make sure there are no problems.
One potential hazard on New Year’s Eve will be drunk driving. McClurkin reminds residents to not drink and drive, and if you are going somewhere, like a party or event, take a designated driver with you. There will be an increased patrol for drunk drivers and there will also be checkpoints.
“You can call a cab. I would suggest calling one of the cab companies or even using Uber,” McClurkin said. “Public intoxication is also a crime. I you are at an event, and had too much to drink, do not walk home. That is very dangerous and you could stumble into traffic and get hurt. You cannot just sit on a park bench. I again suggest calling a cab or getting a ride with somebody.”
It should also be noted that a DUI arrest can be very costly, and will immediately cause you to lose your license.
He added that the residents of Newberry tend to heed the advice that the City Police gives. McClurkin said that is something they like to see residents do.
“Keep in mind, going to an event, or going out and celebrating, have a plan ahead of time, designate a driver and everything will work out fine,” he said.
McClurkin expects that the number one call the City Police will receive during the night will involve firework complaints. He said they allow residents to shoot fireworks until they get a complaint.
“Do not be out late at night shooting them (fireworks). When complaints come in, people are shooting at two or three in the morning,” McClurkin said. “I would recommend shooting fireworks early, shoot at midnight, just shoot right then. Try not to go over, do not go a long period after midnight, especially at 1 or 2 a.m.. You are disturbing neighbors then.”
McClurkin added that discharging a firearm in the city limits is against the law, and people have done this instead of shooting off fireworks in the past. If someone is caught discharging a firearm to celebrate the new year, the punishment could be 30 days in jail or a $500 fine.
“We understand this is a celebration, but sometimes celebrations can be taken too far. Show respect and be courteous to your neighbors and use common sense,” he said.
Residents should also be cautious when shooting fireworks. McClurkin reminds residents to make sure all children are supervised, and do not let them shoot fireworks, but if you do make sure they are supervised while they do it.
Fire Chief Keith Minick recommends that residents leave fireworks to the professionals, and says that there will be a downtown display again this year. However, he says if you do shoot fireworks keep some things in mind.
For instance, make sure you are not close to houses or areas that could potentially catch fire, especially out in rural areas.
“Take precautions with adult supervision, follow the manufacturer recommendations with how to shoot fireworks,” he said. “Use a flat surface to make sure it does not shoot in the wrong direction, take measures like those to make sure you have a safe new year’s event.”
Minick also says to make sure alcohol is not in play, because the general rule of thumb is that impaired people should not shoot fireworks. Another concern for fire safety is sparklers. Minick said that when youths are playing with them around loose clothing or hair, it could ignite, so always take caution.
Other New Year’s Eve tips from McClurkin and Minick
• Make sure you wear your seat belt.
• If you go to an event, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and take a friend with you.
• When you are shooting fireworks, be mindful of your pets and your neighbors pets. They have a tendency to run off when they hear fireworks.
• Residents should call 321-2222 for fireworks complaints, or other non-emergencies, and 911 for emergencies such as drunk drivers.
• *HP will put you directly to dispatch for drunk drivers.