THE WOODLANDS, TX — During this time of year, people will celebrate New Yearâs Eve in various ways, and our priority is the safety of the citizens and property in our county.
As you prepare for the New Year holiday, please be aware fireworks are legal in unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. Deputies CANNOT instruct your neighbor to stop discharging fireworks, as it is a legal activity.
Most cities have city ordinances that prohibit the use of fireworks. Counties do not!
HOA deed restrictions are not enforceable by law enforcement. HOA’s can enforce deed restrictions by issuing fines and or legal lawsuits through legal counsel. If you have a complaint about the discharge of fireworks, take street addresses (names if possible), photographs of debris left by the discharge of the fireworks and report it to the HOA.
âCelebratoryâ gunfire is illegal in Texas. Anyone who fires a gun in a public place without a legitimate reason â you arenât protecting yourself or shooting in a firing range â is committing disorderly conduct. That’s a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and or a $2,000 fine). And within a city, itâs a Class A misdemeanor. The discharge of a firearm is illegal, and should residents know of this occurring, contact law enforcement to investigate.
It is typical on New Year’s Eve that the call volume for MCSO is extremely high, and we want to encourage residents to report and focus on the biggest issues that cause the most harm this time of year. This includes crimes such as DWI, Property Crimes, Robberies, Theft, and other forms of Violence. Calls are dispatched based on priority.
So help us help you by doing the following:
1. Use Fireworks responsibly by ensuring they are not pointed towards people or property. If you see fireworks being used irresponsibly, then report it to MCSO. (For those that are using fireworks, please do so responsibly, as you could be liable for injuries and or damages if they occur as a result of your negligence);
2. If you use fireworks it is not recommended to hold fireworks to light them. We encourage parents to keep a close eye on children at events where fireworks are being used;
3. Drink responsibly and use designated drivers or services like Uber or other rideshare partners. Report drunk drivers to MCSO immediately. Law enforcement has stepped up DWI Enforcement.
Finally, please be respectful to your neighbors and others. Some neighbors have traumatic disorders and disabilities, while others may have kids or pets who will be frightened by fireworks. For some, itâs as simple as they have to work that day and want a good night’s sleep. We all understand itâs one night of celebration, but please be respectful of the hour and circumstances of others.
Dispatch will receive many calls from residents, so we hope this will help cut down on those calls. Please celebrate responsibly and safely