RHHD offers firearm safety tips ahead of New Year’s Eve
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As New Year's Eve approaches and many prepare to celebrate, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) want to provide firearm safety tips and ways to avoid celebratory gunfire.
New Year's Eve is synonymous with fireworks. However, some who celebrate the new year use firearms, putting others in the surrounding area at risk.
In 2014, Brendon's Law went into effect after 7-year-old Brendon Mackey was killed by a stray bullet in 2013 on July 4 in Chesterfield County. Chesterfield Police said that the bullet that struck the 7-year-old was fired randomly into the air.
In 2023, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported 2,488 firearm injury emergency department visits. The VDH monitors firearm injuries using three data sources: emergency department (ED) visits, inpatient hospitalizations, and deaths.
"New Year’s Eve is a time to gather with friends and family and celebrate the promise of the year ahead,” said RHHD Deputy Director Melissa Viray. "We encourage our communities to celebrate responsibly, keep firearms safely stored, and avoid celebratory gunfire.
RHHD is urging community members to follow these tips for safe New Year's Eve practices:
- Store all firearms unloaded, locked and keep ammunition separate.
- Use lockable firearm cases, firearm safes or cable locks to prevent access.
- Remove firearms from the home if you or a loved one is struggling.
- If you are a parent or caregiver, ask about firearm storage practices before sending your child to someone else’s home to play.
- Teach your children about the dangers of firearms and the importance of safe storage.
- Review your own firearm safety practices and make sure they are up to date.
Other alternatives to celebratory gunfire include using noisemakers, making music together or preparing traditional New Year’s Day foods.
RHHD said that if you witness celebratory gunfire, do not confront the person responsible and instead call 911 immediately.
For more health and safety information, visit RHHD's website.
