With Fourth of July a day away, we’ve got a favor to ask: Don’t be a jerk.
Of course, we’re not talking to you, our readers. We know all of you are law-abiding citizens who would never annoy or inconvenience others to satiate your own amusement. But there are others in town who do every year. They’re your neighbors, friends and perhaps even family. Sometimes, they take Fourth of July festivities a little too far. Other times, they act like jerks.
The city has no explicit rules preventing fireworks activities in neighborhoods and public spaces. Its noise ordinance was amended in 2014 following fireworks complaints from residents, but the Empire’s Sam DeGrave was told there have been 250 fireworks related complaints since then.
The ordinance says it is unlawful to create “loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise which interferes with
normal spoken communication, disturbs sleep, or causes discomfort or annoyance” to others. Many in town either don’t know or don’t care. Either way it’s a problem, because they’re acting like jerks.
Police try to respond to as many complaints as possible, but unless they catch someone in the act there’s not a lot they can do. Plus, we really need our officers on the streets looking for drunks and others who might pose a danger to society. The last thing they need to do is play noise police because of a handful of jerks.
We’re not saying firworks shouldn’t be part of Fourth of July celebrations. On July 4 they’re appropriate, but during the days before and after Independence Day, not so much.
Again, you all know these things already. You read the paper and are more likely to know a great numbers of things others don’t. That’s why we need your help sharing the word.
Before people you know set off a barrage of bangers, squadran of shriekers, fountain of flash powder or whirlwind of whistlers, drop a knowledge bomb on them. People in Juneau are getting angry, and in September they’ll meet with city officials about banning firworks.
Tell others not to be jerks this Fourth of July. Otherwise they’ll likely spoil it for the rest of us.
