FLORENCE, Ky. — For many, New Year's Eve is a time for celebration, but the Florence Fire Deparment is urging residents to celebrate safely and responsibly amid all the fun. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Florence Fire Department said it sees an increase in emergency calls around the holidays, especially New Year's Eve 

  • To prevent emergencies, Fire Marshall Batt. Chief Randy Childress emphasized the importance of having a plan and staying safe 

  • The department urged to only use legal consumer-grade fireworks (classified as 1.4G) and avoid them completely if under the influence 

The holiday is often marked by fireworks and festivities, but in all the chaos, it can also be one of the busiest times of years for emergency responders. 

Florence Fire Marshal Batt. Chief Randy Childress shared key safety tips, emphasizing the importance of avoiding driving under the influence and handling fireworks with caution.

“Obviously, we have people out celebrating," Childress said. "They're not expecting to have any kind of tragedy in their life, and we have to deal with that. We would rather prevent it and make them sure they're safe." 

The department said it sees a spike in calls during New Year's Eve, many of which involve car accidents because of impaired drivers or injuries related to illegal firework usage.

According to the 2023 Team Kentucky Transportation Department report, over the past five years, there were 479 impaired related crashes, resulting in 201 injuries and 16 deaths between Christmas and New Year's. In addition, the 2023 Consumer Product Safety Commission Report said fireworks were involved with an estimated 9,700 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.

When it comes to fireworks, Childress encouraged consumers to follow these guidelines:

  • Only use legal consumer-grade fireworks (classified as 1.4G)
  • Keep fireworks away from children
  • Do not use fireworks indoors
  • Avoid using fireworks if under the influence 

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