Our Priority is the safety of the citizens during the New Year holiday

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- During this time of year, people will celebrate New Year Eve in various ways. For MCSO during this time, our priority is the safety of the citizens and the property in our county.

As you prepare for the New Year holiday, please be aware fireworks are legal in unincorporated areas of Montgomery County and Deputies CANNOT instruct your neighbor to stop discharging fireworks since 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 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.

“Celebratory” gun fire is illegal in Texas.
Anyone who fires a gun in a public place without a legitimate reason — you aren’t protecting yourself or shooting in a firing range — 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, it’s a Class A misdemeanor.

The discharge of a firearm is illegal and should residents know of this occurring please contact law enforcement agency 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 the priority.

So help us help you by doing the following:

Proactive Measures-
1. Use Fireworks responsibly by ensuring they are not pointed towards people or property. If you see fireworks being used in an irresponsible manner, then report it to MCSO.

For those of you that are using fireworks, please do so responsibly, as you could be held liable for injuries and or damages if they occur as a result of your negligence.

2. Drink responsibly and use designated drivers or services like Uber or other ride share partners. Report drunk drivers to MCSO immediately. Law enforcement has stepped up DWI Enforcement.

Preventative Measures-
1. Lock up and secure your valuables to prevent theft. This time of year, property crimes are very high. Report suspicious activity to MCSO.

2. Also as a reminder, some pets are frightened of the fireworks. Due to this please consider bringing your pets indoors if possible. Animals may try to escape your yard to run from all the noise and no one wants to lose their beloved pet.

Finally, please be respectful to your neighbors and others. Some neighbors have traumatic disorders, disabilities while others have kids or pets that will be frightened by fireworks. For some it’s as simple as they have to work that day and just want a good night’s sleep. We all understand it’s 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.