Blog

The Dangers of Celebratory Gunfire

As we gear up to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, it’s important to remember that safety should always be a top priority. This festive holiday brings us together to commemorate the birth of our nation, but it’s crucial to take precautions and be mindful of potential dangers.

The Dangers of Celebratory Gunfire

A primary safety concern that arises during July 4th celebrations is the dangerous act of celebratory gunfire. Firing guns into the air to celebrate can have severe consequences, and it’s crucial to raise awareness about the dangers associated with this practice. For this reason, Crime Stoppers of Houston has partnered with Clear Channel Outdoor, the Harris County District Attorney’s office, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum’s office to provide a county-wide billboard campaign about the dangers of celebratory gunfire this holiday season. You can now see 41 billboards strategically placed across our county that provide awareness about this potentially fatal crime, and encourage community members to anonymously report information that could lead to the arrest of an individual who chooses to engage in celebratory gunfire.

Know the facts about celebratory gunfire:

1. Gravity’s threat: What goes up must come down. Bullets fired into the air can reach considerable heights before gravity pulls them back down. Falling bullets can cause serious injuries or fatalities when they strike innocent people. In fact, in 2022 the Harris County Sheriff’s Office received 678 celebratory gunfire calls which is a 14% increase from 2021 and a 47% increase since 2019.
2. Legal consequences: Celebratory gunfire is illegal in Harris County due to the inherent risks it poses. Engaging in this activity can lead to legal charges, including reckless endangerment or unlawful discharge of a firearm.
3. Safe alternatives: Instead of resorting to celebratory gunfire, consider alternative ways to celebrate, such as attending community fireworks displays, organizing family-friendly events, or participating in parades and other festivities.

Here are 2 ways to report reckless celebratory gunfire:

• If you hear celebratory gunfire in your neighborhood but do not know the person doing it, call your local police department.
• If you hear celebratory gunfire in your neighborhood and know the person(s) doing it, you may report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 713-222-TIPS(8477).

Fireworks Safety

Speaking of fireworks, fireworks are a traditional element of July 4th celebrations, captivating us with their dazzling colors and brilliant displays. However, it’s essential to handle fireworks responsibly to prevent accidents and injuries. Follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

1. Observe local laws and regulations: Familiarize yourself with your local laws regarding fireworks usage. Some areas prohibit fireworks entirely, while others have specific rules and designated areas for their use. In the city of Houston, all firework usage is illegal. In unincorporated Harris County, you can legally use fireworks as long as you stay away from churches, hospitals, asylums, licensed childcare centers, and schools.
2. Purchase from licensed vendors: Only buy fireworks from reputable sellers who follow safety standards. Look for proper labels indicating that the fireworks have been tested and approved.
3. Adult supervision: Fireworks should only be handled by responsible adults who are knowledgeable about their usage. Keep children at a safe distance and never allow them to ignite or play with fireworks. Remember that alcohol and fireworks can be a dangerous combination.
4. Create a safe launch zone: Find a flat, open area away from buildings, trees, and other flammable materials to launch your fireworks. Clear the surrounding area to minimize the risk of fires.
5. Keep a bucket of water nearby: Have a bucket of water, a garden hose, or a fire extinguisher readily available in case of emergencies. This can help control small fires or extinguish fireworks that don’t ignite properly.
6. Proper disposal: After your fireworks have completely burned, soak them in water before disposing of them in a closed metal container. This prevents accidental fires and keeps them out of reach of curious children.

July 4th is a time for celebration, unity, and remembrance. By prioritizing safety and being mindful of potential risks, we can ensure a joyous and accident-free Independence Day. When it comes to fireworks, always follow proper handling and usage guidelines, and be aware of local laws. Above all, let us refrain from engaging in celebratory gunfire, as it poses significant dangers to ourselves and others.

How hot is too hot for dogs?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know?

1. Dogs can develop heat stroke in as little as 30 minutes and can die within an hour of experiencing heat stroke.
2. Both temperature and humidity can play a large part in the risk of head stroke in dogs. It is very risky to exercise your dog at temperatures above 77 degrees when high rates of humidity are present.
3. The inside of your car can reach 102 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes on an 85-degree day.

Texas Heat

As a state with hot summers and high temperatures, it is particularly important to protect animals in Texas from heatstroke, a dangerous condition that can occur when dogs are exposed to high temperatures for an extended period.

Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises above its normal range. This condition can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:

• excessive panting
• difficulty breathing
• lethargy
• vomiting
• diarrhea

To prevent heatstroke in dogs, it is important to take precautions during hot weather. One of the most important steps is to never leave a dog in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, and a dog can quickly become overheated.

It is also important to ensure that dogs have access to shade and water during hot weather. Dogs should have a cool and shady area to rest and access to fresh water at all times. Additionally, it is recommended to walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler.

Texas Laws

In Texas, there are also specific laws in place to prevent animal cruelty and neglect. The state’s animal cruelty law makes it a felony to engage in animal cruelty, which includes leaving animals in hot cars or other situations that could cause them harm. The law also requires animal shelters and rescue organizations to report suspected cases of animal cruelty to law enforcement.

In addition to the animal cruelty law, Texas also has laws that protect animals from neglect. The state has specific requirements for animal care, including adequate food, water, and shelter. Texas also requires that animals have access to veterinary care when necessary.

Animal Safety Education

Crime Stoppers of Houston has partnered with Houston PetSet to promote animal safety through education. Together, we provide materials to schools, animal shelters, and other organizations to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. The materials cover topics such as proper care for your pet, how to engage with stray animals, and how to report suspected animal cruelty. Our hope is that with better education, comes better care for the animals of Texas!

Reporting Animal Cruelty

In an Emergency: If you see a crime in process and it involves an animal, dial 911.

Across the State of Texas: Texas has a statewide animal cruelty hotline that individuals can call to report suspected cases of animal cruelty. The hotline is available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 1-800-252-5400.

Houston’s Animal Cruelty Taskforce If you see a neglected or abused animal or a dumping ground of animals, call the Harris County Animal Cruelty Task force at 1-832-927-PAWS.

Animal safety and cruelty prevention are important issues that all Texans should take seriously!

Sources:

https://lrl.texas.gov/legis/BillSearch/billdetails.cfm?legSession=77-0&billTypeDetail=HB&billNumberDetail=653

https://www.madisonanimalcare.com/its-getting-hotter-tips-on-walking-your-dog-in-hot-weather#:~:text=So%2C%20how%20do%20you%20know,77F%20is%20considered%20very%20risky.

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat#:~:text=Never%20leave%20your%20pets%20in%20a%20parked%20car&text=On%20an%2085%2Ddegree%20day,irreversible%20organ%20damage%20or%20die

Tik Tok Announces Time Limit for Teen Users

 

On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the popular social media platform TikTok announced they would be implementing a new feature, which will automatically set a 60-minute daily screen time limit for users under the age of 18. This new feature is a response to growing concerns from parents over the platform’s potential harmful impact on younger users.  According to the new guidelines, when the time limit is up, users will be prompted to enter a passcode to continue using the device. For users 13 and younger, parents will be prompted to input a passcode every 30 minutes for their child to be able to continue to use the platform.

TikTok partnered with Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital to determine the length of time for this new screentime limit.  Although currently there is not a widely accepted “right” amount of screen time for teens, a promising study by *Tweng and Campbell (2018) found that teens who spend more than seven hours a day on screens are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression. This initiative has not rolled out yet, but TikTok plans to begin implementing this soon.

For more information on social media and mental health, visit our Resource Center or Schedule a Presentation.

Sources:

*https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335518301827

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

For the month of February, Crime Stoppers focuses on the issue of Teen Dating Violence (TDV). Also called intimate partner violence, TDV includes physical, psychological, sexual, and electronic abuse, and can happen with a current or former partner.  Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship, but these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Other common forms of TDV include:

• sending repeated and unwanted messages
• cyberstalking (constantly checking location via social media or another app)
• pressuring a partner to perform sexual acts or send explicit pictures
• frequently criticizing and humiliating their partner
• refusing to take accountability for their bad actions
• forbidding a partner from talking to certain people
• spreading rumors about sexual activity
• going through a partner’s phone without permission

Many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors. 33% of adolescents in America experience some form of dating abuse, but only one-third of students experiencing TDV ever report it¹. Part of that is due to students not recognizing the forms of abuse they see, but another reason is because of the fear and stigma around being victimized by a partner. At Crime Stoppers, not only do we seek to prevent violence in our community, but we are also here to support those that have been, or are currently being, victimized. For victims of TDV, it is important to remember that there are ways to keep yourself safe from your abuser, even at school.

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in any school receiving federal funding, including all public K-12 schools and most universities². Under this law, sexual harassment and other forms of dating violence are illegal. Schools have a legal obligation to respond to any reported cases of TDV and ensure that they are providing a safe environment for all of their students in class, during field trips, and even on school buses. Under Title IX, schools have a responsibility to be proactive in ensuring their campus is free from sex discrimination by having the following:

1. readily available policy against sex discrimination
2. procedure for students to file complaints, and
3. Title IX coordinator on campus to whom reports of discrimination can be made

Upon receiving a report of discrimination, schools must take immediate action. Even if the police are conducting their own investigation, schools are required to investigate separately. Schools must also take the necessary steps to ensure the victim is protected against retaliation from the alleged attacker, their friends, and faculty. Upon completion of their independent investigation, schools must notify the student how the complaint was resolved. Possible resolutions include transferring the attacker to another school, expelling them, or issuing a no-contact order.

Under no circumstances is a school allowed to punish a student that reports discrimination – they shall not force them to change schools, leave a team, or change an extracurricular activity, nor are they allowed to “run out the clock” on a complaint.

As always, prevention is key. Title IX exists as a resource for those that have already been victimized, but preventing all forms of violence, and keeping children and youth safe, is paramount. By modeling respectful relationships – having healthy disagreements, setting boundaries, communicating honestly – and interrupting dating violence when we see it, we can ensure teenagers experience relationships that are happy, fun, and safe.

Sources:

1. org, 2014
2. ACLU, 2011

Our Podcast Returns With Season 5!