Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced enhanced security measures being taken this week by state agencies ahead of New Year’s Eve.
According to a news release from Hochul’s office, agencies including the Division of State Police, New York National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will have increased staffing through the holiday, and security will be augmented at airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit systems as a precautionary measure to help keep New Yorkers safe.
“As we gather in New York City to celebrate the start of a new year, I’ve directed our State agencies to take all necessary steps to ensure that New Yorkers and visitors can celebrate safely and peacefully,” Hochul said. “Public safety is my top priority, and I am committed to using every tool at our disposal to keep you safe.”
According to the release, state police will be at “maximum staffing” through the New Year’s holiday and there will be an increased presence of troopers at critical infrastructure and transportation facilities statewide. “State Police will monitor all mass gatherings and share intelligence with other law enforcement agencies to keep New Yorkers safe,” the release stated. “Troopers will also be highly visible on interstates and state highways as part of a dedicated holiday traffic enforcement initiative targeting aggressive and impaired drivers.”
Hochul also urged New Yorkers to practice safety when engaging in celebrations, including using sparklers that can cause dangerous fires and injuries when not used properly. The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control states that sparkling devices are “ground-based or handheld sparking devices that produce a shower of colored sparks or colored flame, crackling or whistling noise and smoke – they do not launch into the air.” Users must be 18 or older to use sparkling devices. The following fireworks are illegal statewide: firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and aerial devices.
Sales of sparkling devices by certified permanent and specialty retailers can only take place during the year from June 1 to July 5 and Dec. 26 to Jan. 2. Sales of sparkling devices by certified temporary stands or tents can only occur from June 20 to July 5 and Dec. 26 to Jan. 2.
Sparkler safety tips
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never throw or point sparkling devices toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow packaging instructions.
• Keep a water supply or an approved fire extinguisher nearby.
• Only light one sparkling device at a time and never attempt to relight a “dud.”
• Always use sparkling devices outdoors. Never light sparklers inside.
• Store sparkling devices in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• If you are impaired by alcohol, do not use sparkling devices.
• Always wear eye protection when using sparkling devices.
The state Office of Fire Prevention and Control also encourages parents and guardians to provide children and teens with non-flammable alternatives to sparkling devices, which can be easily found at most retail stores, such as glow sticks, pipe cleaner “sparklers,” fairy lights and LED items.