Author: FBMUD 128

Independence Day is synonymous with fireworks and celebration. They are a fun way to commemorate the holiday and enjoy a bit of excitement. Though awe-inspiring, fireworks can also be dangerous if not handled properly. It is important to use caution while enjoying this festivity.

As a reminder, fireworks are legal for purchase and transport in the unincorporated parts of Texas but could be restricted by your homeowners’ association, so make sure you check your deed restrictions. Further, bringing fireworks into many municipalities within Harris, Montgomery, and Fort Bend Counties can be illegal and carry heavy fines per violation, so keep that in mind when celebrating on Thursday evening and through the weekend. If you want to celebrate within the cities, be sure to check out local shows put on by professionals and save yourself the cleanup afterward!

Following the safety guidelines below will help keep you and your family safe from harm should you choose to light fireworks in the evenings. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC):

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper as this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Be sure to back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire.
• Light fireworks one at a time.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks have burned out, douse the spent device with water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Be sure that fireworks are legal in your area before you buy or use them.

It is possible to enjoy fireworks while still being safe! Remember to steer clear of short fuses and suspicious packaging.

When it comes to safety, the numbers don’t lie; according to the NFPA:

• Fireworks started an estimated 31,302 fires in 2022, including 3,504 structure fires, 887 vehicle fires, 26,492 outside fires, and 418 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated six civilian deaths, 44 civilian injuries, and $109M in direct property damage. (Note: Total may not equal sum because of rounding error.)
• In 2022, U.S hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,200 people for fireworks-related injuries; Over half of those injuries were to the extremities (29% hands and fingers, 19% legs, 5% arms) and 35% were to the eyes or other parts of the head.
• Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 28% of the estimated 2022 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2022 Fireworks Annual Report.

Lastly, celebratory gunfire is always illegal in Texas cities with a population greater than 100,000. The crime of illegal discharge of a firearm within city limits is a misdemeanor punishable by as much as $4,000 in fines and one year in jail. Firing a celebratory bullet that harms another person could lead to a felony charge of deadly conduct, punishable by a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years.

Any issues involving gunshots, fire- and/or medical-related emergencies should always be directed to 911.

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Jugging is a term used to describe a form of scam or fraud in which individuals are targeted and robbed after leaving a bank or ATM. This criminal activity involves a group of people working together to steal cash or other valuable items from unsuspecting victims. Criminals who engage in jugging often observe their targets as they enter and exit banks or ATMs, looking for people who withdraw large amounts of cash or items from safe deposit boxes. They then follow the victim to their next destination, usually a retail store or other business, and wait for an opportunity to break into their car and steal their valuables.

One of the best ways to prevent jugging is to be aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting a bank or ATM. Take note of any suspicious individuals or vehicles in the area and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, such as jewelry. If possible, use electronic banking services or credit cards to make transactions.

When leaving a bank or ATM, be sure to check your surroundings and make sure you are not being followed. If you suspect that someone is following you, call the police or go to a safe location, such as a police station or crowded area.

Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight and make sure your car is locked and windows are rolled up. If possible, park in a well-lit area with security cameras. To avoid becoming a victim of jugging, individuals should be aware of their surroundings, avoid leaving large amounts of cash or valuables in their vehicles, and take steps to protect themselves and their valuables.

If you believe you are being followed, or if you are victim of jugging, contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

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Summer is here, the kids are out of school and for many residents this means traveling for summer vacation.

As a resident of Fort Bend Municipal Utility District 128 (FB MUD 128) you have access to free vacation watches by Fort Bend Constable Precinct 4.

Residents can request a vacation watch at no cost. While away from your residence, Fort Bend Constable Precinct 4’s Office will patrol the area and keep a watchful eye on your home.

Please leave detailed information about your home such as:

• Will you be leaving any lights on in the home?
• Do you have any pets staying in the home?
• Is there an alarm system and if so, will it be armed?
• Have you authorized anyone to come into your home?
• Are you leaving any vehicles at your home?
• Is there a secondary contact we can reach out to in case we are unable to reach you?

To request a vacation watch from Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, click here to fill out a vacation watch form.

Please remember to update Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable’s Office of any changes such as additional people coming to your residence or changes in date of departure or return.

Tips for the home while you’re away:

• Inform the alarm company of your departure and make Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable’s Office the first contact while you are away from home, as this will save valuable time in getting law enforcement to your residence.
• Have lights on timers, as having lights on around the clock is a sign no one is home.
• Leave a parked car in the driveway with no valuables inside.
• Make arrangements for your pets, whether it be someone coming to your home to walk and feed them, a boarding facility, or having them stay with a trusted family member or friend.
• Make sure your pet’s information such as ID tags, collars, and microchips are up to date and give a list of emergency contact information about your pet such as preferred veterinarian, updated shot records, and other medical information with the authorized person(s) watching your pet.
• Finding a trusted person to house sit is one of the best ways to avoid your home looking empty.
• Find an emergency contact that can be called in case you cannot be reached.
• Put your mail on hold with USPS Hold Mail. This will keep your confidential information in a safe place till you return (for up to 30 days).
  https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Hold-Mail-The-Basics

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