Residents who are anticipating the upcoming July 4th holiday with fear and loathing now have a way to make things a little more bearable.
Instead of worrying about how the noise and embers from illegal fireworks will impact them, community members can post eye-catching signs in their windows to let neighbors know they don’t want illegal fireworks to ruin their holidays.
“We designed the signs so our neighbors can feel they have some way to let everyone know they want to put a stop to illegal fireworks,” says Julie Freestone, one of the founders of Stop Illegal Fireworks, a grassroots Richmond group that is working to let the community know how dangerous and annoying the illegal pyrotechnics are. “There is a definite fire danger, plus fireworks can be a trigger for trauma, frighten pets and cause injuries.”
The signs are available on Stop Illegal Fireworks website sifrichmondca.org in English and Spanish and can be downloaded and printed. Printed window and yard signs are also available for pick up at Richmond City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza.
The City’s Public Works department, in coordination with the FIre and Police Departments, will be installing fireworks fine violation signs in Richmond’s public areas. Volunteers will also be visiting their neighbors with signs and a message: Fireworks are illegal. The grassroots group worked with the City of Richmond to design and produce the signs.
Freestone says there are stories on the SIF website about the impact of illegal fireworks on local residents.
“Each of us plays a role in educating our community about the dangers and encouraging safer ways to celebrate holidays,” Freestone says.