[Press Release] : 911 and calls concerning fireworks

[Press Releases]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
Contact: Zim Schwartze, OEM/PSJC Director, or Scott Smith, Public Information Officer - (573) 874-7400
 
911 and calls concerning fireworks 
 
COLUMBIA, MO (June 29, 2010) - With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, the sound of fireworks has been increasing around the city of Columbia. City ordinance forbids the discharge of fireworks within the city limits, and many residents have been calling the 9-1-1 Operations Center this week to report persons violating city ordinance. Columbia/Boone County Public Safety Joint Communications reminds those who call to complain about fireworks within the city limits to utilize the non-emergency number at the Operations Center which is (573) 442-6131. 
 
“We encourage everyone to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency but we want to stress that the number should be called only during an actual emergency,” said Director of Public Safety Joint Communications Zim Schwartze. “If someone is injured by fireworks and needs medical assistance, by all means call 9-1-1; but if you want to report that someone in your neighborhood is shooting fireworks, we ask that you call the non-emergency line.” 
 
Schwartze stresses that when non-emergency calls are received over the 9-1-1 lines at the Operations Center it hinders operators from taking calls which are true emergencies and can delay a response to someone who really needs help. 
 
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