Bridgette OgunMokun

I support the proposed rule of a temporary safety zone which would encompass certain waters of the Upper Potomac River during the New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Fireworks are common during the holidays, especially to signify the arrival of the New Year. However, they are dangerous and must be handled with care and a display of these explosives is safer than individuals trying to utilize them themselves. The New Year’s Eve fireworks display takes place in Alexandria, Virginia every year on December 31st and attracts many spectators. In previous years, the fireworks were launched from land which limited spectator’s proximity and visibility to the show. Hazards to this event are accidental discharge of fireworks, falling hot embers and dangerous projectiles which can be catastrophic, especially due to the mass amounts of people and cold temperatures. According to an article by ABC News Channel 8 last year, 2012 was brought in without fireworks due to the new Virginia laws set forth because there were several incidents in which individuals were injured while using fireworks. Ann Dorman, the director of First Night Alexandria, stated that these laws were enacted to take fireworks further away from the people in order to decrease injuries related to usage. The proposed rule states that the fireworks are to be launched from a barge on the water which would be safer and further away from spectators for viewing. More spectators could be attracted to the event as there would be more room on land to view the display. The enforcement of this safety zone around the fireworks display on the Upper Potomac River would ensure that navigation is restricted before, during and after the event and would be enforced by the Coast Guard throughout the restricted time periods. I support the proposed rule of a temporary safety zone to regulate the navigation flow of the Upper Potomac River for the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, so that a common tradition can be enjoyed.