Celebrating NYE? No Need to Fire Guns in Air

It's New Year's Eve and folks will be celebrating all sorts of ways.

The Atlanta Police Department reminds celebrants against welcoming 2014 with gunfire and driving drunk:

Celebratory gun fire is a crime in which stray bullets from shooting a gun in the air can fall causing property damage, bodily injury and even death. Moreover, celebratory fire is a misdemeanor charge and citizens can face fines up to $1,000. The department is also urging residents not to drink and drive during the holiday. The APD encourages residents to designate a driver before celebrating and use MARTA or other modes of transportation.

A zero tolerance policy has been issued for any crime committed during the New Year and APD is beefing up its patrols in Downtown, Midtown and other areas. 

APD will set up safety zones with officers visible at nearly every Downtown street corner and surrounding areas. Additionally, a pedestrian corridor will be erected around Underground Atlanta and bag checks will be conducted beginning at 5 p.m. for security purposes.

The following won't be allowed in Underground:

• Bags
• Backpacks
• Coolers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Weapons
• Pets
• Picnic baskets
• Bikes
• Inline skates
• Skateboards
• Lawn chairs

New Year’s Eve event listing (partial list)

• Chick-fil-a Bowl parade, Downtown at 1 p.m.
• Chick-fil-a Bowl Fan Zone, Georgia World Congress Center, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Duke Blue Devils vs. Texas A&M Aggies, Georgia Dome at 8 p.m.
• Downtown Countdown New Year's Eve, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Peach Drop 2014, Underground Atlanta, Dec. 31, 6 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

• Prevent crime: Don’t make it easy for criminals to break into your vehicle by keeping your car clean. Be sure to remove all valuables including purses, cell phones, GPS navigation systems, laptops, tablet computers, firearms and other valuables from unattended vehicles.
• Plan ahead: Consider taking MARTA to events, or carpooling, to minimize the traffic volume expected in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta.
• Be aware: Always be aware of your surroundings, and call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity. Remember the department’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign to encourage vigilance for criminal activity.
• Park Smart: Be mindful of parking only in permitted lots and be sure to pay attention to any “No Parking” signs to avoid citations or fines. Violators are also subject to having their vehicles towed and impounded. Also, be aware of possible road or lane closures due to events to plan your outings with minimal disruptions.