In a playful Facebook post, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office implored citizens to exercise a little restraint and refrain from dialing 911 for mere pyrotechnic displays.

The plea came after a graphic, lovingly crafted on Microsoft Paint circa 2004, circulated on social media advising people when NOT to dial the emergency hotline. Apparently, the graphic, despite its obviously amateur design, failed to capture the attention of certain individuals who felt compelled to ring up the authorities to report fireworks.

In a single moment in time, St. Tammany Parish dispatchers fielded not one, not two, but a whopping six calls related to fireworks.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, Facebook
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, Facebook
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While the brave men and women of law enforcement valiantly responded to these non-emergencies, the potential consequences became clear. With their resources stretched thin by these seemingly endless calls, what if a genuine crisis, like a medical emergency or a serious accident, occurred simultaneously?

But here's the shocking revelation: fireworks are set to continue blazing across the skies for at least the next few nights. Yes, a shocker to some, it seems that fireworks are a staple of July 4th celebrations. Who would have guessed? The sheriff's office, ever insightful, assured residents that they possess the superhuman ability to detect these bursts of color and sound all on their own. No need to press that shiny red panic button!

Undoubtedly, fireworks can be loud and even cause minor disturbances, especially when it comes to anxious pets. However, it's important to distinguish between an annoyance and a genuine emergency. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, ever dedicated to their duty of protecting and serving, kindly requested that citizens save their valuable resources for real emergencies.

So, as you celebrate this Independence Day, let's all be safe, smart, and considerate. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of fireworks and the freedom they represent. And, perhaps, spare a thought for the hardworking men and women in uniform who are on the frontlines, bravely fighting off a barrage of phone calls about things that go boom in the night.

In the meantime, if you're ever unsure whether to dial 911 or not, remember to consult the sacred texts of Microsoft Paint, for they hold the keys to enlightenment, or at the very least, a good laugh.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office
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In the words of the playful Louisiana Sheriff's Office, stay safe and have a fantastic Fourth of July! ✌️😎

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