How do you tell the difference between the sound of fireworks and the sound of a gun? A few minutes ago, I heard two loud explosion-type noises, which I assumed were fireworks, which seemed to be somewhat east of my house, based on the sound. Since fireworks are illegal around here (fire danger), I called the non-emergency line instead of 911. The police operator told me that someone about 6 or 7 blocks east and 1 block south of me had called a few minutes earlier and reported shots fired somewhat west of them - so between their house and mine. This is somewhat disturbing - both the sound itself and the thought that it could be shots instead of fireworks. How do you know? I mean, fireworks are illegal and potentially dangerous - but if the sound really was a gun instead of fireworks, my level of concern is much higher. It's been maybe 10 minutes (I was on hold with the non-emergency line for a couple of minutes) and I haven't heard anything else... but it does make me wonder.
As an additional question - if you are in your home and hear shots several blocks away, what do you do besides call 911? Close the windows if they're open, or just stay away? Go in the basement? Something else?
As an additional question - if you are in your home and hear shots several blocks away, what do you do besides call 911? Close the windows if they're open, or just stay away? Go in the basement? Something else?