December 29th, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager and Public Information Officer, (757) 594-7411
Countdown to Safety: Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Provide Essential Firearm Tips for an Injury-Free New Year’s Eve
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) remind residents to celebrate New Year’s Eve safely by avoiding celebratory gunfire and ensuring firearms are securely stored. As the holiday approaches, we urge families to review basic firearm‑safety practices to help keep our community safe.
Firearm injuries are a public health issue that can affect anyone, regardless of their sex, age, race, ethnicity, or place of residence. The Virginia Department of Health reported 2,488 firearm injury emergency department (ED) visits in 2023.
“Firearm violence is a devastating tragedy and a critical public health concern that impacts families, communities, and the well-being of society as a whole,” says HPHD’s Population Health Manager and Public Information Officer, Tes La Dieu. “We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and celebrate safely this holiday season as we ring in the New Year.”
Safe alternatives for celebrating include using fireworks responsibly and in accordance with local laws, enjoying noisemakers, or popping champagne corks.
If you hear or witness celebratory gunfire, call 911 immediately and do not confront the person responsible.
The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts urge residents to:
- Store all firearms unloaded, locked, and keep ammunition separate.
- Use lockable firearm cases, firearm safes, or cable locks to prevent access.
- Remove firearms from the home if you or a loved one is struggling.
- If you are a parent or caregiver, ask about firearm storage practices before you send your child to someone else’s home to play
- Teach your children about the dangers of firearms and the importance of safe storage.
- Review your own firearm safety practices and make sure they are up to date.
While the holidays can spark joy and celebration, they sometimes can be stressful or bring up difficult emotions. If you or a loved one is going through a tough time, call or text 988 for help and support.
HPHD’s goal is to keep Virginians injury-free this New Year’s Eve and into the New Year. The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts wish you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday.
For more information, please contact the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts at (757) 594-7411.
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