This Christmas Decorating Mistake Could Cost You $11,000
Every year the discussion rages on when is the best time to put up your Christmas tree and Christmas lights. This year you may have an excuse for putting up the tree early because of the possibility of a Christmas tree shortage.
One of my fellow co-workers put up her tree on the last weekend in October but didn't put any decorations on it until after Halloween. She tried to claim that it doesn't count until the ornaments go on the Tannenbaum.
But what about your Christmas lights, especially the ones that you put up outdoors. They might look pretty but it could end up costing you and I'm not just talking about the electricity bill.
There is a place in the Southern Tier that people can go and observe Christmas lights and outdoor decorations as far as the eye can see. People come from MILES around for the free holiday displays on Maryvale Street and SpringTree Blvd in Apalachin.
If you are one of the residents in the area that participates in this...Thank You! However, did you know that your Christmas lights could lead to an $11,000 fine? Not just in Apalachin but anywhere that displays outdoor Christmas lights.
We aren't talking about your regular lights that you sting along your house but the laser lights that you shine on your house or garage door. Where you can run into a problem is if they aren't positioned correctly.
The problem is that the laser lights could shine into the sky and effect the aircraft flying above. This is what the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has to say about it.
Federal Aviation Administration Warns Against Pointing Laser Lights In The Sky
The FAA want you to make sure that your laser lights remain aimed at your house. When the snow and winds begin to blow, your lights could point toward the sky. You may not think that the lights would be strong enough to get that high but they could.
The FAA receive reports from pilots that are distracted or blinded by laser light displays coming from residential areas. In 2021, the FAA had over 8,500 laser light reports which was 2,000 more than the year before.
If the FAA finds out where it's coming from, they'll contact you and ask you to fix the problem or turn them off. If you ignore them, you could be punished and that makes for a un-merry Christmas for all involved.
Laser Light Fines are Severe
If the FAA thinks that you are doing it on purpose at the aircraft, then the feds, state and local law agencies can get involved. You could end up with an $11,000 fine...per violation. BAH HUMBUG!
If you know of a display that could be dangerous to planes and pilots, you can go here to let the FAA know about it. You can see the video about the dangers of lasers and get the facts about laser strikes hazards.
Be careful so that your winter wonderland isn't turned into a green Grinch, costing you a big fine and a bad time.
Here are a few of the 2021 Christmas displays from Maryvale Drive and SpringTree Blvd. in Apalachin.
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