The Seattle Police Department anticipates a very busy day on July 4th as Puget Sound celebrates the birth of our nation. To keep the 911 dispatch centers from clogging up with loud firework calls, they are asking the public to only use the service for emergencies.

Here's more from Jonah Spangenthal-Lee with SPD:

The fourth of July is a busy time for the Seattle Police Department and its 911 call center. Along with the reports of injuries and fires that accompany the fourth of July festivities every year, 911 call centers are also typically slammed with calls about fireworks-related noise.

While the Seattle Police Department values every call from neighbors about concerns in their communities, the Fourth has typically been a loud and busy day for police and firefighters over the last 236 years, and frequent fireworks noise complaints make it more difficult for 911 operators, police, and fire officials to respond to life-threatening emergencies across the city.

So, DO CALL 911: to report fires, injuries, crimes, or any other life-threatening incidents.

DO NOT CALL 911: to complain about noise from fireworks, or the weather.

The Seattle Police Department would also like to remind you that the possession, manufacture, storage, sale, and use of fireworks is prohibited in Seattle, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

If you do have concerns about fireworks in your neighborhood, but nothing has been damaged and no one has been injured, you can still call the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011.

Have a safe Fourth of July!