Big Bang Theories

Was that a firecracker, backfire, or gunshot?

Bang! Pop! Crack! If you’re like most Americans, you’re a little extra jumpy around these sounds lately, as gun violence rips through communities all over the country. Forbes reported this June that 2023 is on pace to be the deadliest year ever – so far we’ve had more than 300 mass shootings, an alarming and unprecedented number. Not to mention the 17,000+ murders and suicides by guns this year already, including more than 100 kids under the age of 12.

So yeah, sudden explosive noises are especially troublesome these days. And with summertime here, everyone’s out and about and… loud! Streets and parks throughout the city are full of people, cars, activity. Pow! Boom! Snap! What was that?! Before you call 911, there are signs we can all listen for, that can help us assess our immediate threat in percussive situations.

Distinguishing between the sound of gunfire, fireworks, and car backfires can be challenging, but there are some characteristics you can look out for to help differentiate them:

GUNFIRE — typically produces a sharp, crackling or popping sound, often accompanied by a noticeable echo. Gunfire is often heard as a series of quick, successive shots, and it tends to sound louder and more “dense” compared to fireworks and car backfires.

FIREWORKS – usually an explosive, booming sound that resonates and reverberates in the air. There might also be a variety of other sounds like whistles, crackles, and people laughing or going “Ooooh.” Look for visual cues such as flashes, bright lights, and sparks or smoke in the area.

ENGINE BACKFIRE – Car and motorcycle backfires often sound like sharp popping, quite similar to gunfire, but with a lower intensity and/or a slightly deeper or muffled tone. You may also smell oily exhaust or even see flames from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe during a backfire.

It’s also important to note the context and location where you hear the sounds. If you’re near a public event, especially around holidays or celebrations, fireworks are more likely. You can expect to hear backfires around garages or where people might be tinkering with their cars. Is someone watching a violent movie on their porch? That might be where the gunfire’s coming from….

Pattern recognition is key: if you hear multiple similar sounds in quick succession over a duration, it is more likely to be fireworks or gunfire than car backfires (which tend to be one-offs). In situations of gunfire, most cops and other experts agree that two to five shots is a likely spurt. Go ahead and call 911.

But what if you’re in a crowd, and can’t tell where the shooting is coming from? Or who it’s aimed at? Don’t panic!

Take the following steps for the safest possible outcomes:

• Get down and take cover. Walls, cars, benches, mailboxes – any solid object can provide protection. Crouch or lie flat to make yourself a smaller, less visible target.
• If you can see the gunman or estimate their location, try to exit in the opposite direction. Run! If you think you may be a target, move as erratically as possible so you’re harder to get a bead on.
• No clear path out? Hide! Pick the first secure location. Silence your phone and do your best to remember details about the shooter’s looks, weapon, and behavior.
• Scan your surroundings for allies, and anything you can use for defense if confronted. Fighting back is a last resort (try to have a plan if possible).
• Stay calm and follow instructions provided by security/first responders.

Not to freak you out! ✋🛑😬

A little perspective: although mass shootings are no doubt a terrible problem in the US, they’re still rare occurrences, accounting for only a fraction of the death and destruction wrought by personal gun ownership. Sadly, firearms are such a hot-button issue for Americans, rife with misinformation and partisanship tripping up any steps towards a solution.

Meanwhile, it’s important not to let our fears of worst-case scenarios spoil our ability to enjoy healthy, productive lives. Here’s hoping these tips provide some peace of mind as we explore our big beautiful city this summer.

This post was inspired by a Spirit News article (Shots Fired, June 2016), referenced with permission and printed in this month’s Local newspaper. For more information about gun violence prevention, see Everytown.org.