NORTH CAROLINA -- As you ring in the new year this weekend, gun safety experts are warning against celebratory gunfire.
Bullets can travel between two and five miles into the air, and return to the ground at around 200 miles per hour.
They can damage vehicles or homes, and seriously injure or kill people and animals.
Alan Koontz, a firearm instructor, said, if you are shooting, "Make sure the gun is pointed in a safe direction, know what your target is, as far as the ground or the area you are shooting into, and have fun, enjoy our second amendment rights, that's what they are there for. But don't be stupid when handling the firearm."
He also said if alcohol is involved, you should avoid firearms at all costs.
If authorities find out that your bullet damaged property or injured someone, you can face criminal charges.