Strategies for Soothing a Distressed Neighbor and Considering Alternatives Other Than Removal: Experts' Recommendations
Loosing a Night to Noise: Dealing with Summer Screechers
A night out turned sour for friends in Podolsk after a tragic accident.
Illustration: Oleg UKLADOV. [Link to Photo Bank KP]
A wonderful evening out with pals from Podolsk took a dark turn when one friend lost her life and another was hospitalized.
Four pals were enjoying a peaceful evening on a children's playground when a nearby resident, agitated by their noise, approached brandishing a gun, firing it into the air. When they tried to disarm him, he shot a 36-year-old woman in the chest, as per the Moscow Regional Prosecutor's Office. In distress, her friends viciously attacked the offender, landing him in the hospital. A criminal case is underway.
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Turning the Table on Loud Gatherings: How to Cope Peacefully? As summer approaches, barbecues, late-night soirees, and boisterous moments become commonplace. We address this issue with experts.
Drunken Ruckus in the Courtyard
In such situations, it's vital to act within the law and prioritize personal safety, advises attorney Sergei Zhorin. - I wouldn't suggest attempting to reason with a tipsy group, especially when alcohol's involved. Post 11 PM, you have the right to make a call to 112 or 102. Recorded calls provide evidential support. To boost your chances of swift action, request that they log your call and provide a call reference number, ensuring the system acknowledges your complaint. Make sure to report public disturbance: drinking, loud racket, and potential conflicts.
Upon arrival, police officers may conduct a preventive discussion, issue a protocol (say, for drinking in a public place or violating nighttime quiet), and if the group is uncooperative, they can detain the violators and haul them off to the station.
Late-night Parties Next Door
The process of dealing with noisy neighbors resembles that of addressing courtyard groups: call the police post 11 PM.
If loud parties become a regular occurrence in a specific apartment, it's recommended to reach out to the local police officer with a written complaint. By law, they must undertake an investigation and enforce appropriate measures, such as a chat, a protocol violation, court materials submission, or checks by other regulatory bodies, as per Sergei Zhorin.
For successful resolution, present the court with evidence: photos, audio and video recordings of violations, local police officer responses, neighbor complaints, and noise level readings by specialists (around 15,000 rubles during the day and 20,000 rubles at night).
Daytime Noise Wars
During the day, the permitted decibel level in an apartment should not surpass 55 decibels, and 45 decibels at night. For reference, 45 decibels is the level of a normal conversation, a Soviet-era refrigerator, or running water. 55 decibels is equivalent to a fan, a hairdryer, or a quiet office. 90 decibels is the sound of an alarm clock, 100 decibels is that of a drill, 120 decibels is a car horn, and 140 decibels is the noise of an airplane taking off.
In Moscow, noise is forbidden from 23:00 to 7:00, and in the Moscow region, from 21:00 to 8:00 on weekdays and from 22:00 to 10:00 on weekends. The fine for transgression varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles for individuals and up to 50,000 to 80,000 rubles for legal entities.
Further, there is a norm prohibiting noisy construction work between 13:00 and 15:00, as well as on Sundays and public holidays (new buildings have a grace period of 1.5 years for active repair from 7:00 to 23:00).
If peaceful negotiations prove futile, you can contact the police or the Moscow Housing Inspectorate (an online complaint can be submitted). Particularly noisy work may be a result of illegal renovation, and the supervisory authority will terminate it.
Admonishment
What if they're nabbing flowers?
Springtime in Moscow brings blooming lilacs, only to be menaced by hooligans who ruthlessly pluck its branches. Some are also involved in flower theft from city flower beds or residential gardens. File a complaint with the police, and evidence from cameras may help identify the culprit. The next steps depend on the extent of the damage, which could result in an administrative penalty (Article 4.18 "Damage to green spaces" of the Moscow Code of Administrative Offenses imposes fines of 3,500 to 4,000 rubles for individuals and up to 300,000 for legal entities). More severe cases may lead to criminal charges - articles "petty theft", "hooliganism" and "theft" may result not only in a fine but also in administrative arrest, corrective labor, or imprisonment.
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You can complain about road noise, including railways, to Rospotrebnadzor, the Moscow Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, or the unified information service of the Moscow Mayor's Office at +7-495-777-77-77.
Complaints about cafes (noise past 23:00, as well as vibrations from equipment and kitchen odor at any time) should be sent to Rospotrebnadzor.
Nighttime supermarket unloading is generally permissible, but it should be quiet and done on the side of the building without windows. Violations can be reported to the Moscow Administrative Road Inspection (MADI) at +7-495-540-76-56.
Dealing with summer noise nuisances can be a challenge. Here's how to peacefully handle the situation:
1. Chat Amicably- Appraise Gently: Start by talking to your neighbors and explaining how their noise is affecting you. Many people are unaware of the disturbance they are causing and may be willing to lower the noise once they understand the impact.- Set Barriers: Politely ask them to reduce noise levels after a certain time, such as 10 PM.
2. Utilize Noise Reduction Techniques- Landscaping: If possible, use landscaping techniques like planting dense hedges or building a berm to minimize noise from neighboring areas[1].- Soundproofing: Consider soundproofing your home, especially windows and walls, to reduce noise entering your space[2].
3. Leverage Technology- Noise Masking: Use tools like white noise machines or fans to mask outside noise.- Sound Dampening Curtains: Install sound dampening curtains or acoustic panels to reduce noise infiltration.
4. Employ Legal or Community Solutions- Local Noise Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local noise ordinances and report any violations to authorities. Maintain records of disturbance dates and times[4].- Community Mediation: If direct communication fails, consider involving a community mediator to resolve the issue peacefully.
5. Practice Self-Care- Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to help manage stress caused by noise.- Alternative Spaces: If possible, plan activities in quieter areas or visit local parks during quieter hours.
By combining these strategies, you can effectively manage and diminish the impact of loud gatherings or neighbors during summer evenings.
[1] Aronson, S. N. (1992). Soundproofing: Everything You Need to Know—Including Sound-Trapping Technology, Acoustical Fabrics, and the Regulations That Control Noise. Taunton Press.
[2] Zimmerman, J. W. (2016). Soundproofing for Musicians: Acoustics, Building Materials, and System Design. Hal Leonard Corporation.
[4] National Institutes of Health. (2015). Noise and Annoyance: The Exposure Assessment Challenge. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/why-res/health_topics/2013/noise/
Despite the unfortunate events at the children's playground in Podolsk, it's essential to remember the importance of science, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise for maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Engaging in these activities can foster a sense of camaraderie similar to our friends in Podolsk, promoting mental well-being and physical health.
As the summer season unfolds, healthier alternatives to loud gatherings, such as promoting exercise, wellness practices, and quieter outdoor activities, may be more conducive to harmony within communities. By embracing these aspects and handling disruptive situations peacefully, we can collectively improve the overall health and well-being of our society.
