Being safe and considerate with fireworks

With firework sales starting in preparation for the Fourth of July, you may be hearing them in your neighborhoods or using them yourself but it’s important to be safe and considerate of others.

Fireworks are a known cause of fires especially during this drier time of year.

“We really want to see people utilize fireworks that are safe and sane that they can let their family have a good time but keeping low to the ground or on the ground. The other part is, be in an area where you’re not going to have active fire starts such as large low grass green grass areas,” says Bill Arsenault with the Idaho Falls Fire Department.

And be prepared just in case.

“Always have a bucket of water, garden hose stretched out. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately. There are a number of firework injuries that occur every year because people do not have the proper shoes on or have long sleeves on so they get burns,” says Arsenault.

And while some enjoy fireworks, some don’t. Specifically military personnel with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“They experience it as a result of a trigger, such as a loud noise. Something unexpected, something they’re not planning for, such as a firework,” says Michael Hartley, therapist, and owner of Mental Wellness Center.

Which can have dire consequences.

“Any loud noise or sudden noise could make them possibly re-experience the event, have a flashback it may cause them to be increasingly suicidal or even more aggressive toward people in general,” says Hartley.

Be mindful of those in your neighborhood.

“Let their neighbors know what their plans might be. Military personnel that I’ve worked with indicate that planned events sometimes are a little bit easier to cope with.”

The loud explosions can affect pets too. Check with your neighbors before lighting off fireworks.