Many people want to see fireworks as they celebrate. The best and safest way to do this is to go to a professional show.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Keep U.S. military veterans in mind.
The ones who suffer from PTSD might find tomorrow’s fireworks and large crowds a bit of a trigger.
The sounds, the smells, and the shockwaves can trigger a lot of veterans into PTSD. For some, it’s not just fireworks that bring about memories, but the smell of gunpowder and large crowds too.
“It’s like war, you know, reminds me of being in Afghanistan,” one veteran said.
For some, these triggers might just bring about this rush. For others, a terrible fear. If you or a loved one struggle with PTSD, Leoni recommends you speak up before the holiday and keep away from any situation you know may be triggering, but if you can’t:
(1) Find the safe area where they’re not in the middle of the large crowd,” Leoni said. “Just kind of segregate a little bit, stay close to family and have a battle buddy.”
(2) If you or somebody you know suffers from PTSD, Leoni said it is important to always have a buddy with you who knows what’s going on and can help you if you were to have an episode.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at