Don’t buy fireworks
I want to start by saying that I’m not against celebrating Independence Day, or even against setting off fireworks.
However, a few things have come to my attention that suggest limiting fireworks to community displays might be a good way to go.
Most impactful was my recent discussion with my uncle, a Vietnam War veteran. He shared with me, for the first time, that the upcoming holiday is a hard time for him. The “thwump” sounds of the mortar fireworks launching, and their explosions, trigger his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
My uncle is a big man. He volunteered for military service, went on to become a police officer, and, after retiring, a substitute teacher. He’s spent his life serving the nation and the public. To hear that our civilian celebration, of the things he worked through his life to give us, could cause him such distress surprised and troubled me.
As of 2021, there were more than 16 million veterans scattered across the United States. They’re probably your neighbor, or your neighbor’s neighbor. They’re almost certainly within earshot of a home fireworks display. It’s only fair for us to try not to make the celebration of the things they fought for a waking nightmare for them.
Another reason that seems to be more relevant than ever is fire risk. While a good rain certainly knocks the potential for wildfires down, the use of aerial fireworks is increasingly problematic in a world with a changing climate. In Michigan this year, we’ve already had a massive fire caused by a private source, and for years we’ve been blanketed by smoke from Canadian wildfires, exacerbated by increasingly high average temperatures.
Imagine unintentionally being the person who started those fires. Think twice about setting off fireworks in dry conditions.
Another reason to avoid home firework displays is the risk of injury when lighting off fireworks for yourself. In 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded 10,200 fireworks-related injuries and 11 deaths, including that of an 11-year-old.
Choosing to light off fireworks around your home and family is a calculated risk, to be sure. If you’re planning on drinking during the holiday, definitely reconsider the use of fireworks.
And finally, there are your pets. Dogs, cats, and other animals do not understand fireworks. To them, combined with the excitement of the kids and people, it probably seems like Armageddon. Even distant fireworks can be very stressful for them. If you know they’ll be within earshot, do what you can to make your pet feel safe before fireworks start.
Ultimately, these reasons put together have me deciding to forgo any personal fireworks. I’ll keep my celebration to the community-funded fireworks, which are more impressive than I can manage anyway.
They’re scheduled and announced well in advance, so veterans with PTSD can make arrangements to be elsewhere. They’re put on by trained personnel in ideal locations, and attended by first responders in case of emergencies. Not only all of that, but they’re usually easily viewable for free!
Just leave the dog at home, with one of your t-shirts.
