Welcome to My World – Leave Fireworks to the Pros!

Hello World!  This is something I feel strongly about. When I was young, someone I knew lost a finger because of fireworks and I’ve not liked them since. I dislike the noise when shot off in a residential neighborhood; the air stinks and it’s hard to breath, pets (& other animals) hate them, as do the young and the elderly… I could go on, but I think I’ve made my point… 🙂

I found this info that I thought was a very good read so I hope you get something from it like I did.

Reasons to Leave Fireworks to the Pros

I’ll ‘fess up: When I was in high school, growing up in rural Northern California, we took the truck out to the dunes every Fourth of July with a crate of illegal fireworks and had a blast — literally.

Looking back on it, it’s a miracle that no one was injured. Thankfully, we didn’t start a wildfire, and we didn’t disturb any of the environmentally-sensitive plant or animal species in our region — as far as we know. But we got lucky. Thousands of people are injured annually by fireworks, usually around the Fourth of July, when national exuberance, holidays and alcohol combine to make a potentially deadly mix.

So here are some compelling reasons for you to leave the fireworks to trained explosives professionals, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying the show.

1. THEY’RE EXPLOSIVE

That’s the whole point, right? Fireworks have been made for centuries from

highly explosive components that don’t always perform as we expect them to, even in optimal conditions. They need to be stored perfectly, handled correctly and set up with care during fireworks shows to prevent burn injuries or unexpected detonation. If a firework goes off too soon, it might burn you — or it might take a limb. Or worse.

2. THEY CONTAIN HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

Love those pretty colors? Those are made with a variety of hazardous chemicals and metals, including lead. They’re gorgeous, but they’re unsafe to handle. Professionals know how to treat fireworks, and how to situate a fireworks show to limit bystander exposure to hazards. As it is, fireworks seriously impact air quality.

3. THEY MIGHT DISTURB COMBAT VETERANS

Do you know everyone within hearing range of your fireworks? Combat

veterans with PTSD often have a difficult time around the Fourth of July thanks to illegal fireworks displays and gunfire. The experience can be triggering, bringing back memories of combat, and it may result in anxiety attacks and setbacks in their therapy.

4. THEY SCARE ANIMALS

People with pets may already be well aware that municipal fireworks scare

their dogs, cats, livestock, and other furry friends. But it’s even more irritating and frustrating when random fireworks and gunshots go off in the days before and after the Fourth. Pet guardians typically try to plan ahead for the big fireworks show with measures like calming medication, staying at home to keep an eye on their pets and more — but they can’t plan for your casual backyard fireworks display. Be courteous to animals and skip it.

5. THEY AREN’T APPRECIATED BY THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

You might live in an environmentally sensitive area with species that rely

on a delicate balance. Fireworks could pose an environmental risk — in addition to their noise and the hazardous chemicals they rain down, you’ll also be trampling ground, disrupting the routines of animals and leaving unfamiliar scents everywhere you go. You could disturb nesting birds and denning animals, or trample wildflowers.

6. THEY CAN START FIRES

Structure fires are bad enough — 1,200 in 2011, according to the National

Fire Protection Association. But since fireworks are usually used outdoors — no, seriously, DO NOT use fireworks indoors — they’re more likely to cause outdoor fires, which can become wildfires. That goes double for areas like the Southwest and California, which are currently experiencing severe droughts — the whole landscape is one giant tinderbox waiting to go up — and once it gets started, it can take weeks or months for your fire fighters to put out these unnecessary blazes.

7. SOME PEOPLE USE THEM INDOORS

No, really, they do. And that’s a monumentally bad idea. The concussive force of explosions indoors can cause  you hearing damage, severe injuries and structural damage to your home. There’s a reason the military usually aims rockets at houses instead of charging in and then setting them off — and don’t forget that fireworks are rockets. They’re not designed specifically for ballistic use, but they have many of the same features.

8. MANY FIREWORKS ARE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR PROFESSIONALS

Especially if they come wrapped in plain brown or black paper, fireworks designed for people who know what they’re doing. That means that they’re designed to make a big bang, but they also lack some of the safety features implemented on legal fireworks. You could seriously injure yourself or others with a firework that you’re not familiar with.

9. PROS ARE ACTUALLY PRETTY GOOD AT WHAT THEY DO

I’ve seen some amazing fireworks displays in my time — beautiful arrays of color and light, cascading flowers, animals and other shapes. These aren’t just carefully-designed special features created in the firework itself. They’re also the result of impeccable timing and organization on the part of pyrotechnics professionals.

There’s a reason pros make good money every Fourth of July, and it’s because they’re capable of putting on a completely stunning show. They’re totally focused on their work, which means they can keep a close eye on safety.

I hope you gained some insight from reading this, and I also hope you use common sense on this Holiday and New Year’s Eve, as fireworks are not toys. Please respect others when you have your fun, and we’ll all have a happier, healthier and safer Holiday…

Have a great healthy day! HAPPY 4th!