Keep your holiday from going up in smoke

Independence Day is upon us, bringing with it sunshine, free time and plenty of opportunity to gather with friends and loved ones for a little patriotic playtime.

But how to make sure that you and your pals – whether two-legged or four – are celebrating safely? Here are some quick tips from area experts to keep the festivities from going up in smoke.

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Don’t bomb out

Without question, fireworks are a festive favorite at this time of year. In fact, if they haven’t started in your area already, you may be in the minority!

But when you’re ready to marvel at the rockets’ red glare, make sure you’re doing so both legally and safely. An estimated 14,700 Americans were treated in emergency rooms due to fireworks-related injuries last year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and 11 died.

But common sense and following local laws can help prevent your holiday explosions from being a bust. Here are some quick reminders from the City of Mount Pleasant:

• Fireworks are legal on private property from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. through Saturday, July 5.
• Don’t ignite or launch fireworks of any time on public properties, at churches or schools, or on another person’s land without permission.
• It’s illegal for minors, or for people under the influence, to possess or launch fireworks. It’s also illegal to fire them when a burn ban is in place, as established by the National Weather Service.

If you are planning on lighting up the sky this holiday, here are some basic safety tips:

• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Never allow kids to play with fireworks of any kind. Yes, even sparklers … they get hot!
• Wear protective clothing, including eye protection.
• Only light devices on smooth, flat surfaces and keep them well away from houses, residential areas, dry leaves or other flammable materials.
• Always have a hose or bucket on-hand to soak spent ordinance or to put out a fire.
• Never try to light fireworks that have malfunctioned.

Catch a (professional) show

Independence Day is Friday, and if you're still looking for the perfect place to catch some festive fireworks, here's our list of top shows, just a quick drive from Mount Pleasant. Check event listings for more details or information about additional festivities. 

• Bay City Fireworks Festival: 10:12 p.m. Thursday through Saturday from Veteran's Memorial Bridge⁠
• Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort: Dusk Friday at the Concert Venue⁠
• City of Beaverton Happy Little Fourth of July fireworks: Dusk Friday at Ross Lake⁠
• Midland Fourth of July Celebration: 10:06 p.m. Friday from the St. Charles Ball Diamonds⁠
• Lake Isabella Fireworks: Dusk Saturday over the lake. 

Protect your pets

Having your pets with you during this explosive holiday may seem like a fun idea, but it is important to take caution when it comes to their safety. Pets have a range of emotions when it comes to fireworks — the loud noises and bright lights can cause a ton of stress or fear for animals. 

Luckily, there are several ways to keep your pet safe and calm while you enjoy the festivities. 

The best precaution, according to experts, is to leave your pet at home and stay with it, but sometimes that just might not be possible. The American Kennel Club has tips specific to dogs, but that can also work for other domestic animals:

• Desensitize your dog to loud sounds. Try to play recordings of fireworks and thunder while you relax with your dog before the holiday; use positive reinforcement to make the sounds seem less scary for them. 
• Identify your dog’s stress signals. Dogs may pant, drool, pace, tremble, hide, whine and many other things when stressed. Know when to comfort your dog and be aware of their stressors.
• Make sure your dog is easy to identify. If it gets scared at a social gathering outdoors, it may want to run away or hide. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet, as well as ID tag and microchip to help identify it. 
• Keep your dog on a leash to really secure them and make them feel safe.
• Do not let guests feed them table scraps. Fourth of July is a time for grilling and barbecuing and guests may like to share with your animal buddy. However, it is important to identify what human foods pets may not eat. Some foods like onions, avocados and grapes can be toxic for dogs. 
• Stay away from sunscreen or insect repellents for humans. Dogs can lick these products and may get sick, so it is best to keep them out of reach or to not use them. 

If you plan on keeping your pet indoors, Best Friends, has some tips for keeping them calm: 

• Close the windows and blinds of the room you are in to help lower the noise and light.
• Add some background noise or run a fan to drown out the fireworks.
• Give your pet some chew toys while the fireworks occur, since chomping can help soothe their anxiety.
• Give your pet a blanket to help them feel safe and comfortable.

Pet stores may have commercial products designed to help your pet as well. ThunderShirt is a velcro-on jacket that provides pressure and sensory input to calm dogs and cats. Pheromones in the form of a wipe, spray, collar or diffuser can help calm your pet as well. These are both best to give your pet before the stressful event, so they can get used to it beforehand.

The environmental impacts of fireworks

Fireworks can be fun, but it is important to also be aware of some of the impacts they have on the environment. You might just find you also enjoy more environmentally-friendly options. 

Not only can fireworks harm wildlife and the environment, but they can also harm humans’ health. According to the American Lung Association, almost 300 million pounds of fireworks are released into the atmosphere each year in the U.S. The explosives contain sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which are extremely harmful to our lungs. Some fireworks can even contain lead. 

Fireworks set at home can be even more dangerous than ones set in a public show because the smoke is closer to the ground. They cause pollution and can also start wildfires. 

The American Lung Association has some ideas on how protect yourself and your community from health risks: 

• Stay upwind to avoid smoke and minimize exposure to the particles.
• Stay indoors with the windows closed and an air conditioner on to help keep the air indoors clean.
• Monitor air quality. 

According to the association, drone and laser shows can be a lot less negatively impactful to health and the environment for a number of reasons: 

• They don't produce smoke and can reduce air pollution, along with its health risks
• They likewise don't pose fire risks and are safe for dry areas and wildlife
• They mean much less noise pollution. Fireworks can be loud and stressful to pets, wildlife and people with noise sensitivities, whereas drones and laser shows are a quieter alternative.

Fun firework alternatives

Although many people like fireworks, they are simply not for everyone. Veterans, people with sensory issues and more may not enjoy the noises and lights that come with fireworks. 

Hope Autism Clinic has some tricks for helping children who may have sensory issues and are sensitive to fireworks:

• Be prepared and plan ahead. Talk to your child about fireworks and let them know what they will be experiencing so they can be more prepared.
• Utilize coping strategies. Create a safe, quiet and comfortable space for your child to go if fireworks become too overwhelming. Introduce coping tools such as noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs or weighted blankets.
• Connect with community resources to find sensory-friendly alternatives.
• Educate and advocate: inform friends, family and neighbors about your child’s sensory needs to bring more understanding

Dayton Children's Blog offers some fun alternatives to fireworks that anyone can enjoy, especially those who may find fireworks overwhelming. They include: 

• Glow sticks, bracelets and necklaces
• Flashlights or colored lights
• Glow paint for fabric or the body
• Chasing fireflies
• Confetti-filled balloons
• Bubbles: You can create colored bubbles with dish soap and food coloring
• Silly string
• Straw rockets 

Have a safe and happy, Fourth, everyone -- however and wherever you celebrate.