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If people are gathering for a Fourth of July celebration, there’s a good chance it will include a fireworks display. Sparklers, snakes and tubes that emit sparks are legal in Minnesota but firecrackers and rockets — any fireworks that are aerial or explosive — 

While fireworks continue to be an integral part of the holiday, they may bring fear to veterans, pets and wild animals. 

For some veterans, fireworks can trigger PTSD from combat and mirror the sudden and loud noises they experienced during their service. Because of this, it is important to be mindful of family members, friends or neighbors who have served in the armed forces.

Matt Kaler, program manager with the PTSD clinical team at the Minneapolis VA Health Care system, said it is fairly common for veterans to feel apprehensive about fireworks. 

“Oftentimes [PTSD] is expressed as ambivalence, being torn between wanting to enjoy the holiday and festivities and wanting others to enjoy it as well, but also acknowledging that some of the loud and unexpected sounds, flashing lights and smells associated with fireworks can be strong reminders of challenging and powerful memories,” Kaler said. 

Kaler says it is important that veterans and others suffering from PTSD practice relaxation strategies such as 

, cut down on substances that may influence their emotional state such as alcoholic beverages and caffeine and seek support when needed. 

Minnesota offers many events that extend far beyond fireworks, so all can enjoy: 

For pets, it is best to not bring them to any Fourth of July fireworks shows. More pets go missing around the Fourth than at any other time of year, due to being scared of fireworks. Both wild and domestic animals can suffer fatal health effects from the stress of fireworks. 

According to the Humane Society, bald eagles see the sounds and lights from fireworks as a threat and may abandon their nests or habitats. Wild birds frightened by the noise will fly higher and for longer, potentially exposing them to the harmful ingredients in fireworks that can cause cardiovascular and respiratory damage and — sometimes — even death. 

Wildlife like deer, squirrels and rabbits may mistake debris from fireworks as food, and pollutants from fireworks can wash into their waterways and contaminate their drinking water.

Here are some tips to keep the pets in your life safe during the Fourth of July:

If you find yourself in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line 

 can be reached 24/7 via internet chat, by texting 838255 or by calling 1-800-273-8255 (press 1). To learn more about effective treatments for trauma-related distress, the “About Face” website 

AboutFace | National Center for PTSD (va.gov)

 contains a great deal of information, including testimonials from many Veterans who have sought and benefited from treatment related to their traumas.

Minnesota News

Health

Mental Health

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Sam Stroozas

Author

While fireworks may be a fun celebration for some — they can cause fear and distress for some veterans. Pets and wild animals also often are scared by the deep booms and flashes of fireworks displays.

For those who don't enjoy fireworks, some tips for this holiday weekend

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