It’s almost the 4th of July, which means it’s also time to talk about fireworks. While many people love watching the color-filled night sky explode, these shows also come with some risks — even if you’re just enjoying the local fireworks display and not setting off any yourself. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself, your family, and even your pets.
Protect your hearing from fireworks
A fireworks display isn’t just bright – it’s also noisy. Fireworks can register over 130 decibels, placing them in the most dangerous noise category for our hearing. In fact, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) issued a warning this year about potential permanent hearing loss caused by fireworks.
Here’s what ASHA says you can do to protect your hearing:
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Wear hearing protection at fireworks events. Children can wear well-fitting earmuffs, while adults can use regular drugstore earmuffs. Consider purchasing musician earplugs or a custom pair for the best sound protection.
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Stay at least 500 feet away from a fireworks launch site to minimize exposure.
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Take regular listening breaks to rest your ears.
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Pay attention to your body. Leave immediately if you experience pain or ringing in your ears, as these are signs of potential damage.
Protect your pets
You must know why things get so loud on the 4th of July. Your pets, however, have no idea.
In fact, many pets escape their homes on the 4th of July due to anxiety over the sudden sounds of fireworks.
While you may not be able to keep your pets completely calm, here are some pet-friendly 4th of July tips to ensure your pets are as safe and happy as possible.
Before the event:
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Consult your veterinarian: If your pets suffer from extreme fireworks anxiety, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe medication to keep them calm.
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For noise-sensitive dogs, try an item like a Happy Sweatshirt or Mutt Muffs to help muffle the sounds.
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Make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag in case he gets lost.
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Update your pet’s chip with accurate contact information.
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Keep your shelter information handy in case you need to contact them to report a lost pet.
During the 4th of July:
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Never leave your pets in the car, which can cause them to overheat and add additional stress during the fireworks.
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Make sure your pets are indoors and cannot escape your home. Keep curtains closed to minimize noise and light from fireworks.
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Keep your pets home if you can, and create the most comfortable environment possible with their favorite treats, toys, and bedding.
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Turn on a white noise machine to drown out the sounds.
Reconsider fireworks
Sparklers may seem like a safer alternative to home fireworks, but they come with their own risks. Sparklers burn between 1,500 and 3,000 degrees, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that the sparks were associated with a estimated 700 injuries treated in the emergency department last year.
Sparklers can pose a particularly great risk to children. Although sparklers pose inherent risks, children who play with them may also not practice recommended safety precautionssuch as not swinging sparks and ensuring they keep them away from their clothes and body.
Dr. Danelle Fisher, pediatrician and chief of pediatrics at Providence Saint John Health Center in Santa Monica, California, previously told Yahoo Life: “Would you give your child something with fire to play with normally? No! They can backfire on you, they can spit little sparks that can set things on fire, kids can touch them and get burned… they’re really unsafe, especially for young children.”
Want a safer alternative to sparklers for your kids? To replace sparks for glow stickswhich are shiny but do not retain heat.
How to stay calm during fireworks
For many people, loud noises around the Fourth of July can be triggering and cause anxiety and stress. This is especially true for some people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as some war veterans or survivors of gun violence.
If you’re feeling anxious before the Fourth of July about the possibility of fireworks, talk to a mental health professional who can come up with a plan with you to stay as calm as possible during the holiday.
If you are not comfortable with the sounds of fireworks, there are ways to drown out the noise at home. White noise machines — as well as air conditioners, fans and purifiers — can provide enough sound to block out the crackling fireworks. At night, you can also try falling asleep to soft music or, alternatively, put on foam earplugs to drown out any noise.
