“Guidelines for a Safe Fireworks Celebration for Families, Individuals with PTSD, and Pets”

ORLANDO, Fla. – Lighting fireworks is a holiday tradition for some, but it is important to keep yourself and those around you safe.

At Phantom Fireworks in Orlando, a safety education table greets customers.

“We really try to stress being safe during the holidays,” Izaiah Ortiz said.

Ortiz, the Assistant Manager, tells News 6 that they have seen an increase in firework sales this year, so continuing to push their safety messaging is crucial. The store suggests using safety goggles, gloves and fire extinguishers.

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“We usually recommend cinder blocks to keep [fireworks] secure, just in case,” Ortiz said. “Also, keep a bucket of water with you, and every chance you get after the firework show, give it about 10 to 15 minutes and dump some water on it just so you know it won’t light again.”

While many enjoy celebrating the holidays or ringing in the new year with fireworks, it can be a challenging time for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dr. Deborah Beidel, executive director of UCF RESTORES, a research center focused on PTSD, explains, “When people have a traumatic event that involves any kind of a gunshot, that sound becomes part of their memory and part of their brain. And so when anything that resembles a gunshot occurs, it can trigger those really bad memories.”

Beidel encourages people to warn neighbors with PTSD if they plan to use fireworks.

“I think in addition to veterans, we have to think about in our community the Pulse tragedy that occurred here. There are lots of survivors of that who have the same reaction as a veteran does to that kind of event,” she said.

For those with PTSD, Beidel recommends using headphones, watching a movie, or going to a place where they will not hear the noise. Pet owners should also be mindful, as fireworks can disturb animals.

“If we know the fireworks are coming, we know that dogs are impacted, some cats are impacted as well,” Beidel said. “So, I think anything that we can do to prepare is very helpful and helps some people get through a stressful event that is a very joyous occasion for others.”

What can be a fun time can also go wrong, so being conscious of potential dangers for your family and others is the best way to celebrate with a bang.

“Please don’t mishandle fireworks,” Ortiz urges.

Florida law allows for fireworks use by non-professionals on designated holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Independence Day.