Safety Tips To Enjoy Fireworks and Protect Sensitive Populations
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (July 1, 2024) –The Kent County Sheriff's Office, along with the Kent County Veterans Services Department, and Animal Shelter, would like to remind residents to prioritize fireworks safety and be considerate of their neighbors and pets during the upcoming Fourth of July festivities.
In Kent County, fireworks may be legally used between July 3 - 5. Local cities, townships and villages reserve the right to place time restrictions on when fireworks may be used. Please check with your local unit of government for further information. To report a violation of the fireworks ordinance, residents should call the non-emergency number of their local police department.
Fireworks Safety Tips
When setting off fireworks outside of a sanctioned environment, the Kent County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) offers important safety advice:
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions
- Discuss safety procedures with children, including teaching them “stop, drop and roll”
- Make sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks
- Never aim or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and other flammable materials
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly
- Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of malfunction or fire
For the disposal of unused or misfired “duds,” the KCSO also has safety tips:
- Submerge fireworks in water and let them soak overnight
- Wrap the soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or plastic bags to keep them from drying out
- Place the bagged fireworks in household trash or take them to a local landfill
"Fireworks can be dangerous if not handled properly, and we want everyone in our community to have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July," said Kailey Gilbert, Sergeant at KCSO. "By taking these precautions, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors."
Tips To Consider To Support Veterans
Many former servicemen and women with war-related mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, experience distress at this time of year with the sudden flashes and bangs of fireworks reminding them of combat. Please consider the following tips to help take away the panic reflex veterans might feel:
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Eliminate surprises. If you know a veteran in your neighborhood, knock on their door and let them know about your plans.
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Be aware of the days you use fireworks. Are you having a July 4th celebration or are you planning on celebrating several days before or after? July 3-5 is one thing, but if you are still shooting off fireworks in August, this is far more likely to stress out your neighbor.
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Start with a few small fireworks. Begin your evening with some “low impact” fireworks and let it build from there. This will help reduce the onset of shock from sudden explosions in the sky without any warning.
For veterans or active military members, here are a few tips to consider during the holiday:
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Plan Ahead and Create a Safe Place: Be aware of when fireworks are scheduled in your area and find a comfortable, safe indoor space. Consider using noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, or other techniques to minimize the noise.
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Stay Connected: If you are feeling stressed, it's important to stay in touch with friends, family, or support groups. Reach out to mental health professionals if needed.
"We see a higher rate of distress in veterans during this time of year due to the sounds and sudden bangs of fireworks, which can remind them of frontline combat," said Ryan Grams, Veterans Services Supervisor. "Fireworks bring joy, but we urge the public to be considerate of how distressing they can be for military veterans. We also encourage veterans to start planning now to ensure they have a safe and comfortable environment during the festivities."
Tips For Pet Owners
The Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) is advising pet owners to take precautions in the days leading up to the Fourth of July holiday as fireworks may disrupt the behavior of animals.
"Pets with anxiety often find loud events like fireworks particularly challenging," said KCAS Director Angela Hollinshead. "Pet owners should be aware of how to soothe their anxious pets, have contact information ready in case their pet goes missing, and understand the proper steps to take if they come across stray animals."
The KCAS offers the following fireworks tips for dog and cat owners:
- Keep your pet indoors during fireworks to prevent them from running away.
- Walk your dog during the daylight hours so you can keep them inside at night when people are most likely to use fireworks.
- If you know your dog has a hard time with fireworks, talk to your veterinarian about medications that might be able to help with their anxiety.
- Make sure your pet has access to a comfortable place to hide and do not try to move them from their hiding space as this can cause additional stress.
- Muffle the sound of fireworks by closing all window and doors. You can also turn on music or the television to help soften the jarring noises.
- Consider staying indoors with your pets to offer them comfort and reassurance.
- Make sure your animals have an ID tag or chip in case they get lost and make sure the information connected to your pets’ microchip is up to date.
Pet owners can also register their pets for Petco Love Lost facial recognition software by uploading a picture of their pet to petcolovelost.org. A person who finds a lost animal can take a photo of them and the website will do a facial recognition search, showing owners the lost animals that look like their pet.
The KCAS also offers the following tips if you lost your pet or found an animal:
- Post lost or found pets to local social media groups such as Facebook and Nextdoor,
- Hang flyers in the area where the animal was lost or found, or
- Visit the 24-hour microchip scanning station outside the Kent County North Campus in Cedar Springs to verify if an animal is microchipped.
For concerns regarding a loose animal or animal welfare, residents should call the Kent County Sheriff’s Animal Control at (616) 632-7310. For concerns after hours and on holidays, residents should call the non-emergency number of their local police department.
We urge everyone to follow all the precautions outlined in this release and enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July.
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