Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography

Early U.S. settlers brought their love of fireworks with them to the New World and fireworks were part of the very first Independence Day – a tradition that continues every 4th of July when we celebrate as John Adams had hoped with pomp, parade, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.

Southern California
Fireworks

Growing up in Southern California, we would almost always watch the Fireworks show from Mission Bay or Sea World. I enjoy seeing the fireworks through my friends photographic eyes.

Fireworks are amazing to watch when done properly. If you are going to set off fireworks, please be respectful of others.

• Remember Fireworks Safety – Use Extreme Care
• Never Use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear. 
• Never hold fireworks in your hands.
• Never light them indoors.
• Never throw or point fireworks at another person.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite a device in a container. 
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that didn’t go off or in case of fire. 
• Never use fireworks that are illegal where you live. 
• Always keep Fireworks away from children.

In making your plans, please include pet safety as well as human safety. Pets find fireworks highly stressful. Bring your pets indoors, close curtains and blinds and turn on the radio to provide some distraction. Leave treats filled with food to comfort animals.  

Remember not everyone embraces the fireworks tradition. It is not just pets that are bothered by the loud noise and the flashing lights caused by fireworks. Young children and elderly are also affected by the loud noise caused by fireworks, disturbing their sleep and wellbeing.

Those who have served in the Armed Services, and live with various levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sometimes also have a hard time with fireworks.

Warning your friends and neighbors about your plans to set off fireworks is a much appreciated courtesy.

Dogs may still have a hard time with those, but people who know what to expect and when to expect it can generally cope with the noise and flashing lights of a fireworks display. If they know they are going to have problems despite expecting what is to come, they can take steps to remove themselves from areas with community displays.

The real problem isn’t the planned events, but instead (especially for those who might have combat related traumatic experiences) is the unplanned and unscheduled pops and bangs of impromptu displays.

Photo Credit:©️Julee Vaughan … All Rights Reserved.

God Bless. Happy 4th of July! Enjoy the fireworks. Remember to be courteous of the stressfulness that fireworks may cause others. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.