While the Fourth of July might be a day for picnics, parades and fireworks, often forgotten are those who might not enjoy the loud and crowded celebrations.

For veterans, the Fourth of July can be a stressful day and there are a number of reasons why the holiday can make them uncomfortable. From large crowd sizes, to the sudden flashes of light and sharp sounds, these noises and situations can trigger painful memories for those who were once combatants.

Whether a veteran has been home for years or just returning from deployment, there is much that friends, family and the community can do to help make this holiday more enjoyable for them.

Cynthia Dunn, who has a Ph.D in mental healthcare, works for the Lexington Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Dunn said the best thing you can do for a veteran is to ask them how they would like to spend the day.

“For some people, they might have a hard time with the fireworks, so they might want to go some place quiet. Maybe limit the amount of people you have over or give them time to take a break away from all the activity,” Dunn said.

Sometimes being in a quiet place, away from sudden loud noises can prevent veterans from becoming too stressed. Some veterans are okay with fireworks going off as long as they are aware before it happens. If veterans are exposed to an overstimulating situation, they could become upset, panicked or believe there is a threat of danger.

While this could mean an adjustment in how one celebrates the holiday, being considerate and listening to what a veteran needs can go a long way.

According to Dunn, veterans who have been in war zones can tend to view the world differently than most.

Veterans who become anxious with large crowds, booming noises and bright lights can find some comfort in an app designed for people to take anywhere. PTSD Coach can be downloaded on a smartphone to help someone suffering from anxiety or someone who is becoming distressed by the noises and crowds. Dunn also recommends using the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 1-800-273-8255 and pressing one to receive confidential support.

One other way to support our veterans is by helping to foster community awareness so everyone can be helpful.

“Everyone has a role in bringing our vets home and taking care of them,” Dunn said.

Fireworks and pets

Veterans are not the only ones who can sometimes have a hard time dealing with the Fourth of July. Pets can often become frightened by the loud noises and lights as well.

The Human Society of the United States offers the following tips for pet owners this holiday weekend:

• Leave pets indoors with a TV or radio on to drown out the noise. Create a safe space to distract them. If you need to take them out, or if you plan on taking them with you to an event, make sure they stay leashed and under control the entire time.

• Ask your veterinarian about any medications or techniques that can help alleviate your pets anxiety.

• High heat puts pets at risk of heat stroke. Don’t leave pets in hot cars or leave them outside for extended periods of time.

• Make sure they are microchipped, collared and have identification in the event that they try to escape.

Skovran writes for the Richmond, Kentucky Register. 

Another thing to keep in mind while celebrating the holiday is firework safety. The National Council on Firework Safety aims to teach the public about the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks.

The organization offers the following tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe this holiday season:

• Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.

• Always have water on hand.

• Wear eye protection.

• Never relight a ‘dud’ firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soaked the dud in water.

• Have a designated firework shooter who knows how to properly use the fireworks.

• Follow local laws and ordinances about fireworks.

• Never use an illegal, homemade or professional fireworks. It can kill you!

According to a study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 67 percent of firework injuries happen within the 30-day period leading up to the Independence Day holiday, and children account for 35 percent of the injuries. Always supervise teens and kids when lighting fireworks.