Experts warn of psychological risks from fireworks to veterans and pets

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With the fireworks celebrations comes the annual warning of the risks for people, pets, and the environment.

The physical dangers of using fireworks at home are well known: the threat of serious injuring or starting a damaging fire in dry conditions.

But experts are also warning of psychological risks to both people and pets.

Matthew Buckley, the founder and CEO of the No Fallen Heroes Foundation, said "The flashes, the explosions, the bright lights, the smell of gunpowder can certainly take a veteran back to, potentially, one of the worst days in their life."

Independence Day is exciting for many people, but Buckley, a former Navy fighter pilot, explained why the holiday can be challenging for veterans coping with post-traumatic stress.

Buckley's non-profit organization aims to cut down on veteran suicide. He said PTS manifests in different ways depending on the individual and the injury.

He said some veterans "Maybe even take shelter or want to remove themselves from the threat. I've seen other veterans lash out or want to attack."

Buckley said every veteran he's talked to wants people to celebrate Independence Day, but there's a big difference between a planned citywide celebration and random blasts going off in neighborhoods. He explained, "So 'boom', out close to their house and their apartment, it can definitely be a lot more triggering than a planned, public display."

Using and selling fireworks is already illegal in the city of Milwaukee. Fines can reach $1,000.

And obviously, pets can also be bothered by fireworks. Angela Speed of the Wisconsin Humane Society said, "The crowds, the heat, the loud noises, the bright flashes. It makes most animals really uncomfortable and can be pretty unsafe for your animals too."

The Humane Society says you should leave your pets at home instead of taking them to a fireworks display. Speed also said to make sure your windows are closed, and turn on white noise like a fan, sound machine, or tv.

And there are alternatives to fireworks. Some cities are steering away from traditional fireworks displays, opting instead for choreographed drone or laser shows. Proponents say it's safer, quieter, and better for the environment, while still entertaining thousands."

In Colorado, drone show designer Thomas Dolan said there's no noise pollution or negative environmental impacts. "They are clean. It's just, it's a drone. Our battery, you put them up. They put on a spectacular show. They come back. You're done." Though he does concede the cost of a drone show could be prohibitive.

Not so for laser shows, like the one Minneapolis is trying this year.

Tom Godfrey of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, said, "It is more affordable. The cost of fireworks has gone up over the last several years, whereas a laser light show at this point is still a little more reasonable."

Minneapolis officials say this year's laser show will cost about half what a traditional fireworks show would cost.

But the downside is the size of the show: typically Minneapolis sees about 70,000 people for its fireworks show, but now they say only about 5,000 people will be able to see the laser show.