Celebrating Fourth of July in Mahoning Valley? See tips on where to go & when to travel
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Fourth of July in the Mahoning Valley: safety tips for pets, advice for staying sober and links to local family-friendly fireworks celebrations on Thursday.
Where to celebrate Fourth of July in the Mahoning Valley
Fireworks displays are set to begin as soon as the sun sets on the Fourth of July in several communities, with celebrations happening throughout the day.
Check Mahoning Matters’ Fourth of July list of events in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, including the Fun Family Day in downtown Niles and Fireworks at Firestone.
Animals and fireworks
One major worry around Independence Day celebrations is the effect loud explosive fireworks have on wildlife and pets.
Dogs, birds and cats get scared by the commotion and want to get away from the area, according to the U.S. Humane Society’s article.
Here are four tips for keeping both pets and wildlife in your area safe during and after fireworks celebrations:
- Keep pets inside and safely away from fireworks during the few days leading up to the Fourth of July celebrations. If you’re unable to leave your pet unattended at home, keep them leashed and under your direct control at all times. When it’s loud, leave a radio or TV turned on to soften the loud noises. If you need more help, ask a veterinarian or learn more online about tips for keeping pets calm when triggered by things like fireworks or thunder. “Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys, can also keep them occupied and distracted during the festivities,” according to the DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital blog.
- Keep pets safe with collars and ID tags. If your indoor pet breaks out often, consider getting them microchipped. If you find a lost pet, either take them to the address on their tag or bring them to a local animal shelter so they can be reunited with their family.
- While celebrating, keep all fireworks, sparklers and firecrackers securely out of your pet’s reach. Sparklers can burn pets, and ingesting chemicals in fireworks can make them sick. Keep them on a leash during festivities. There are several animal-friendly alternatives to setting off fireworks on your day off, like nature walks, light displays and outdoor film screenings or concerts.
- Clean up all debris, metal and spent casings from fireworks after setting them off. Many of these materials are indigestible, toxic wild animals and your pets and pollute the local water sources.
What will travel be like?
Nearly 70 million people are expected to take a trip for Fourth of July festivities. Check out the best days and times to travel to avoid traffic, according to AAA.
10 fireworks safety tips
According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, setting off fireworks and using sparklers can be dangerous and cause injuries every year like burns and lung irritation.
Eight people died from injuries they sustained from fireworks last year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Dr. Anjay Khandelwal, director of the Adult and Pediatric Burn Institute at Akron Children’s, said every year, thousands of children wind up in emergency rooms with injuries from either watching or using fireworks, including bottle rockets, sparklers and firecrackers.
“Many families believe sparklers are harmless and safe for young children to use,” said Dr.Khandelwal. “However, they are the most common cause of injury from fireworks in children. What families may not realize is a sparkler can reach temperatures above 1,500 degrees, which can cause serious burns or ignite clothing.”
Eight hundred patients, mostly kids and teenagers, received treatment for injuries associated with firecrackers and 700 patients for injuries associated with sparklers.
To avoid a hospital trip, here are 10 reminders everyone setting off fireworks should read this holiday season:
Kids should never play with fireworks. Firecrackers, rockets and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you do give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from their face, clothing and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt gold.
Buy only legal fireworks with instructions for proper use. Legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer’s name and directions, whereas illegal ones are unlabeled. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster or quarterpounder.
Use ready-made fireworks rather than making your own, even from a kit.
Always use fireworks outside. Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud. For extra precaution, have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
Steer clear of others setting off fireworks. They can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even as a joke.
Don’t hold fireworks in your hand while lighting. Wear eye protection, and don’t carry fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
Point fireworks away from homes, brush, leaves and other flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some of the fireworks may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
How to stay sober on July 4
Thomas Isbell, cofounder and CEO of Sabino Recovery is an addiction recovery expert.
Isbell said during celebrations where drinks are expected, it can be challenging for being trying to stay sober this summer.
“During the summer months, staying sober can be hard,” said Isbell. “Trying to be social during this time especially requires a lot of patience and dedication. There is no shame in recognizing that an event or party is too much for you and removing yourself. Those around you who really care will happily provide accommodations for you and will help where possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 17% of adults binge drink and 13% of the population over the age of 12 have used illegal drugs in the past month.
“Substance abuse issues are treatable and with focus and dedication you can thrive in these social events without feeling that urge to engage with alcohol or drugs,” said Isbell.
Here are seven tips to avoid a relapse and stay sober during Fourth of July and other summer social events:
Keep your reasons for being sober visible. This grounding practice can help, whether it’s a photo of your family, a checklist of affirmations and reasons or a picture of yourself, a simple photo can prove good to keep you in check and remind yourself of your motivations and keep yourself accountable for your recovery.
Have a sober buddy. If you have to attend the event without a sober friend to support you, have helplines saved on your phone you can easily call. Save 988 or the Ohio Addiction Hotline at (866) 210-1303
Find other sources of dopamine. One important thing to focus on is increasing your dopamine levels through other, healthy, methods. Mediating, eating healthy and exercising are a few ways to start.
Get over your embarrassment and enjoy the fun. According to Isbell, Many of us feel embarrassed over doing something like dancing in public, but in order to remain sober you must jump the hurdle and become okay with doing things you have deemed humiliating in public. Practicing mindfulness ahead of a trip can set you up and then engaging, little by little, in the ‘embarrassing’ behavior can slowly but surely get you feeling more confident.
Check alcohol-free option ahead of time. Isbell recommends bringing your own alcohol-free alternative.
Recognize your triggers and avoid them. Being around alcohol while trying to stay sober can be an easy catalyst for relapsing. Isbell said going to a Fourth of July celebration if you’re new to the sober journey can feel like too big of a risk for staying on track, and there is no shame avoiding it for this year. It is more important to keep yourself on the path to your goals and any true friend would understand.
Set boundaries. You build trust with yourself when you know your limit and stick to what you say. There is no need to be overly harsh with yourself though, and it is important to set realistic goals.
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This story was originally published June 30, 2024 at 6:10 PM.
