Rebecca Martinez

Fireworks play a significant role in many 4th of July celebrations. However, they can also be incredibly dangerous when handled irresponsibly.

In order to help minimalize potential accidents, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has shared some guidelines: 

• Keep a safe distance
• Never relight duds
• Always have water nearby

Please celebrate responsibly - protect yourself and others in the community. 

Click here to learn more.  

To ensure pet safety during fireworks, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping pets indoors, creating a safe and comfortable space, providing distractions and considering using calming aids.   

Always ensure pets have proper identification, like microchips, in case they get spooked and run away. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Create a Safe Space:

• Familiar Items:
  Include familiar toys, blankets, and bedding in the safe space to provide comfort and a sense of security.
• Indoor Confinement:
  Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays. Close windows and curtains to minimize noise and visual stimulation.
• Safe Haven:
  Designate a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your pet can retreat. This could be a crate, a corner with their bed, or a room with minimal windows. 

Provide Distractions and Comfort:

• Calming Music/TV: Play calming music, white noise, or turn on the TV to help mask the loud sounds of fireworks.
• Treats and Toys: Offer puzzle toys or chew toys to keep your pet occupied and distracted.
• Physical Comfort: Cuddle, pet, and talk to your pet in a calm, soothing voice to reassure them. 

Safety Measures:

• Walks Earlier:
  Take dogs for walks earlier in the day before the fireworks start, as some pets may be too frightened to go out later.
• Secure Identification:
  Ensure pets have proper ID tags and are microchipped with up-to-date information. This is crucial if they happen to escape.
• Avoid Fireworks:
  Keep pets away from fireworks, sparklers, and any open flames. Pets may try to sniff or eat them, leading to injury or burns. 

Consider Calming Aids:

• Anxiety Wraps: consider using a compression shirt like a ThunderShirt or a swaddling blanket to help reduce anxiety.
• Pheromone Diffusers/Sprays: Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs) can help reduce anxiety by mimicking calming pheromones. 

Governor Lamont signed major climate legislation into law on Tuesday, committing Connecticut to net-zero emissions by 2050, expanding clean energy incentives, and supporting green jobs. The law also strengthens climate resiliency and places restrictions on the use of rat poisons and a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids.

I’m proud to stand with colleagues and advocates who fought for a cleaner, fairer future. This is a win for our environment, our economy, and our kids.