People across Northwestern Ohio are getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and that's exactly what some of America's most patriotic citizens dread.
New research has shown that the sound of fireworks and other noisemakers, typically used on Independence Day, can trigger Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in veterans. While it may not seem like a large-scale problem, PTSD may impact more people than you would think. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 8 million people experience PTSD in a given year.
We spoke with Tamara Wilson from Allen County Veterans Services, who says the best thing you can do, is be considerate to your neighbors.
"If you know that veterans live in your neighborhood, don't just set of random firecrackers and things like that. Or maybe even just ask them if it's going to be an issue. Let them know that you have these and that you will be doing this, and maybe that will give them the opportunity to leave home or at least they're aware so they don't think that something is happening and it's not actually happening," explained Wilson.
If you are planning to set off fireworks at your home, contact your neighbors to let them know what you are planning to do or look for yard signs that were available through Veterans Services to ask neighbors to please be courteous with fireworks.
