4th Of July Fireworks Disruptive To Veterans With PTSD, Group Says

While thousands of Ocean County residents and visitors will be flocking to watch fireworks displays this coming weekend, local veterans are urging those considering personal displays to rethink them.

For veterans, the loud noises that go with fireworks -- firecrackers popping can imitate gunfire, and loud explosions from cherry bombs and M80s -- can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder for those who have been in combat.

The group Military with PTSD has been campaigning since 2014 to raise awareness of the issue, which affects as much as 20 percent of those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. It's not just the younger veterans affected; many veterans of Vietnam and Korea suffer from PTSD as well.

"According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, loud blasts and flashing lights can sometimes induce panic attacks. PTSD is characterized by emotionally re-experiencing traumatic events. The thoughts are triggered for combat veterans by the sound of an explosion or gunfire, or even certain sights and smells, according to the Institute of Medicine," the group says.

But personal fireworks displays in your neighborhood aren't just disruptive for veterans; they are illegal in New Jersey, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office reminds.

"It is a crime to sell, use, and/or possess any kind of fireworks—including Chinese firecrackers, Roman candles, M80s, cherry bombs, salutes, M100s, sparklers, etc.," said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the prosecutor's office.

The vast majority of illegal fireworks are brought into Ocean County by adults and as a result, a disproportionate number of children suffer injuries, Della Fave said. To prevent injuries and property damage, local police departments will step up enforcement and will confiscate illegal fireworks, he said.

Possession of illegal fireworks is a disorderly persons offense and is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 30 days in jail, Della Fave said.

Possession with intent to sell is a fourth-degree crime, punishable by fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to 18 months in jail. And, possession of destructive devices is a third-degree crime with fines of up to $10,000 and incarceration of up to three to five years in jail.

Military with PTSD provides free signs for veterans to place on their lawns warning neighbors about how the fireworks can affect them. Click here to learn more about the campaign and how you can help.

(Fireworks photo by Karen Wall)