HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — We're getting closer to that time of year when fireworks fill the air. However, the noise can be a problem for people with PTSD and for pets.
Some cities throughout the country have been experiencing random fireworks.
"We've had very little if any fireworks calls. Throughout the year it's not uncommon to have a couple," says Huntsville Police Department PIO, Lt. Michael Johnson.
Johnson says Huntsville experiences more calls closer to July 4th, and individual fireworks are not permitted. "Generally, fireworks that you buy - consumer fireworks at a fireworks stand is not something that we allow here in the city," says Johnson.
A psychotherapist at Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services says the fireworks are a problem for veterans with PTSD, someone who has experienced a shooting, and pets.
"Anything with a loud bang, noise, can impact someone with their triggered PTSD," says Vega. "We want to be mindful that even with our animals, we may want to bring them in. We may want to have a nice quiet noise that may kind of help calm that down."
Vega says it's good to seek therapy as a way to cope and prepare for when fireworks do go off.
"We definitely want to work on our coping skills as well, because the catch with these fireworks coming randomly at night is we cannot control when the person pops those fireworks or how," says Vega.
"You can enjoy fireworks in the city, but that has to be an organized event. There will be a couple of them. Just look out for those announcements. Don't shoot them in your backyard here in the city limits," added Johnson.
Police also encourage anyone who hears fireworks at night to report it.