The night sky will soon be filled with bursts of color and echo with cheers of excitement.

Many gatherings on July 4 will include fireworks displays of all sizes. And while the merriment they bring is great, military-related agencies and organizations impress upon residents to consider the effect they may have on our veteran neighbors.

According to U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, combat veterans and those who worked in combat zones can pair threat with whatever was in that environment, including what they saw, heard or smelled. With fireworks or other loud noises, a veteran's brain can feel in danger.

"I know veterans who spend Fourth of July night inside of a closet with headphones on and a tablet," said Lance Newman, executive director of Hidden Wounds in Sumter, South Carolina. "We are asking people to be careful and be mindful of who lives around you that may be a veteran. Those things lie dormant, and they come alive during fireworks time, whether it's at Christmas, New Year's or Fourth of July."

For any veterans who may be struggling this week with impending fireworks displays, Newman suggests wearing headphones to soften the noise, turning the TV or any sound up to drown out the fireworks or, if able, travel outside the area.

Other states, such as North Carolina and Virginia, offer safe spaces to veterans, where they can shelter from the fireworks while enjoying a free movie, entertainment, conversation or anything to get their mind off what's happening. Sumter does not have any safe spaces, but Newman hopes to have a few for the next major holiday or next year.

Anyone who lives in an area with veterans should let them know when and for how long your fireworks display will be to help them plan for the holiday.

United States Veteran Affairs offers tips to help veterans cope with triggers and get through the celebrations:

• Remind yourself where you are and what is happening around you. Repeat simple reminders such as, "This is not a combat zone" and "These are only fireworks." This can help reset the brain during a PTSD trigger.
• Change the body's temperature. Safely lowering body temperatures with a cold shower or using an ice pack, ice cubes, frozen vegetable packs or a splash of cold water can quickly remind someone where they are and help quell PTSD triggers. Grounding or breathing techniques can also help veterans or those sensitive to loud noises stay present.
• Schedule meaningful activities you enjoy. Planning self-care can boost your mood and offset the overall impact of stress triggers.

Any veterans struggling during fireworks displays can call the Veteran Crisis Line by dialing 988 then pressing 1, or text 838255. Access free, confidential support 24/7, 365 days a year. The Veterans Crisis Line serves veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members and those who support them. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

Safe and sound

United States Product Safety Commission reported about 9,700 injuries related to fireworks treated in hospitals across the country in 2023, the majority of which were burns to the hands and fingers.

Lt. Selena Smith with the Sumter Fire Department said while enjoying fireworks displays hosted by professionals is recommended, hosting your own among family and friends is fun, too - as long as everyone stays safe and sound.

To ensure that, she recommends to:

• Read and follow directions listed on firework packaging or advised by the seller.
• Purchase age-appropriate fireworks for children, and always have adult supervision while handling fireworks or sparklers.
• Have a hose or fire extinguisher on hand in case of an unpredictable spark landing.
• Call 911 in case of an emergency.

As a courtesy to neighbors and the environment, pick up all trash and remnants of fireworks once your display is complete.

The Sumter Item is owned by Osteen Publishing Company, a sister company to Gulf Coast Media.