Guest Author - Bonnie Sayers

My family is not interested in fireworks displays. It has never really interested me to hear the loud booms or view the colorful images that light up the sky.

My children's sleep is disrupted often due to the outbursts in the middle of the night in close proximity to our house. Both my children are on the Autism Spectrum making it a sensory issue as well.

Now that there are kittens and adult cats visiting our back porch, front yard and walk way my eleven-year old son is very concerned for their safety as the firecrackers are happening in the area.

Last weekend one landed in the lot next door to our house and was smoking. The dog in that yard went running into the street and up the hill not to be seen for another day.

I keep thinking one of these years my car windows are going to get blown out. I have read through the Automobile Insurance Policy to see if any references were made to damage occuring as the result of fireworks, but nothing is in writing.

I also perused through my Renters Insurance Policy trying to find fireworks listed for damages to the property or injuries to a person. If on the other hand you are someone who uses fireworks it is imperative that you know the laws in your State.

If you are one who uses fireworks on your property, check with your Insurance Agent to make sure you are covered should damage arise out of the usage of the fireworks. There is the possibility that should an accident occur that your claim would not be paid and that your policy could not be renewed.

I worry about neighbors drinking and smoking while partaking in fireworks or barbecuing too close to their legal or illegal supply of Fireworks. Every year I have to clean up my yard from the debris caused from nighttime fireworks.

Help prepare your children when visiting a public fireworks display. Make sure they are wearing socks and shoes instead of sandals. Bring a pair of headphones for the smaller children to utilize when the sounds become too loud.

Fourth of July Tips for Homeowners. This is important consumer information from Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI).

Summer Fire Safety Tips - from the U.S. Fire Administration.

Pet Safety Tips - from Friends of Homeless Animals

Fireworks Safety Role Playing - this is for grades 7 and 8. Teacher tools from National Fire Protection Association.