Summer is here and that means life is disrupted by the sounds of fireworks. My family is not interested in fireworks displays. Dodger Stadium showcases them every year after various events and this is heard and sometimes seen from our home. 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. Besides being on the autism spectrum, my youngest has sensory issues while my older son that is higher functioning can verbally protest on the interruptions and protests often.

With the feral cat family of six that visit our back porch due to living under the house along with a family of skunks my son is very concerned for their safety as the firecrackers are happening in this area. The barking dogs do not help the issue much and then there are the raccoons that visit the front yard and the gopher family that tears up the yard. The firecrackers are landing close to the walkway where our animal friends are staying.

Last year a firecracker landed in the lot next door to our house and was smoldering. 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.

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.

Fireworks, Flags, Video Games and Driving - Seizure Risks and Prevention - Epilepsy.com

Fireworks safety for the whole family - Kids Health

DANGER RANGER Fire Safety DVD & BOOK SET - available at my precious kid

State Laws for Fireworks

Fireworks injury scar fades, memory doesn't - CNN Health


Summer Safety Tips - AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics

Safety and First Aid

Whoever invented fireworks - by Amanda Baggs