Fireworks Hate Is Real
June & December are the regular periods where fireworks go on sale and people are upset by the noise, trash, and loud gatherings. The wave of fireworks hate during these months is something we always address. If you have found your way here to our website, you already know that we do large fireworks shows on July 4th. We shoot legally, safely, and respectfully. Our show is big, is controlled by electronic firing systems and it’s a true show, meaning it builds to certain points and certain effects. I am also the only shooter so others can enjoy their adult beverages! Every year we see posts on social media about issues that people have with fireworks, and we reply by posting to help others understand the legalities and safety of shooting. With this in mind, we share facts to help stop arguments and false statements before they start…
FIREWORK REGULATIONS
- You can purchase fireworks in unincorporated areas of Harris County only between June 24 and July 4. If you spot any stands selling outside of these dates, report them to the constable’s office. Many residents dislike fireworks, so it’s important to respect and enforce the legal time frame.
- In Harris County, you may legally set off fireworks any day and at any time—as long as the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) does not indicate an active drought. To monitor drought conditions, use this link: https://twc.tamu.edu/kbdi.
- Unincorporated Harris County does not have noise ordinances. While you can file nuisance complaints about various issues, please don’t refer to Houston’s noise ordinances—they don’t apply in this area, and using them causes confusion.=
- Often there are specific items that cannot be fired due to safety. This is normally items that have “fins” like bottle rockets and Saturn Missiles. We never shoot these types of fireworks because they are so unreliable in terms of their path and potential landing places.
- For more legal information on Fireworks laws in Texas CLICK HERE.
NOTE: Some of the information on this page are specific to where we live (Harris County, Texas) but the safety aspects apply anywhere. For specifics about your state, you should check out this page from Big Fireworks (who are one of our product suppliers): State Regulations of Fireworks.
So now a couple things to keep in mind, regardless of where you are located:
SHOOT SAFE TO AVOID FIREWORKS HATE!
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Do not let kids fire things. We never think anything bad will happen, but did you know that a simple sparkler is 1800F to 3000F. These burn so fast that they can’t burn you… or so they say. Pointing bottle rockets is just plain stupid and scary and if I see anyone (including anyone’s children) doing so I will, and have, stopped and gotten out of the car to make it stop. Shoot them up, and for God’s sake shoot them from a (wait for it…) bottle! That is how they are intended. Children’s safety can suffer due to fireworks hate from their use.
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If you shoot artillery shells do so only one at a time. I have seen people hurt badly by doing stupid things like inserting 2 shells in the same tube at the same time. The lift charge on the bottom of the shell is not meant to life two or more and it will explode lower than expected, which is dangerous.
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Don’t look down into a tube to “see if it went off”.
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Don’t try to re-light something that didn’t go off. Soak it and throw it away.
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Don’t shoot under the influence. I’ve been doing this a long time in a big show, and I don’t have a drop until the last piece has gone off.
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Have water nearby. SOAK SOAK SOAK the pieces that have fired until they basically float! People lose their homes every year because they do not soak their pyro appropriately and it catches something on fire. Use water like crazy!
BE CONSIDERATE!
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Shoot at reasonable times. We shoot far more than anyone else in the area as far as a I know, and it happens from approximately 9PM and ends no later than 10PM. No one wants to hear explosive noises going off for days on end until all hours of the morning. Try to consider that and limit your time to shoot because it affects community’s fireworks hate.
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Clean up after yourself. We have a ton of trash that falls from the sky, and we clean it up the next day. Be considerate and do the same.
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Tell your neighbors what you’re doing. Things go much easier when the people around you know in advance and choose what’s best for themselves, their pets, and more.
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You will see people post about PTSD and I get it. I served. But if people know in advance, they can prepare by either going elsewhere, taking prescribed meds to relax or other means. They fought for our freedom so communicate and be considerate (do you see a pattern in this? LOL).
Our Furry Friends Are Very Important
We have pets and of course they don’t understand loud noises. But they are also not traumatized forever by them either. There are several ways to help your pets during the celebrations. Here are some good tips to help with that:
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Create a Safe Indoor Space: Keep them indoors during fireworks; never leave them outside or in a yard unattended. Prepare a quiet room where they feel safe (like a bedroom or closet). Close windows, blinds, and curtains to muffle the noise and flashes.
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Drown Out the Sound: Turn on calming music, a fan, or white noise to help mask the sound of fireworks. TV or radio at moderate volume can also help keep things normal and reduce startle responses.
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Provide Comfort: Stay calm and relaxed — your pet will pick up on your emotions. Offer their favorite blanket, toys, or a crate if that’s their comfort zone. You can gently cuddle or stay near them, but don’t overly fuss — it can reinforce fear.
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Use Distractions: Give treats, puzzle toys, or a long-lasting chew to keep their focus away from the noise. Try training games or a new toy before the fireworks begin to tire them out.
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Consider Calming Aids: Thundershirts, calming collars, or natural sprays can help soothe anxiety. For extreme cases, consult your vet about anxiety medications or sedatives.
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Secure Their ID: Make sure your pet’s collar ID tags and microchip info are up-to-date. Scared pets can bolt — this helps ensure they can be identified and returned if they get out.
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Don’t Bring Pets to Fireworks Shows: The noise, crowds, and chaos can be overwhelming — leave pets at home in their safe zone.
The Most Important Two Words:
The real bottom line is those two words: consideration and communication. Hopefully, this info helps a bit when the threads start being posted. Fireworks hate is notable, but celebrate safely! If anyone has ANY questions about fireworks, please message me or email us here. We are always more than happy to help and share our experiences.