Personal fireworks are prohibited in some localities and counties, but they should be banned crossed the United States for at least the following two public health and safety reasons:

ONLY controlled exhibitions on July 4th should be allowed, monitored by a professional pyrotechnician. 'Safe and sane' fireworks can also be dangerous and potentially destructive when not used responsibly and might be considered to be included in the law.

1) they are a fire hazard -- fire is the single-biggest natural hazard in California. It does more property damage and takes more lives than any other natural hazard. (And it's a natural hazard that we can actually minimize with some basic, common-sense measures.)

2) they are a noise hazard -- especially for some of our sensitive veterans who may be triggered for PTSD, babies and young children, and pets.

The sale of fireworks to the general public is both irresponsible and archaic. We have issues were: 

Mental Health not just our Military Veterans - 

The loud sounds of fireworks and the flashing lights can act as a trigger for some veterans' PTSD, causing great amounts of stress and anxiety. For the 4th of July specifically being about the celebration of Americas' independence, triggering PTSD in American veterans is not a good way to honor them and their sacrifices. 

For Combat Veterans, especially those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, these explosions are particularly difficult to deal with and could trigger serious mental health consequences. Those with non-combat PTSD are also profoundly affected.

For those on the autism spectrum, the unexpected and violent nature of any type of fireworks can cause anxiety and stress, and for those with sensory issues, fireworks can be extremely distressing.

Many of our elderly residents are affected. Fireworks, whether they are illegal or 'safe and sane' in our neighborhoods, can adversely affect those experiencing Alzheimer's & Dementia.

People with heart issues are affected. When the tiny particles and gases in smoke from fireworks are breathed into the lungs, it can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause angina in some people with heart disease.

For people without PTSD, not on the autism spectrum, and without these health issues, it is a nightly nightmare to live in an environment where they are subjected to frequent explosions. It makes them wonder, did something explode, is someone hurt, is there gunfire, should I call the police? Our citizens demand that we not be subjected to the effects of illegal fireworks!

Starts Fires -

The use of explosive fireworks by anyone other than a professional pyrotechnician is dangerous and potentially deadly. The National Fire Protection Association estimates nearly 19,000 fires are started by fireworks annually. 

Especially in California, being a state known for its large abundance of fires annually, fireworks are a hazard. Many of the fires are caused annually in California annually. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, 13 fires were started just today (July 4th, 2020), many of them being suspected of having fireworks as the cause. California has enough fires annually as it is, not needing fireworks to add on to the count. 

Negative Effects on Animals - 

Animals are affected on many levels. Numerous owners find that they have to sedate their pets due to the explosions, which send the pets into a panic and flight response. Many households suffer from stressed pets who have to be sedated or used to keep them calm. Many have died as a direct result. Dogs are lost when they bolt due to fireworks going off.

As I was watching fireworks on July fourth, I noticed the bats that normally reside in the trees in my backyard flying around seems very disoriented and frightened. My own dog was even shaking so loud from the sounds of the booms she was visibly vibrating. Not only are fireworks frightening towards animals but they can also result in their deaths. According to audubon.org, birds become frightened by the bright lights and sounds of the fireworks, become disoriented and fall to their demise by crashing into buildings, cars, and trees. 

The impact of fireworks on wildlife can be considerable. The shock of fireworks causes wildlife to flee, and they usually end up in unfamiliar areas or on roadways, flying into obstacles, potentially abandoning their nests, leaving their young exposed to predators.

Both wildlife and the environment suffer horrendous damage, including many deaths and injuries caused to our native species and us.

Bad for the Environment - 

According to terrapass.com, fireworks cause "extensive air pollution in a short amount of time" by leaving dangerous toxins and metal particles as well as harmful chemicals in the air for hours and even days, which is bad for both animals and humans health. According to Science Focus, these harmful chemicals can dissolve into our drinking water and the smoke created by the fireworks negatively affects air quality. Particle pollution is increased by 42% the following days after the 4th of July due to fireworks. 

Hundreds of cities and communities throughout our State are experiencing an extreme influx of these explosives devices and are being bombarded by them on a daily basis. This illegal activity must be stopped!

We are experiencing one of the worst droughts in our history, and the use of these dangerous and potentially deadly explosive devices only amplifies the potential for fires. All it would take is the smallest spark to ignite an entire neighborhood. Think of the damage and potential loss of life.

The Wrong Hands -

They fall into the wrong hands and are purposely fired at both people and animals​ cause distress and injury. The fire service suffers from constant hoax calls only to be attacked with fireworks when they turn up on the scene. Fireworks are set off constantly from the moment of sale until they go off sale. It’s not just one night but can, in fact, last several weeks.

Food for thought "Please click on the links"

Having watched many videos of animals in distress, I feel it’s time to stop the selling of fireworks. It’s not just domestic animals that get distressed; wildlife, cattle, horses, and humans as well, too—time for a change. 

Keihley says: Please help and sign this petition; it would help many people and animals... My daughter suffers from PTSD since being hit by a car, and the sound of the bang of fireworks is like the accident happening again...People also forget about those that fought in the war... And also animals, we are lucky with our dog and the horses we had, as they didn't tend to bother, but others do with catastrophic outcomes. The emergency service always struggles at this time of year, and the amount of children getting hold of these is ridiculous... It needs to stop sales to the general public... ONLY professional displays.

Alternatives -

Don't worry, I'm not just gonna leave you hanging without a list of alternatives. Here are a few that are still fun and entertaining while being more environmentally conscious.

Laser light show - despite electricity used during the show, they can be used multiple times rather than just once.  And they are just as pretty and entertaining as fireworks. Use Eco-friendly fireworks as well as being silent- Yes, they do exist. And while they don't solve every problem listed above, they are more environmentally friendly. One company uses compressed air to lift the fireworks instead of gunpowder and harmful chemicals. While it doesn't completely solve the issue, it's a better alternative. However, a laser light show would be the best option. 

Laws - 

Organized Fireworks public displays should​ only be sold to licensed displays that run for the one night a year they are supposed to be active. The retail industry cannot abdicate its responsibility once the fireworks leave their stores. They have to be held accountable for the damage caused after-sales or refrain from selling them in the first place.

We request that they are restricted to holidays, and are kept between the hours of 9:30 pm to 10:00 pm.  We request that previous laws regarding age are kept in place however we would like to expand on placement laws that would restrict people to a distance of 100 feet from a neighboring structure.  We would also request fireworks not be allowed if the environment is extremely dry to help prevent brush fires. 

The penalties for possession and use of illegal fireworks must be severe. Fines must be substantial, and increased for repeat offenders. All convictions must include a mandatory jail sentence and multiple convictions for repeat offenders might be considered to be subject to (like California's 'three strikes' rule). Which they should be liable for any property, life lost as well as animal abuse.

All property owners and tenants of properties throughout the Untied States where there is evidence of illegal fireworks being possessed or used must be substantially fined. The citizens of California must be notified that such measures will exist.

Our Border Agents must be required to take greater responsibility for ensuring that these explosive devices do not make it past the border. They must be required to conduct thorough vehicle searches at all major border crossings, confiscating any illegal explosives and detaining the criminals for prosecution. This would ultimately result in less access to these devices.

We the citizens of the United States demand that illegal fireworks be stopped immediately. We demand that the United States intercede and hold local community governments responsible for taking this matter seriously and revising their illegal fireworks ordinance accordingly. 

We all wish for the United States to be a peaceful, safe and desirable place to call home. Help us to make the United States a better place to live for everyone!

Please make sure you click on the links they have some great information on there