For many of us, the Fourth of July or New Year's Eve are times of celebration and joy, marked by dazzling displays of fireworks in the night sky. However, for me and countless others in Colorado, this joy is overshadowed by anxiety, fear, and distress caused by these explosive sounds. As someone with loved ones who suffer from PTSD, I see firsthand the severe impact fireworks have on their mental health. Each burst or bang can trigger a traumatic flashback, disrupting their sense of safety and well-being for days.

Furthermore, my pets, like many others, endure an immensely stressful experience during fireworks. They cower in fear, suffer from shaking fits, and some pets even go missing due to the terror these loud sounds instill. It breaks my heart to see them suffer without understanding why.

The risks associated with fireworks extend beyond individual discomfort. Each year, fireworks are responsible for thousands of injuries across the United States. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that over 10,000 people are treated in emergency rooms annually due to fireworks-related injuries. In Colorado, a state known for its dry climate, the use of fireworks also heightens the risk of wildfires, threatening lives, property, and wildlife.

We need to shift away from dangerous traditional fireworks towards more humane and environmentally friendly alternatives. Drone light shows and laser displays are emerging as wonderful options that offer all the spectacle without the negative consequences.

This petition calls for the lawmakers in Colorado to take decisive action to ban the use of fireworks in the state. Let's prioritize the health and safety of our community, protect those with PTSD, save our pets from distress, and prevent tragic accidents and wildfires. Join me in calling for a statewide ban on fireworks. Sign this petition to make Colorado a safer and more considerate place for everyone.