The citizens residing in Richland County, SC are subjected each year to unavoidable noise and disruption of their lives by the indiscriminate deployment of consumer fireworks within residential neighborhoods. Fireworks are particularly distressing before, on and after significant holidays such as New Year’s Eve and July 4th, leading to traumatized pets, fires, injuries, and serious distress to military veterans who deal with the effects of post traumatic stress as a consequence of their service. 
Appeals on social media sites to tone down or limit fireworks are met with disdain and have little or no effect in reducing the impact of these displays. Pets left outside during these times become terrified and will jump fences and/or break their leashes and even break through screens or storm doors in attempts to escape from the noise. Even indoor pets are subject to uncontrollable fear and must be heavily medicated by their owners to help them cope. 
Residents who set off fireworks often fail to take even minimal precautions to limit safety risks and allow debris from their celebrations to rain down on the roofs and surrounding yards, creating risks of fire and/or damage to landscaping and vehicles.

We, the residents of Richland County, SC, respectfully request that Richland County Council amend the current statutes to prohibit the use or deployment of consumer fireworks within the boundaries of all residential neighborhoods within the county.