Many throughout Sullivan County celebrated our nation’s Independence Day earlier this month with the traditional lighting of fireworks.

While most people are willing to tolerate and make an exception for fireworks on the Fourth of July, it’s important to remember that they’re still dangerous and are best left to the professionals.

Yet for weeks after the holiday weekend, many people can still hear them being used.

As reported in the Democrat on Friday, officials in the Town of Callicoon have addressed an increased number of fireworks complaints in recent weeks. Callicoonis not alone as it can be an issue for communities around the state.

New York State has rules and requirements for pyrotechnicians in order for them to be able to legally buy and use fireworks for their own celebrations. For example, many people were able to enjoy professional fireworks displays in the towns of Bethel and Liberty this past Fourth of July.

And there’s a reason these shows are left to experiencedpyrotechnicians.

Each year fireworks are responsible for thousands of serious injuries and emergency room visits. The Consumer Product Safety Commission  around 15,600 injuries treated in 2020 nationwide involving fireworks, according to the latest annual report published in June 2021. For most of us, consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and aerial devices, are illegal statewide.

Fireworks can affect some veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They can also cause distress to pets and other animals, as well as creating a potential fire hazard.

Most of us live our lives with an understanding thatwe need to be courteous and respectful toward our neighbors. One way to do that is by not lighting off fireworks weeks after the 4th of July and at all hours of the day and night.