ATLANTA -- July fourth weekend is here and Georgia's new fireworks law - plus all the big fireworks shows - should make for an especially rousing celebration of the nation and its independence.
But many veterans and others with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) are especially cautious this time of year – and for good reason.
Residents might think it would be obvious but with the new Georgia fireworks law and with more people celebrating the Fourth with fireworks in their own yards and neighborhoods - along with the gigantic shows - military veterans with PTSD are asking their neighbors just to give them a heads up.
"I love to see the fireworks, but if they're close enough to me, no," Matthew Burany said.
When he hears fireworks, he's suddenly back in the sands of Iraq with his Army unit - fighting the enemy again.
"Any loud noise, any flashes, would easily make me jump and somewhat crouch down," he said.
That's how his PTSD affects him.
He loves the July Fourth and fireworks. He just has to prepare himself for the noises, first.
That's why, a year ago, another military veteran and his wife, with the organization "Military with PTSD" started printing yard signs and giving them away to vets all over the country.
It serves as a way for veterans with PTSD to ask their neighbors simply to let them know before setting off fireworks.
"It can be highly triggering for someone who's in the throes of PTSD," Tom Pritchard said.
Pritchard of Fort Collins, Colo. counsels veterans and explained that unexpected fireworks can cause physical reactions in PTSD patients – reactions that are the same as when they were in battle.
"It can trigger someone into a fight or flight or even a freeze type of experience," he said.
Veterans like Brandon Schechter are not trying to stop fireworks. They're sure their neighbors will be courteous once they're aware of their illness.
"Just being courteous. Go ahead, have a good time," he said. "Be respectful about it."
Being respectful about it, he said, will give the PTSD patient time to prepare and enjoy celebrating the holiday.
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