Now that our raucous celebration of our nation’s independence is over, serenity is once again returning to our area’s neighborhoods.

Fireworks are traditionally used to celebrate on July 4 and New Year’s Eve, but some people say they are too much to handle in residential areas.

Loud explosions from pyrotechnics over homes can trigger anxiety in people and pets, present safety hazards when handled without training and exacerbate existing disputes between neighbors.

Though most counties in our area don’t forbid setting off fireworks, they are illegal in many incorporated towns and cities.

Even so, densely populated neighborhoods echoed with booms and cracks this week, set off by those either unaware or unperturbed by local laws.

Enforcing those laws can be difficult for police, who often spend their shifts fruitlessly tracking reports of fireworks scofflaws during the holidays.

We’ve heard several complaints this week already, so we wanted to put the question to our readers.

How should the law address fireworks?

Are current laws sufficient?

Too strict?

Should enforcement practices be changed?

What limits might be set in places where fireworks are legal to placate those seeking peace and quiet and those inclined toward rowdiness?

~Johnson City Press