Rule number one of fireworks is “Don’t blow your fingers off like a certain NFL player.” The second standard is that your pets do not like pyrotechnic displays. Dogs and cats have far better hearing than humans and those airborne booms do not go over well with them. The Louisiana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (L-SPCA) has issued a reminder that dogs are frightened by fireworks and often run away on the Fourth as well as some pointers to keep Rex happy.

Who doesn’t love a good fireworks display? Apparently, your pets don’t. Dogs have far better hearing than humans and those airborne booms do not go over well with them. The Louisiana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (L-SPCA) has issued a reminder that dogs are frightened by fireworks and often run away on the Fourth as well as some pointers to keep Spot happy.

It's the Fourth of July which means lots of fire. It's also time for the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) to weigh in with their annaul reminders about safety. First and foremost, NOLA's Bravest urge citizens to leave the pyrotechnics to the pros. The guys with the hoses also remind locals that reckless grilling can sometimes end in disaster especially after a few frosties.

Today is Independence Day, and fellow Americans, NOLA is offering you the freedom to do whatcha ya' wanna. Start out on the bayou (St. John) for the Krewe of Kolossos boat parade and then check out fireworks on the River. Head out for some adult fun at one of the many adult holiday celebrations at the bars such as America The Party at the Rusty Nail or just check out some funk on Frenchmen. Click through for more.

Hawaiian shirts might be the uniform of Jazz Fest, but for the next week the City will be flooded with sailors wearing government issued uniforms. NOLA Navy Week begins today when six vessels steam up the River and dock in New Orleans.

On January 8, New Orleanians will take a moment to remember why the park in front of St. Louis Cathedral is called Jackson Square. The city will celebrate the bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans and and Andrew Jackson, the hero of the battle.

Fireworks are far from fun for our furry friends. The Louisiana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (L-SPCA) has issued a reminder that dogs are frightened by fireworks and often run away on the Fourth. According to the group, dogs have hearing 10 times more sensitive than humans, and the booms and bangs of pyrotechnics take a toll. Fortunately the group has issued some tips on keeping Rover calm.

It’s hard to imagine Fourth of July without this whizzes and bangs of fireworks at the end of the street. But the New Orleans Fire Department and EMS want you to approach the upcoming holiday a little bit differently — fireworks free. 

From Freret to Bourbon St., there is no shortage of New Year’s Eve celebrations tonight in the Big Easy. There is a free fireworks show and concert for those seeking a more traditional NYE to welcome 2014. Metal fans can check out Goatwhore on St. Claude, Louisiana indie trio Brass Bed is performing on Freret, and more. On this day in 1987, LSU beat South Carolina 30-13 in the Gator Bowl. Now, time to figure out where to be when the fleur-de-lis drops. 

New Year’s Eve is a unifying celebration, with people all over the world coming together through shared drunkenness, countdowns, and fireworks. Pyrotechnic expert Jesse Veverka talks to NoDef about the history of the explosive show stoppers, and about their evolution.