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 The
City of Burbank
Celebrates
July
4th
I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or
give me death."
-Patrick Henry
Each year at this time, Americans from the Aleutians to the Keys prepare to
celebrate the Fourth of July, the birthday of our great country - the United
States of America.
On July 4, 1776, we declared our Independence from England. That day saw the
beginning of a journey that's brought us through struggles and adversity to
become the proud and strong nation we are today. On the Fourth of July we
remember who we are, where we've come from and what we've accomplished as a
people.
Did You Know???
The first American Independence Day celebration was not on the Fourth of
July, but the Eighth of July, 1776.
On the Fourth, the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of
Independence telling the world that "these United Colonies are, and of right
ought to be, free and independent states."
Four days later in Philadelphia there was a parade with cannons and the
ringing of the Liberty Bell.
The next year Philadelphia celebrated again, this time on July fourth with a
parade, guns, bells and fireworks. By the end of the Revolutionary War,
soldiers returning home carried the idea of the celebration with them.
Since then Independence Day is celebrated each Fourth of July throughout the
United States with fireworks, games and patriotic displays.
SAFETY FIRST!!!!!!!
According to PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA, nearly 13,000 fireworks victims keep
hospitals busy every year. more than half of those injured are children.
Fireworks not only injure users, but also 40 percent of fireworks mishaps
injure bystanders.
The three types of fireworks that keep hospital emergency rooms busy during
this holiday period are bottle rockets, firecrackers, and sparklers. Bottle
rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction prior to exploding and
sparklers burn at temperatures hot enough to melt gold.
One of the reasons fireworks injuries continue to occur is because people
just don't consider how dangerous these devices can be. People often don't
realize - until they are injured - that the risk of blindness or injury
outweighs the excitement of taking risks with fireworks. And giving
fireworks to young children can mean a trip to the hospital emergency room.
<<<<TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE>>>>
Take the test below and find out. Choose from either True or False. Answers
and explanations will follow the quiz.
1. Firework injuries can only occur during the Fourth of July.
2. Sparklers are safe fireworks and can be given to children.
3. Gunpowder is a major ingredient in most types of fireworks.
4. Only people who are careless or unsupervised are injured from fireworks.
5. Only people who set off fireworks risk injuries.
6. Males are more likely to get hurt from fireworks.
7. Bottle rockets are not dangerous because they're just firecrackers tied
to a stick.
8. Homemade fireworks are safer than store bought fireworks.
9. Using fireworks is an inexpensive way to celebrate the Fourth of July.
10. My state bans fireworks.
ANSWERS BELOW
1. - FALSE.
While most fireworks injuries do occur during the July 4th holiday, many
injuries also happen during Labor Day, New Years Eve, Christmas, and Mardi
Gras.
2. - FALSE.
Sparklers are the second highest cause of fireworks injuries that require
hospitalization. Most of these injuries occur among preschool-age children.
Sparklers are dangerous because they burn at a termperature hot enough to
melt gold (1,800 degrees F!)
3. -TRUE.
Most fireworks contain gunpowder which causes these devices to explode.
Class C fireworks (e.g. firecrackers) are legal in many states and contain
up to 50 mg. of gunpowder. Anything higher and the fireworks may be compared
to an explosive bomb.
4. - FALSE.
Because fireworks are unpredictable, injuries can occur even if the person
is careful or under supervision. The best way to avoid injury is not to use
fireworks.
5.- FALSE.
When it comes to fireworks, no one is safe! Prevent blindness estimates that
nearly 40 percent of fireworks injuries are to bystanders.
6. - TRUE.
Men and boys are the most frequent users of fireworks. That's why four out
of every five fireworks injuries happen to males. Men between the ages of
22-44 and boys ages 12-14 are the most common victims.
7. - FALSE.
Bottle Rockets are among the most dangerous fireworks available today. They
account for the majority of all fireworks injuries that lead to permanent
eye damage. Bottle Rockets can move as fast as 200 miles per hour, explode
in mid air, and fly in any direction.
8. - FALSE.
Homemade fireworks are often more hazardous. Those who make their own
fireworks tend to combine the chemicals from other devices to create a
bigger -- and more dangerous -- explosion.
9. - FALSE.
The cost of treating a fireworks injury far outweighs the cost of a single
fireworks package, which is $2.00. The average hospital emergency room
charges approximately $80 for one visit. This price does not include the
cost families must pay for possible permanent injury, physical therapy, or
blindness.
10.
The answer depends on where you live. Only 11 states ban all types of
fireworks; six states allow
Resource: AMA 2005
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