Show your love of country this July 4th – just be safe doing it

bulldog — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:03:00 GMT

Hot dogs, parades, red, white and blue, and fireworks – it's how most of us will spend our Fourth of July holiday. Almost everyone enjoys fireworks, particularly during July 4th celebrations.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety has recommended that if you buy fireworks to for your own private use, make sure you buy them at a licensed store or stand. Never buy them from an individual's house or out of someone's vehicle. Such fireworks are likely to be illegal explosives that could injure or even kill you.

Consumer fireworks regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission are brightly colored and have safety warnings on the packaging. The packaging sets forth the country of origin, typically China. Typical packages include fountains, cones, sparklers, fire crackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, ground spinners and multi-shot products.

Illegal products are often unpackaged or wrapped in plain brown paper, and don't usually bear any kind of safety warning. They are handmade in unsafe environments, and may go by names such as M80, Quarter Stick or Cherry Bomb. If you are approached and asked to buy any of these explosives, decline and call the police.

Fireworks are typically safe, when used in accordance with their instructions. Follow these safety tips:

• Only use fireworks outdoors.
• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Never give fireworks to young children.
• Always wear safety glasses when setting up and lighting fireworks.
• Always have a bucket of water or water hose close by.
• Remember that alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

Using sparklers is a typical way for people to celebrate America's birthday at cookouts and parades. Sparklers are safe, as long as you follow a few common sense rules. It should be noted, however, that 16 percent of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, and most of those injuries happen to young children.

Following these tips can help:

• Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
• Always remain standing when using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms when using sparklers.
• Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
• Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has died out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers in a container of water.
• Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
• Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
• Never throw sparklers.
• Show children how to hold sparklers away from their bodies and at arm's length.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

For us humans, fireworks can be a fun and inspiring experience. But remember that for many pets, fireworks can provoke anxiety. The bright lights and loud noises can cause panic and hysteria.

To keep your pet safe this Fourth of July, remember these safety tips:

• Unless your pet has proven to be unaffected by fireworks, don't take your pet to large crowded venues for a display. A pet could react to the loud noises by running, or hurting themselves or others.
• Keep your pet indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so make sure you've removed items your pet could destroy or that would be harmful if chewed.
• Leave a television or radio playing at a normal volume to keep your pet comfortable while you are attending your celebration.
• If you know your pet becomes distressed because of loud noises, consult your veterinarian before the holiday for ways to alleviate the fear and anxiety.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even if you have a fenced yard or the pet is tied up. Pets that normally wouldn't leave their yards may become lost or get tangled up in a leash or chain when frightened, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pet is wearing identification tags or is micro-chipped so that if he does become lost, he can be found and returned promptly.

Hot dogs, fireworks, patriotism...and traffic

bulldog — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:44:00 GMT

The Fourth of July is coming up this weekend – and it will be marked by higher gas prices.

AAA expects the national average of regular gas (self-serve) to range from $2.70 to $2.80 per gallon this holiday weekend. And although those prices will make even the most intrepid traveler wince, they're still not as bad as the $4 per gallon drivers had to pay in in July two years ago.

There will be more people on the road this weekend that this time last year, AAA says, despite the high cost of fuel. About 34.9 million people will travel at least 50 miles from their homes. Only 29.8 million road-tripped last year during the same time period. The holiday travel period this year is defined as July 1-5.

Travel experts say airports will be busy as well, but most people will be driving to their destinations. AAA said air travel is flat when compared with last year's figures, and airline rates are up 13 percent. The reason people are driving and not flying, according to AAA, is that Monday is a holiday for some but not all. People will want to stick closer to home if they have to be at work on Monday.

So if you're heading out this weekend and are concerned about high gas prices, get smart about savings at the pump. Choose the right octane at the pump. For most cars, regular octane is just fine. Using a higher octane than recommended offers no real benefit and costs you more. Unless your engine is knocking, use regular.

Stay away from gas saving gadgets promising to increase your mileage. The Environmental Protection Agency has tested many of them and found them to be of no use. Some can even damage your vehicle.

Stay within the speed limit; gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 mph. You should also avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel and pollutes the environment. You can improve your in-town gas mileage up to 5 percent by driving "gently." Use your overdrive and cruise control; they improve fuel economy.

Check your tires, replace your air filter, keep your engine tuned, and change your oil regularly. Doing so will improve the performance of your vehicle and will increase your mileage.

You should clean out the back of your vehicle as well. Extra weight in the back can reduce fuel economy. Combine your errands, and consider carpooling at least some of the time. You may even want to consider taking the bus, riding your bike or walking.

Whatever your plans this weekend, play it safe.

Bulldog Edition : Fourth of July

Show your love of country this July 4th – just be safe doing it

Hot dogs, fireworks, patriotism...and traffic