Sizzling Safely
A sizzling barbecue, surf and sun at the beach or a symphony concert – however you choose to celebrate this Independence Day, we at Texas Back Institute hope you’ll do it safely – and remember the sacrifices of those in uniform. The US currently has about 68,000 service members in Afghanistan alone.
Many domestic military bases have cancelled traditional celebrations due to that $85 billion across-the-board spending reduction, otherwise known as the ‘sequester’.
Fort Hood officials confirmed this year’s on-post Fourth of July celebration will be significantly smaller. Camp Lejeune in North Carolina is one of the bases that won’t have fireworks at all this year.
Still, North Texas will have plenty of celebrations. We have a complete list here.
Cutbacks in public celebrations may mean more private celebrations. So – if you’re stocking up on the bottle rockets and firecrackers, please make safety a top priority!
Safety First:
(According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission there were an estimated 9,600 fireworks-related injuries during the 4th of July season in 2011.)
Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
Know your fireworks. Read the warning labels and descriptions before igniting.
Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks.
Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
Always have a fire extinguisher ready.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
Also, don’t forget the family dog may be frightened by the sound of fireworks. Be careful to properly protect this vulnerable family member from the potentially serious results of emotional anxiety, dangers of overreacting, and attempts to run away.
Fun July 4th Facts:
U.S. Population in July 1776: 2.5 million
Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970
The nation’s estimated population on this July Fourth: 316.2 million 
Source: U.S. and World Population Clock
Numbers of signers to the Declaration of Independence: 56
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston comprised the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration. Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer, wrote most of the document.
John Hancock, President of the Second Continental Congress, was the first signer. This merchant by trade did so in an entirely blank space making it the largest and most famous signature – hence the term John Hancock, which is still used today as a synonym for signature.
Benjamin Franklin (age 70), who represented Pennsylvania, was the oldest of the signers. Franklin County, Pa., had an estimated population of 151,275 as of July 1, 2012. Edward Rutledge (age 26), of South Carolina, was the youngest.
Two future presidents signed, John Adams (second President) and Thomas Jefferson (third President). Both died on the 50th anniversary of signing the Declaration (July 4, 1826). There are 12 counties nationwide named Adams and 26 named Jefferson.
Have a Happy July 4th!