The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is not only a great summer celebration, but it is also a day that we celebrate the freedoms we have in the United States, marking the day the United States became free from British rule. Full of food and fireworks, here are some facts about the widely celebrated holiday:
Three Presidents Died on Jul 4: Thomas Jefferson – Jul 4, 1826, John Adams – Jul 4, 1826, and James Monroe – Jul 4, 1831.
Over 150 million hotdogs are consumed on the 4th of July.
The first week of July is the busiest week of travel in the united states.
The statue of liberty is America's symbol of freedom. She is holding a tablet with Jul 4, 1776, engraved on it.
It is estimated that over 400 million pounds of fireworks will be set off this 4th of July weekend.
With the large number of fireworks being sold, it is estimated there will be over 10,000 firework-related injuries.
If you do choose to use legal fireworks, here are some safety tips from the National Security Council:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks, and older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
