Happy 4th of July 2020

Happy birthday America! Independence day is upon us once again and its been quite a year so far. Many of us can only recall a couple of things about 2020 right now - the novel coronavirus pandemic and a global struggle with human justice. Though businesses are getting back underway for many companies and workers around the world, we can’t help but continue to just pause for the unprecedented events happening in our country and our world at the present state.

So while taking some extra time this weekend to relax, enjoy family, and potentially some close friends, make sure to take a moment of prayer to count blessings and reflect on why we celebrate this festive time of year.

Why we celebrate

The Fourth of July (also known as Independence Day or 4th of July) has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July this year is on Saturday, July 4, 2020.

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.

4th of July Fireworks

The first fireworks were used as early as 200 BC. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” That same night, the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over Boston Common.

Fireworks safety

Ultimately, we’d like to celebrate independence day free from injury, so its time to brush up on fireworks safety. We don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun — we just want you to be as safe as possible. Every year, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires, and thousands of people end up in hospitals in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.

So while the easiest way to avoid injury is to leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals, we know the Fourth of July wouldn’t be the same for some people without hosting their own display. Maybe a few of these tips will help guide your evening to fun and safety.

Fireworks safety tips

• Our first tip, of course, is if firework are illegal where you live - just say no.

• Only buy legal fireworks, and store them in a cool, dry place. If fireworks are packaged in brown paper, they’re probably made for professional displays (and more dangerous). Never use M-80s, cherry bombs, or quarter sticks. They are all illegal and EXTREMELY dangerous.

• Children should be supervised at all times around fireworks, sparklers, or firecrackers. They reach molten hot temperatures and can cause serious burns or worse.

• Do not make your own fireworks. Seem reasonable, but people blow hands off every year due to home-made fireworks.

• Never handle fireworks if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs.

• Only use fireworks where it’s safe to do them — outdoors and a safe distance from homes, structures. You don’t want to set your home or your neighbors home or trees on fire.

• Make sure your family and guests are a safe distance from your lunch spot.

• Keep pets indoors. These loud noises scare them immensely.  More animals go missing during the July 4th holiday than any other time of year.

Light fireworks safely

• Wear protective eyewear

• Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby

• Never throw or point them at someone or else

• Only light one firework at a time

• Don’t hover over them while lighting

• Never light devices in a container

• Never relight a dud

• After lighting fireworks, RUN!

• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water after use before discarding

Exceptional Customer Service

Our focus has always been on the needs of our customers. Our franchisees and specialists are just nice people. They are the type of people who will go above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service - even during a national holiday.

If you need help with your leather repair, fabric restoration or other plastic, vinyl, automotive or watercraft emergencies - locate a CGI specialist near you. Our franchisees love coming to the rescue and we love to hear all the wonderful things CGI specialists are doing in the field.

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Our repairs and cleaning are environmentally safe and children/pet friendly.  We use water-based products so you don’t have the dingy chemical feeling after we’ve completed our service.  We even have general cleaning kits to provide you for the next time you find yourself needing a spot removal product that really works!