July is filled with festivities – parades, barbeques, and fireworks galore! With $1.09 billion spent on fireworks in 2015 –$755 million dollars was spent in the consumer firework market (according to the American Pyrotechnics Association).
So what are consumer fireworks? Consumer fireworks are those that average citizens use. Examples include Sparklers, Bottle Rockets, Firecrackers, Roman Candles, etc. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, in 2015, the United States consumer fireworks market used 260.7 million pounds. That’s A LOT of fireworks! Did you know… Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year? These fires cause an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and $43 million in direct property damage (National Fire Protection Agency). In 2015, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 11,900 people in the U.S. were treated at hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries? 51% of those injuries were to the extremities and 41% to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for one-quarter (26%) of the estimated 2015 injuries. More fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year? What can you do to stay safe? It is important to practice safety measures when using fireworks. Here are some recommended safety tips from the National Council for Firework Safety:
Summertime in the state of Michigan is the best time of the year to get out and ride your bike! Rather it be for commuting to work, staying in shape, sightseeing or joyriding, nearly 66.5 million cyclists and bike riders hit the road in the United States in 2016 (according to statista.com).
While biking can be one of the most enjoyable recreational activities of summer it is important to take precautions when you ride. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), 840 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. Even if you are a veteran cyclist, it’s always good to review the fundamentals. In order to ensure cyclists, bike riders, and automobile drivers have a safe and happy summer here are 5 tips for bicycle safety this summer!
For more information on how to find a helmet that fits and other bicycle safety topics – check out the resources below!
As a 50-something HR and training professional, who’s worked as an instructional systems designer for the past 20 years, I love giving career advice. Actually, I love giving all sorts of advice to people. I mean, I’ve been around the block a time or two and pretty much have life figured out. Right. Whatever. So, allow me to share what life has taught me about the role of instructional systems design. You ready? Wait for it…here it comes…instructional design may not be for you! Can you believe it?! What kind of article is this? Who spends 20 years of their life in a career and then openly writes to tell people that they may want to avoid it? What kind of kooky logic is that? I’m not sure, but I do know that you’re going to want to steer clear of the ISD field if you don’t want to…
So there you have it - reasons to avoid the field of ISD. Or not. If nothing else, I’ve given you some food for thought. Tongue-in-cheek aside, the next time you’re contemplating a career choice or a job change, consider the world of instructional design. You may be surprised at how rewarding and personally fulfilling it is. |
AuthorJulie Gieraltowski Archives
January 2023
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