Saturday, December 20, 2008

Cheap Fireworks

Cheap Fireworks - Make Your Own Fireworks : Firecrackers

Firecrackers are considered to be the oldest type of fireworks. The Chinese invented them by packing gunpowder into bamboo tubes and throwing them into flames.
They then popped and made loud noises. These noises, the ancient Chinese believed, drove away evil spirits.

Firecrackers operate on a very simple principle and just about anyone with the right materials can make them. But before that, a word of caution.
Some of the materials used in making firecrackers are highly-flammable. Therefore, extra care should be taken when making your own firecracker.

First, you should have the materials needed in making a firecracker. You need gunpowder, a cardboard tube long enough to hold the powder, end plugs to seal both ends of the tube, and finally, a fuse.
These materials can be bought from craft shops and pyrotechnics specialty stores.

Keep in mind, however, that when buying a tube, you should buy one that's small enough to make a decent noise but not large enough to create a powerful explosion.

Now, when you already have the materials, it's time to start making your firecracker. First, you will have to plug one end of the tube. After that, tightly pack the tube with as much gunpowder as you can.
Once that's done, you have to put a hole on the other end plug to accommodate the fuse. Insert the fuse into the hole and close the tube with the fused end plug.

Voila! You now have your own firecracker!

By following this guide, we hope that you will be responsible enough to check your local laws for what's legal and not in your area. Also, make sure to handle your materials well to prevent injuries and fires.
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Saturday, November 29, 2008

Fireworks Show

Fireworks Show - Fireworks Festivals Around the World

When the Chinese invented fireworks, they used them during celebrations to keep the evil spirits away. The purpose still rings true today because all around the world, fireworks are still used to celebrate major events like the New Year.

Below is a list of some of the famous celebrations and festivals which are known for their fantastic fireworks displays.

1. New Year's Eve (worldwide)
throughout the world, the New Year is ushered in with a lot of excitement. Every country usually celebrates it with massive fireworks display. Sydney, Australia, is one of the first countries to celebrate it due to their location relative to the world's time zones.
2. Fourth of July (United States)
is a holiday celebrating the countrys declaration of independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. Throughout the United States, fireworks displays are held especially in the major cities such as Washington DC, Detroit and St. Louis.
3. Singapore Fireworks Celebrations (Singapore)
this is an annual event held in celebration of the country's National Day. Pyrotechnics teams are invited to this event to create fireworks displays on different nights.
4. Guy Fawkes Night (Great Britain and several former British colonies)
in 1605, Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate the King of England by placing some 30 barrels of gunpowder in the cellar of the Parliament of England. He failed and was captured.
On the same day every year, people from Great Britain and some of its former colonies celebrate the event by having fireworks displays. Read more...

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks Safety

The safety of using fireworks has been the subject of debates over the years. Annually, more than hundreds are injured because of fireworks, with some victims needing to have parts of their body amputated due to the power of the blast.

But injuries aren't the only concern when it comes to handling fireworks. Since fireworks are composed of highly-flammable materials, there is also the risk of them causing fire.

It is especially the case when they are poorly stored just like what happened in the Philippines in December 2007 when several stores selling fireworks were burned down because a firework was accidentally lit.

Because of these, several countries regulate the use of fireworks in their territory. In the United States for example, the use of fireworks is allowed although it is up to each state on how they will regulate the use of them.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a US-based organization that aims to promote fireworks safety. Below is a list of their advice in handling fireworks.

- Fireworks should not be lit indoors especially sparklers.
Doing this is potentially hazardous to people and may cause fire when thrown into flammable materials or surfaces.

- Only persons who are over 12 are to be allowed in handling sparklers since these fireworks can cause injury if handled incorrectly.

- People shouldn't mix drinking alcohol and lighting fireworks. Drinking alcohol slows down a person's reaction time and could be dangerous when handling fireworks.

- Finally, people are told to use their common sense. A little bit of caution is also encouraged.
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