Independence Day is less than 24 hours away and the scents of summer celebration are ready to be unleashed. The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, sun-sweetened tea, fresh-squeezed lemonade, ripe watermelon and emblazoned fireworks will infuse the backyards, porches, waterfronts and street corners of many American cities and small towns tomorrow.

A report by the national Hot Dog and Sausage Council reports that approximately 150 million hot dogs will be eaten by Americans during this year's Fourth of July festivities. While only a fraction of that number may suffer from injuries related to fireworks, fire safety cannot be ignored. A day to remember all that america stands for, the Fourth of July is a day that Americans must also remember and practice fire safety. Failure to practice fire prevention is sure to take the fun out of the Fourth.

The U.S. fire Administration reports that each year more than 8,000 Americans experience fire-related injuries or damages and more than half of those take place during the first week of July. In 2005, approximately 10,800 people made emergency room visits to treat firework-related injuries. The U.S.F.A. also estimates that cooking grills alone are responsible for approximately $35 million in property loss. Fifty-nine percent of fires caused by fireworks occur during the Fourth of July holiday. While property loss from fires related to fireworks may be fewer (because this activity typically takes place outside in open fields or near water), the past year's dry weather raises the fire risk.

Don't let fire ruin the fun for your Fourth of July festivities. Keep in mind a few simple safety tips:

GRILL safety

1) Do not grill in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide can be produced. Be sure you are grilling in an open area.

2) Never overfill the propane tank.

3) BEFORE you use a grill, check the fuel line and propane tank connection. The venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - must not be blocked.

4) No loose clothing is allowed while you're grilling!

5) Use care when using lighter fluid. A lit fire can flashback and cause an explosion if lighter fluid is added.

FIREWORKS safety

1) Again, loose clothing is NOT allowed when handling fireworks.

2) Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.

3) Never stand close to lit fireworks. Always stand several feet away.

4) Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. Unmarked fireworks (no directions, warnings or content list) should never be lit.

5) Always keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby.

6) Always purchase consumer fireworks from reliable sources and licensed dealers. These dealers will only carry those products that meet standards set and enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product safety Commission.

7) Lastly, leave fireworks to the professionals. The fireworks show will be much more enjoyable if they are handled by professionals who know how to safely use them.

Be sure to follow these tips to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home in the event of disaster. While you cannot predict a disaster, following safety precautions will reduce your risk.

If your fun is ruined this Fourth of July, are you prepared with adequate insurance coverage? All insurance coverages are relevant when is comes to fire related disasters. From auto, home, health and life, you need to be sure you have adequate coverage to protect you should a bottle rocket misfire or other unforeseen Fourth of July event occur.

*Please note that this article is not a professional consultation. This article is for general information only. Always seek specific information from a licensed insurance professional.*

HometownQuotes, a Franklin, tennessee company, provides a quick and easy way for consumers to compare multiple insurance quotes. To learn more, visit http://www.hometownquotes.com. View additional insurance articles at Hometown Quotes!

Nestled inside beautiful Southern California; lies an entertainment park that could give any disney world a run for their money. Knotts Berry Farm, one of the most popular amusement parks in the country, is a great place to visit if you are looking for something adventurous to do. From scary attractions to live music and theatre, this destination is clearly a hotspot for children and adults alike.

Due to the fact that Knotts Berry Farm is almost always crowded; it is recommended that you visit the area during off seasons. However, if you have no choice, you should try getting there right when the park opens. As a result, you will not have to wait hours just to get on one ride. This way you can enjoy the entire park, before the rush begins. Although Disney land is right down the road, Knotts Berry Farm still acquires a large crowd. While Knotts Berry Farm is a hot destination, the prices are a bit expensive. Adults are $40 each, whereas children are roughly $30. Although this may sound like quite an increase in price, the majority of amusements parks are rarely ever less than $30. Fortunately, Knotts Berry Farm only asks for $7 when it comes to parking. This way you can enjoy yourselves from morning to night, without having to worry about taking out a loan just for your car.

Surprisingly, many people feel that Knotts Berry Farm is much better than disney land. This is because the crowds are not as enormous, and there are rides that fit everyones needs. From thrilling roller coasters to water rides that plunge you into the dark waters, these rides are for people who are dying to experience adventure. Not a rollercoaster fan? There are also calmer rides, which are great for children and petrified parents alike. If you enjoy halloween and the creepiness that comes along with it, most would recommend that you try attending Knotts Berry Farm during late october. They generally turn the entire park into a massive haunted house during the evening. For this reason, older crowds tend to flock to this destination, in hopes of being frightened.

Another unique feature of Knotts Berry Farm is that there are also restaurants and shops there. This is a wonderful alternative to rides, especially if you are the one person in the family that wants to run away from them. Aside from cuisine and great places to splurge, there are also live shows that are available around the clock. most travelers like this option, as it gets tiring to go on rides all day. Luckily, you can enjoy a bite to eat, see a bit of entertainment, and continue going on the thrilling coasters.

Regardless of what type of person you are, Knotts Berry Farm is one of a kind. While disney land is another great destination, Knotts provides more of a unique atmosphere. It has not been overdone and while it is busy, it does not require you to wait hours for one ride. This place caters to all ages especially those who are in their late teens and early 20s. With this kept in mind, Knotts is certainly a fun and distinct place to visit.

Jason Martin is the owner of a travel and vacation websites directory at http://TourismJunction.com. You can also visit his websites on caribbean vacation & Cruising and usa travel at http://CaribbeanVacationCruising.com and http://TourismJunction.com.

The eight limbs of yoga, as described by Maharishi Patanjali, in the yoga Sutras, are a system of steps toward absolute bliss or enlightenment. The first four limbs (steps) are primarily concerned with ethical guidelines, developing awareness of the energy body, and physical mastery.

The last four limbs are concerned with development of consciousness through meditation. The physical body is a capsule for the soul (Jiva). The physical body has basic functional demands, and sensory demands, for pleasure. Transcending awareness beyond the physical senses grants us peace with ourselves.

If the general population of this planet would follow ethical guidelines, and transcend their awareness beyond the physical barrier of the body, we would have world peace. Just to listen, observe, and act, guided by our empathic sense is a good start toward helping others.

When you contemplate the first two limbs of yoga (Yama and Niyama), you will notice they flow in harmony with every moral code in existence. The principles of Yama and Niyama are universal laws for mankind.

You may have noticed that ten is a common number for moral codes. The Ten Commandments are another example of ethical guidelines. With ten fingers on our two hands, it makes it easy for humans to remember. Hence, we have five Yamas and five Niyamas, for a total of ten.

Yama are restraints, but are sometimes called Thou Shall Nots by western yoga teachers. It is not enough to observe them. It is much more important to live by them in our actions, words, and thoughts.

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free yoga e-book: "yoga in practice," and a Free yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html