Fireworks Safety Tips to Ensure a Safe July Fourth

Fireworks on the Fourth of July are as American as apple pie. Carol Cunningham, MD, Emergency Medicine Physician at Akron General Health System urges using common sense when it comes to handling fireworks to celebrate our country's birthday.

On average, about 200 people every day go to the emergency department with fireworks-related injuries around the 4th of July holiday, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). More than half the injuries were burns.

For example, a sparkler can burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit - which is as hot as a blow torch. Almost half (41 percent) of fireworks injuries are to a person's hands, fingers or arms.

One-third (38 percent) of them are to a person's eyes, head, face and ears (CPSC). If fireworks are legal in your community, The American College of Emergency Physicians strongly suggests that you do not use fireworks at your home.

If you do use them, however, these do's and don'ts will help make it a safer experience.

• DO - Have knowledgeable supervision by an experienced adult if you choose to use fireworks.
• DO - Buy fireworks from reputable dealers.
• DO - Read warning labels and follow all instructions.
• DO - Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand.
• DO - Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• DO - Dispose of all fireworks properly.
• DON'T - Give any fireworks, including sparklers, to small children; older children should be supervised by a responsible adult.
• DON'T - Light fireworks indoors or near other objects.
• DON'T - Place your body over a fireworks device when trying to light the fuse and immediately back up to a safe distance after you light it.
• DON'T - Point or throw fireworks at another person, ever.
• DON'T - Try to re-light or pick up malfunctioning fireworks.
• DON'T - Wear loose clothing while using any fireworks.
• DON'T - Set off fireworks in glass or metal containers - the fragments can cause severe injury.
• DON'T - Carry fireworks in a pocket.

"The safest and only thing you should do is watch a professional fireworks display managed by experts who have proper training and experience handling these explosives," says Dr. Cunningham.

Upper Darby Township will host their annual Fireworks show on July 3 (rain date July 5) at 9:30 PM at Upper Darby High School Memorial Field. Admission is $4.00.  

Fire Prevention Week Kick Off Parade - October 5, 2014

On Sunday, October 5, 2012 at 1:00pm, the Upper Darby Township Fire Department will be hosting its annual Fire Prevention Parade to kick off Fire Prevention Week.  This year’s theme will be “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives, Test Yours Monthly ”. The parade will begin at the Drexel Hill Middle School located at State Road and Shadeland Avenue.  The parade will exit the school property via the rear drive onto Kenwood Road, proceed on Kenwood Road to Bond Avenue, and continue on Bond Avenue ending at Aronimink Elementary School.

Each year the parade is dedicated to someone who has dedicated themselves to our community.  This year the Upper Darby Fire Department and Upper Darby Township have decided to dedicate the Fire Prevention Parade to PA State Senator Edwin “Ted” Erickson and PA Representative Nicholas A. Micozzie,  both of whom have proudly served their districts and our community for many years.

Featured in the parade are:  Mayor Thomas Micozzie, Upper Darby Township Council members, Upper Darby Township Fire and Police Departments, the Upper Darby High School Marching Royals, and marching bands from Beverly Hills Middle School and Drexel Hill Middle Schools.  The Greater Overbrook String Band will also be featured.  The bands will perform during the parade and also at the conclusion of the parade at the Aronimink Elementary School.

The Upper Darby Marine Corp. League Honor Guard #884 will lead the parade with their colors.  There will be antique fire trucks, motorcycles, fire departments from surrounding communities, and the Fire Department's special guest, “Sparky the Fire Dog.”

Following the parade, the Upper Darby Fire Department will distribute fire prevention materials and assorted novelties for children, and there will be demonstrations by members of the Fire Department.  The demonstrations will include vehicle extrication using the “JAWS OF LIFE”.  There will also be demonstrations on “Stop Drop and Roll”. Firefighters will be available distributing fire prevention literature and fire safety tips and will be available to answer questions.

In conjunction with this year’s theme, the Upper Darby Fire Department will be conducting a contest with all of the Upper Darby Township elementary schools, grades 1 through 5.  The contest will be based on the best poster relating to the theme.  Each grade will be judged and best five  posters from each grade will be awarded, either 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd place and two honorable awards.  The winners will be presented with their awards on October 5, 2014 at the Aronimink Elementary School following the parade.

The program is for all, young and old.   Admission is free and all are invited to attend.

Upper Darby Fourth of July Celebration

Upper Darby Township’s 

FIREWORKS! 

And Rock and Roll Concert! 

At Upper Darby High School Memorial Field

Thursday, July 3 at 7:30 PM 

Rain Date July 5 

Featuring the fabulous dance band

Chico’s Vibe! 

Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars 

Gates open at 7 PM

Admission $4 • Children 5 and Under Free

Tickets at Gate or in advance at the UD Performing Arts Center

Notario Fraud Project

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Raya Fagg

Upper Darby Township Welcome Center

(610).734.7784 or rfagg@upperdarby.org

“The Wrong Help Can Hurt”

The Notario Fraud Project

January 2, 2014 – Upper Darby, PA. The Upper Darby Township Welcome Center has partnered with Vanessa Stine of the Notario Fraud Project to present an information session about fraud in the immigrant community.  The one hour session will be held at The Welcome Center on Monday, January 27, 2014, from 10 AM to 11 AM with time for questions. 

In many Spanish speaking countries, a notario, which is a public notary in the U.S., is a lawyer.  There is an issue with individuals advertising legal services as notarios, and thus confusing immigrants and tricking them into paying thousands for the "expertise."  On top of that, not all lawyers are good lawyers - there are some lawyers who willfully mislead clients and cheat them out of thousands by telling them they have a way to get papers when in reality there is no legal path for them.  Stand up and say enough is enough - help combat notario and immigration fraud in the Philadelphia area.  

The Notario Fraud Project was started by Vanessa Stine, a Villanova University Law Student, to raise awareness about the issue.  Stine has a mission to educate about the legal remedies available to victims of fraud.  The project has conducted research, interviews, and identified possible solutions for residents who have been deceived through illegal practices. 

The Upper Darby Township Welcome Center is dedicated to assisting residents new to the country.  The center is located at 7000 Walnut Street and open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. 

The event is free and open to all, however, space is limited. Please reserve your seat by calling Raya Fagg at 610.734.7784 or emailing rfagg@upperdarby.org.   

The Upper Darby Township Welcome Center and its programs are sponsored by Upper Darby Township, Thomas N. Micozzie, Mayor

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Join Upper Darby Township and The Upper Darby School District on Sunday, December 8 for the Tree Lighting Concert.

Free Concert at 3 PM at the Tower Theater
Tree Lighting at 4:30 PM at the top of 69th Street

Bring the entire family to enjoy more than 400 talented performers
including the Aronimink Singers,
the Beverly Hills Middle School Orchestra, Band and Chorlations,
The Bywood Buddies,
The Girls Ensemble and Concerts Singers from Drexel Hill Middle School,
The Garrettford Singers and the
Stonehurst select Singers
Welcome Santa as he kicks off the Holiday Season!

Upcoming Township Events

Drexel Hill Middle School

September 24, 2013     6:45 PM

Beverly Hills Middle School

October 7, 2013     6:45 PM

Primos Elementary School

October 8, 2013     6:45 PM

Holy Child Elementary School

October 15, 2013     6:45 PM

Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire House

October 22, 2013     6:45 PM

Aronimink Elementary School

October 29, 2013     6:45 PM

         Additional Township events of interest

Community Festival Day October 12^th

Upper Darby High School - 10 AM to 2 PM

Delaware County Household Hazardous Waste Collection 

October 19^th(Includes TVs, computers, small appliances)  

Upper Chichester Township, 8500 Furey Road, Upper Chichester
9 AM to 3 PM

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day October 26^th 

Upper Darby High School - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY (IMLD)”

Celebrate your “First Language”

“INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY (IMLD)” 
Upper Darby, home of over 62 Languages.

Theme:  “THE BOOK”: Teaching and Learning

***KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 

Honorable Mayor Thomas Micozzie, Upper Darby Township

*Please bring your native Flag (less than 2 feet)

LOCATION:

Upper Darby Township Municipal Bldg.,

100 Garrett Road, Council Room
Upper Darby, Pa 19082

DATE & TIME:

Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 7:00pm

RSVP  

Phone: 610.352.4103 (Mayor’s Office)

610-299-6242; aburahman@comcast.net   (Community Organizer)

Upper Darby Township Officials and International Mother Language Day steering committee cordially invite you to participate in this recognition.

International Mother Language Day (IMLD): In order to preserve the cultural heritage of humanity, in November 1999, the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed the 21st day of February of every year as International Mother Language Day. In a world of globalization, where a few languages take priority, the United Nations and UNESCO sought to protect and promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education. In a message for the 2012 celebration, Irena Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO emphasized: “The language of our thoughts and our emotions is our most valuable asset. Multilingualism is our ally in ensuring quality education for all, in promoting inclusion and in combating discrimination."            

Save The Date! Upper Darby Events

(source)

Mark your calenders for the following events:

Citizen Police Academy. September 18, 2012
A seven week program for residents to learn about the Upper Darby Police Department.
Contact Captain David Madonna at 610-734-7791 or email dmadonna@udpd.org for additional details.

Shred It Day. September 22, 2012
Held at Upper Darby High School, this event is designed for residents to have a secure place to shed bulk papers. Paper only, no plastic binders. 9:00AM to 1:00PM

National Drug Take Back Day September 29, 2012
This event is a great way to safely dispose of unused and unwanted prescription drugs.  Held at Upper Darby High School from 10AM to 2PM.

Fire Prevention Parade & Demonstration October 7, 2012
Follow the parade from Drexel Hill Middle School to Aronimink Elementary School then join in festivities to learn about fire safety!

Community Day. October 13, 2012
Partners from the community are available for a day of fun and information.  Held at Upper Darby High School from 10AM to 2PM.

Annual Rabies Inoculation Clinic. October 23, 2012
Bring your pet for their rabies shot.  Held at the Municipal Building, 100 Garrett Road.  9:00AM to 11:00AM.

Youth Reality Tour (Drug Awareness). October 21, 2012
Children in grades fifth and up along with their parents can learn the consequences of drug use.  This powerful presentation will be held at The Primos Library Branch.

(source)

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. December 5, 2012
Join Upper Darby Township at The Municipal Building for a celebration of the start of the holiday season.  6:45PM

Upper Darby Town Hall Meetings

(source)

Mayor Thomas N. Micozzie has scheduled Town Hall meetings throughout Upper Darby Township.

He has already held a meeting on September 10, 2012 at the Upper Darby Senior Center on Watkins Avenue.


The remainder of meetings are as follows:

Tuesday, September 18, Highland Park Elementary
Tuesday, September 25, Drexel Hill Middle School
Tuesday, October 2, Aronimink Elementary School
Monday, October 8, Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire Company
Tuesday, October 16 Westbrook Park Elementary.

All meetings begin at 6:45 PM.

For additional information, visit www.upperdarby.org.

Guess The Historic Site

How well do you know Upper Darby?

Leave answers in the comments!

English, GED, and Civics Classes

English, GED, and Civics classes are starting the week of July 16.

Enrollment has already begun.

Upcoming Enrollment Dates:

• Thursday, July 5 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Monday, July 9 at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 11, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Thursday, July 12 at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m.

Location:

Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians

One Penn Center, Suite 555

1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19103

After enrollment, classes will be held in Center City, Olney, and Upper Darby. 

For more information, contact Talease Cleveland at 215-557-2558 or talease@welcomingcenter.org.

Got Drugs? Drug Take Back Scheduled

UPPER DARBY TAKING BACK UNWANTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS APRIL 28 AT Upper Darby High School, 601 Lansdowne Ave., Upper Darby, PA

Press Release from Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems Prevention Department

Upper Darby, PA – On April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Upper Darby Township and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Bring your medications for disposal to [site] at [address].  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last October, Americans turned in 377,080 pounds—188.5 tons—of prescription drugs at over 5,300 sites operated by the DEA and nearly 4,000 state and local law enforcement partners.  In its three previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took in almost a million pounds—nearly 500 tons—of pills. 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Four days after the first event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them.  The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances.  DEA is drafting regulations to implement the Act, a process that can take as long as 24 months.  Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like Upper Darby Township and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.