UW experts available to media regarding Independence Day

As the United States marks its 235th birthday, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has a number of experts who can discuss fireworks, safety, the history behind it and why Independence Day is least likely to rank as your pet’s favorite holiday.

Fact Check
So what exactly happened on Independence Day? UW-Madison history professor Charles L. Cohen, an expert on early American history, can talk about the history of July 4, 1776, and what it meant to the greater Revolutionary War. Cohen can be reached at clcohen@wisc.edu or 608-263-1956.

Safety First
In 2009, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,800 people for fireworks related injuries and more than one-fourth of those were to the eyes. Heather Potter, a comprehensive ophthalmologist with UW Health, can discuss the types of injuries fireworks cause. To schedule an interview with Potter on Friday, July 1, call (608) 262-9092, or contact Sarah Fuelleman for assistance, 608-262-3953, sfuelleman@ophth.wisc.edu

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and disability among children ages 1-14. Nicole Vesely, coordinator for Madison Area Safe Kids Coalition at American Family Children’s Hospital can discuss tips for keeping sparklers, firecrackers and other amusements from leading to a trip to the emergency room. Vesely can be reached at (608) 890-8999 or (608) 235-2102.

Fido’s Fears
While the snap, crackle and pop of Independence Day leaves people oohing and aahhing, it scares the wits out of some household pets. Dogs, on hearing fireworks, can tear up a room beyond recognition. Worse, frightened pets may get lost or get hit by a car if they run into the street. UW–Madison veterinarian Sandi Sawchuck, an expert in small animal behavior, can discuss this phenomenon. She can be reached by calling her clinic, 608-263-7600 and requesting that she be paged.

Boom, Boom, Pow!
“It’s fascinating how human beings are attracted to rapid color changes and loud noises, even though animals are usually adversely affected, frightened, by them,” says professor Bassam Z. Shakhashiri. On July 2, Shakhashiri and Rodney Schreiner of the UW–Madison Department of Chemistry present, “The Science of Fireworks.” The pair will demonstrate the colorful, dazzling scientific phenomena that go into producing the fireworks at 8:15 p.m. at Memorial Union Terrace. Special guests include UW–Madison Director of Bands Mike Leckrone and members of the marching band.