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 Spring City Elementary School Home and School Association took “Safety to the Extreme” for the March family fun night. About 80 children – half the school population – participated in the event and collected safety tips from about a dozen organizations.
Christine Mason-Schad, chairman of the Home and School Association’s Family Fun Night Committee, remarked, “It’s important topics that are getting out to the kids and family in a very easy and fun way.”
About 26 volunteers assisted with the event. Each display included a game children could play to reinforce the safety information, as well as collect tickets for a variety of prizes. The game prizes and door prizes were donated by school families and the vendors.
Spring City Police provided information about the DARE program – Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Parents were advised that it is their duty to help teach our kids to say no and to be aware of what drugs really are. Both the usage of illegal drugs and the misuse of over-the-counter drugs have been on the rise in recent years.
Phoenixville Police discussed vehicle safety, including proper child seats, installation and the law’s requirements. They also addressed bicycle safety, including requirements of law, safe handling and maintenance of our children’s commonly used toy. The officer also displayed the bicycle used by Phoenixville Police on bike patrol.
East Vincent Police offered a display on firearms safety. The officer advised children that if they see a gun without a lock on it, they should immediately tell an adult, and they most definitely should not touch the gun.
The Poison Control booth distributed free Mr. Yuk stickers and phone stickers with the Poison Control number. Children were able to test their knowledge of poison control issues in a question-and-answer game. The youngsters were also reminded about the dangerous poisons which may be found right in their own homes. They learned how to avoid poisons and what to do if an emergency arises.
Escape School warned of the dangers of child abduction. Children were advised not to fall for the lies often told by abductors. The group distributed safety coloring books, child identification fingerprint kits and DNA collection kits.
Dr. Dennis Booher, Spring-Ford Intermediate School assistant principal, presented information about bully prevention. Bullies come in all shapes and sizes and hurt others in many different ways. Parents received tips on not only helping their children if they are bullied, but helping to teach their kids now not to become a bully.
Progressive Rehab offered information on back pack safety. Children should not carry more than 15 percent of their body weight in their back packs. The booth featured a scale to weigh children, then provide parents with a guideline of maximum weight for the students’ back packs.
Orthodontist John Wirant provided information on dental safety. He displayed examples of mouth guards for children with braces. Children also received free toothbrushes and Plak Check kits.
Liberty Fire Co. offered a variety of information on fire prevention and fire safety. A fire truck was on display outside the school, and firefighters gear was displayed at the fire company’s booth. One of the volunteers spent part of the evening dressed in full gear, so children could see what a firefighter looks like.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provided handouts on boating safety, including information on personal flotation devices. Several boating safety booklets and pamphlets from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission were also available.
PECO Energy displayed a model house showing electrical hazards. Children could play an electrical safety game to help them learn of the dangers of electricity. Children received information on participating in PECO’s safety club for kids.
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