Progressive Ag Safety Day, sponsored by Betaseed

In the summer of 2013 we had been contacted by the organizers of the Progressive Ag Safety Day, and we were invited to join busloads of 3rd-5th graders from the surrounding school districts to attend this all day farm and agriculture safety event. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to generate enough interest to participate, particularly because the event requires a firm RSVP by August 1st for the late September event. In 2014 we tried again, and had 5 students attend. After experiencing this safety day, I am sure we will have a much larger group next year. So mark your calendars to RSVP before August 1, 2015, to attend next year. You don’t want to miss this!

The day began with check in and the kids each getting a t-shirt to wear. We were assigned a spot in the large event center as our “home base” where we set our belongings and bag lunches. We were also assigned a FFA student as a tour guide and given some basic instructions. From there we rotated throughout the large event complex, attending various workshops. These included:

Fire Safety: a local fire inspector gave the kids safety tips and demonstrated smoke alarms.

Bike Safety: where the kids learned basic tips for safety sharing the road and were each fitted for and given a free bike helmet.

Grain Bin Safety: where the kids got to see a grain bin full of “grain” and talk about the dangers of playing in and around the bins. They also gog to try on some safety gear and safely climb the grain bin.

Hand-washing/Hygiene: a volunteer showed the kids proper hand-washing technique and used a black light to show the spots they often miss.

Electricity: a repairman from the local power company had a model house and outdoor scene with real electricity wired up to show the kids the dangers of downed power lines and electrical fires.

Police: a local officer talked to the kids about drinking and drugs and how to say “NO” to them. He also passed out free bike locks.

Lawn Care: outside the center, a volunteer showed the kids proper maintenance and safety around push-style lawn mowers.

Sun Safety: volunteers showed the kids how to prepare for the heat and damage of the sun by wearing the proper gear and hydrating well.

ATV: a volunteer showed the kids proper gear for driving an ATV and reminded them that riding too young, or taking passengers is the greatest risk for injury.

Canal and Water safety: a volunteer from the irrigation district had a model canal and showed the kids why canals are not safe and shouldn’t be played in or used for swimming.

PTO: The kids were treated to a demonstration of the dangers of the moving part of a tractor. A balloon filled dummy was the unlucky volunteer.

Seatbelt Safety: Trooper Chuck brought the rollover simulator to show the kids why seatbelts are SO important.

We spent some time at each station, rotating around the room as the rest of the classroom groups did as well. Snacks were offered mid morning, and we took a break for lunch to eat the lunches we packed. at the end of the day the kids were given a goodie bag full of material, including a first aid kit! It was a FUN and profitable day of learning.

Want to know more?

 

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