Accidents are not limited to the farm. Water, fire, internet, and bicycle safety were just a few of the topics 100 kids and 60 adults learned about at Farm Safety Day on June 3.
“We will never know the accidents that didn’t happen thanks to lessons learned at Farm Safety Day,” mentioned Krista Gray, Fulton County 4-H program coordinator with University of Illinois Extension. “All of the topics covered apply to any kid, no matter if they live on the farm, in town, or outside Fulton and Mason counties in a big city.”
4-H staff from Illinois Extension along with Mason and Fulton Farm Bureaus worked together to host this event. Many 4-H and Farm Bureau volunteers assisted. They believe that all children should learn about farm safety, whether they live on a farm or perhaps visit friends or relatives who live in a rural setting. Youth from Fulton, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell, Bureau, Knox, and McDonough counties were in attendance.
Topics and presenters included:
- Weather Safety - Chris Helle, Fulton County ESDA
- Bicycle & Skateboard Safety - Josh Wages, Canton Police Department
- Personal and Cyber Security - Jon Webb, Fulton County Sheriff’s Department
- Outdoor Survival Skills - Jane Frazier & Kim Dunnigan, Extension Master Naturalists
- Fire Safety - Matt Fliege & Jeremy Eakle, Havana Fire Department
- Farm Equipment Safety - Darrell Atterberry, Sloan Equipment
- Livestock Safety - Patty Howard and Alexandria Riviere, Mason 4-H volunteers
- Firearm & Hunter Safety - Tim Sickmeyer, Hunter Safety Instructor and Randy Stockham, Mason 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator
- Water Safety - Todd Ernenputsch & Bobber, US Army Corps of Engineers
Additional support was provided by several area businesses and organizations, including Spoon River Electric’s Round-Up Program which provided a $1,500 grant. This event was offered to all area youth, free of charge. Every youth who attended received lunch and a free battery powered LED camping lantern.
To get connected with other youth development events and future Farm Safety Days visit University of Illinois Extension’s website at extension.ilinois.edu/fmpt.
Original source can be found here.
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