Safety Saturday: getting the message of safety out

With more than five organizations getting important safety messages out, there will be something for every kid to learn at Safety Saturday.

The safety-filled event, hosted by the American Red Cross, is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Ridgetop Junior High School and is open to kids ages 7-12. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.

Several local agencies will be participating in the event in hopes of getting life-saving messages out to local youth.

“We really want to get kids started at a young age learning about safety,” said Jackie Fojtik, youth service coordinator for the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

Classrooms will be set up as learning stations and participants will visit each station for about a half-hour, according to Fojtik.

“It’s a lot of real life experience type things,” she said. “It’s visual and hands-on.”

Representatives from the American Red Cross, Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue, Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center and Kitsap Credit Union will discuss everything from first aid and home exit drills to bike safety and staying safe at school, home and play.

“Not only is it a great way for kids to learn, but it’s also good volunteer experience for teens who need to get community service hours,” Fojtik said.

Each participant will receive a certificate and a free T-shirt and lunch. As part of bicycle safety, representatives from Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital will be selling bike helmets for $7 and multi-purpose helmets for $10.

Not only do kids learn at the event, but they also take those messages home with them to their parents.

“Kids learn and take it home with them and it’s not the first time parents have heard it, but it’s a refresher for them,” Fojtik said.

During the free lunch, Buck and Elizabeth will be providing entertainment intertwined with important safety messages.

American Red Cross organizers are looking to sign-up about 200 kids for the event.

“We’re hoping for a really good turnout,” Fojtik said. “It’s a great message and a great community effort.”

To register call (360) 478-7685 or send an e-mail to safetysaturday@seattleredcross.org.

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