Second-graders learn about safety with Washington County Extension

One hundred and fifteen Stewart Elementary second-graders participated in the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day held on Thursday, May 12 hosted by Washington County Extension & Outreach. Special guest speakers helped make the day possible: Washington Co. Dispatch, Washington Fire Department, Washington Co. Emergency Management, Washington Co. Environmental Health, YMCA of Washington County, Paws & More, Domestic Violence Prevention, Model Train Club, and Washington County Extension & Outreach.

Students were able to experience and review a variety of safety topics throughout the day in small groups and hands-on sessions. Youth received a free Progressive Agriculture Safety t-shirt.

The students’ small groups covered the following:

Food Safety (how to properly prepare food before eating)

Bio-Security/Germ Spread (science experiment to see how germs spread to LOTS of people even when it starts with only a few; students used vials and pipettes to demonstrate with fake germs)

Poison Look-a-Likes (do not eat or drink things that are unmarked; students then observed candy vs. medicine to detect which was the danger)

Fire Safety (have a safe spot designated outside the home, stop/drop/roll, firefighters use teamwork)

911 Calls (knowing when to call 911)

Storm Safety (different kinds of storms; where and when to shelter)

Pool Safety (rules of the pool and why they matter)

Hands are Not for Hitting (healthy ways to calm your mind and body)

Hidden Hazards (identifying dangers around the home and farm; knowing your address if there was a need to call 911)

Dog Safety with dog Amber from Paws & More (ask the owner before petting an animal, let them smell your hand, watch for reaction)

Sun Safety (made UV bead bracelets that change colors when UV rays are damaging skin and learned that we should cover up, seek shade, and wear sunscreen)

Train Safety (safety at railroad crossings)

Washington County Extension & Outreach offers additional activities for youth this summer through 4-H, clover kids and Clover University summer camps. Contact the Extension Office at 319-653-4811 for more information.