Organizer: Queens Safe Kids Coalition & P.S. 96
Date: October 12th 2018
Address: 130-01 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11420
Number of Attendees: 120
Participants: Third and Fourth Graders (Ages 9-10)
Description:
As a member of the Queens Safe Kids Coalition, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s injury prevention coordinator, Alex Ariza, was involved in organizing the “Walk This Way” event for Public School 96 in South Ozone Park.
Six learning stations were utilized to teach third and fourth graders (ages 9-10) about a number of injury prevention topics such as Pedestrian Safety, Poison Prevention, Bicycle & Helmet Safety, Halloween Safety, Fire Safety, and FedEx’s “Spot the Tot” truck safety.
Pedestrian Safety
For this station, the Coalition recreated an intersection to test the children’s knowledge of street safety and properly identifying possible hazards. The children were each given a chance to be a crossing guard, traffic light, pedestrians, or responsible driver in imaginary cars.
Poison Prevention
Lauren Schwartz of NYC Poison Control, spoke on the dangers of chemicals found in the home. This included cleaning products, pesticides, personal care products, medicines, and lead. The children were tested on their ability to recognize important icons and directions labled on different products.
Bicycle & Helmet Safety
Mark Hoffacker of NY Coalition for Transportation Safety, demonstrated the proper way a helmet should fit. This includes proper placement, size, and tightness.
Halloween Safety
With Halloween taking place at the end of the October, Karen Blackburn of AAA, spoke about street safety during the holiday. Karen emphasized the importance of being seen at night encouraging flashlights, reflective gear, and walking in larger groups for trick-o-treating. She also spoke about the dangers of certain costume features, such as long robes, sharp objects, masks that make visibility difficult, and props resembling real weapons.
Fire Safety
Officer Tony Mancusco of the FDNY spoke about hazards in the home that could lead to fires. Officer Mancusco also explained the steps one should take when a fire does occur and how to leave the premises safely.
FedEx “Spot the Tot”
Larger vehicles such as trucks and sports utility vehicles make visibility more difficult for drivers to spot children, especially when backing out of parking lots and driveways. This station allowed the children to sit behind the wheel of a Fed-Ex truck to see firsthand what a driver’s blindspots are. This experience gives the children a greater understanding for the need to be seen around trucks and the trouble areas they should avoid.
