The Cansfield family of Crown Point had a compelling reason to attend the recent Safe Kids Day program at the Southlake YMCA in Crown Point.
“My parents had a house fire last year,” Kyle Cansfield said. “They came out OK, but it made us realize that our kids need to know about fire safety since they sometimes spend weekends with their grandparents. Their (fire) hit home.”
The family received a good dose of fire safety information as they talked with representatives from the Crown Point and Lowell Fire Departments and even got some hands-on experience in the Lowell department’s fire safety simulator.
The event, which was co-sponsored with Franciscan Alliance Foundation, also disbursed information about dental care, home safety and pedestrian safety, among other relevant topics.
Also on the morning agenda were games, demonstrations and the Pro Kids Show — a presentation of music, magic and comedy by Tim Hanning of Chicago.
“I’m glad we got here early,” said Jenny Linger of Highland as she looked over the schedule of events. “There’s so much to see, and with four kids in tow, I have to move fast.”
Jen Hohman of Franciscan Trauma Services Department said this is the second year the hospital has partnered with the Southlake YMCA for Safe Kids Day.
“It is extremely important that kids are taught the many ways to protect their safety, ” she said. “Serious injuries and accidents are a leading cause of death for children. We want them to be safe in today’s world.”
Mike Parks, division chief of the Crown Point Fire Department, talked with parents regarding child car seat safety.
“The most dangerous place in a vehicle is the passenger front seat. No one under the age of 13 should be riding there. That’s where the impact of a crash is felt the most,” he said. “And children who are in rear-facing car seats should stay in them as long as possible. The impact of a crash will put the pressure on the back of the seat, not coming straight at the child.”
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Regarding height and weight stipulations of the rear-facing seat, Parks suggested that parents diligently follow the manufacturer’s directions. “Not all manufacturers have the same guidelines, so their rules may be different.”
Sharon Tillman of Crown Point found the Teen Driving game most interesting. Matching solutions with challenges was the mission as visitors moved pieces on a board.
“As parents, we want to trust our children when they start driving, but things can come up they aren’t prepared for,” the mother of two teenagers said. “My girls are both working so they aren’t here with me, but I think I’ll reconstruct a game like this at home.”
Geoffrey the Giraffe, mascot of Toys ‘R Us, worked the crowd during the festivities.
“I have to go see him” said 6-year-old Tyler Franklin of Crown Point, as he walked into the gym with his Mom Yazmine Franklin. “I don’t know who he is, but he looks like fun. I never seen one so high.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.