Digital prints, Trout Fishing part of 3rd annual Safe Kids! Safety Fair

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
[email protected]

The U.S. Marshal’s Museum and area agencies and organizations held the 3rd annual Safe Kids! Safety Fair on May 7 at the Riverfront Amphitheater, with about 250 children showing up to take advantage of this fair.

Different booths sponsored by a variety of agencies/organizations within the community informed parents on ways to talk to their children about safety and to educate children on safety.

An average of 2,185 children are reported missing daily with 115 of these children being taken by someone the child does not know or someone of slight acquaintance, who holds the child overnight, transports the child 50 miles or more, kills the child, demands ransom or intends to keep the child permanently.

Davie, Fla.-based DNA LifePrint took digital prints, digital photographs and gave parents an at-home kit for DNA swabbing. The kits are designed to last several years and help in the unfortunate event if a child goes missing.

Volunteers were on hand to teach children skills on how to use the 911 system, electrical safety, boating safety and how to safely exit a burning building.

After visiting all booths and getting cards stamped, they could present their card to the registration booth and receive a free T-shirt. Trout Fishing in America also performed a free concert. A can food donation could be made with all food going to the Community Clearinghouse Meals for Kids program. Also, proceeds from the concession stand provided by Arvest Bank went to the Community Clearinghouse Meals for Kids program.

The key rules for child safety are:
• Check first with your parents, guardians, or other trusted adults before going anywhere, doing anything, helping anyone, accepting anything, getting into a vehicle, or leaving with anyone;
• Take a friend with you when going places or playing outside;
• Tell someone NO if they try to touch you or do things in ways that make you feel sad, scared, or confused because it’s OK for you to stand up for yourself; and,
• Tell your parents, guardians, or other trusted adults if anything happens to you.