>> Sheriff's Safety Fair: Do You Know How to ... (08/2009)

Behind the Badge: A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink

At the Sheriff’s Safety Fair at Clement Park this September, you can find out whether you’ve got your family’s safety all figured out or whether you’ve got room for improvement.  This fun-filled, interactive event is designed for people of all ages to learn safety information on the following topics, and much more. 

Do you know how to…

…prepare for a disaster?
Are you ready if disaster strikes?  Jefferson County has been the site of wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and blizzards — all within the last few years.  The staff from the sheriff’s office of Emergency Management will explain how to assemble a 72-hour kit, how to plan for emergencies, and what to do in case of a disaster — natural or man-made.

…coexist with urban wildlife?
What should you do about coyotes in your parks?  In your neighborhood?  In your backyard?  Jeffco is the nexus of bustling urban life and Rocky Mountain splendor, and that means regular run-ins with wildlife.  Experts from the Colorado Division of Wildlife will help you figure out the best ways to coexist with coyotes, raccoons, snakes and other wild neighbors. 

… talk to your child about predators?
The Sheriff’s Safety Fair is a great place for kids, with interactive activities and educational booths geared toward little ones.  Does your child know how to escape a room if it’s filling with smoke?  The Littleton Fire Department’s smoke trailer teaches kids the basics of fire safety and prevention.  The “Cheezo” mascot from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office teaches kids (and parents) about the dangers lurking on the Internet and how to stay safe from predators.  Kookie the Clown, our own child safety ambassador, is all about games and prizes.  Deputies will be giving out deputy trading cards, sheriff badges, activity books and other educational items to the kiddos in attendance, and teens can learn about our law enforcement Explorer club. 

… decide if you should get behind the wheel?
Do you know how many drinks you can have before you’re legally impaired?  The answer is different for everyone.  Deputies will share their insights on drunk driving and its consequences. Visitors can simulate drunkenness by wearing “fatal vision goggles” and trying to walk a straight line, mimicking the impairment that accompanies alcohol. 

The Colorado State Patrol will share driver safety information on seat belt safety, safe driving and its Alive-at-25 program for young drivers.  Attendees can also view and reflect on the “No Going Back” exhibit, a dramatic real-life example of the consequences of drunk driving.

… safely ride your bike near cars? … or safely drive your car near cyclists?
It’s a timely topic for motorists and cyclists alike: What are the rules of the road?  Bike Jeffco, a local bicycle club and nonprofit, will be on hand to share information and literature about Colorado’s new bike laws, rider safety, and how to share the road. Cyclists can learn about joining the club and participating in its many excursions and events.

… prevent crime in your neighborhood?
Crime prevention experts from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will be on-hand to answer questions about any public safety topic you can imagine.  Think identity theft, Neighborhood Watch, graffiti, scams targeting seniors, or information on sex offenders.  Do you know how to secure your home against would-be burglars?  We’ve got a security checklist for your home … with more than 70 ways to help prevent break-ins.

… stave off illness?
So maybe you know how to protect your home, but do you know how to protect your body?  Booths by Jeffco Public Health and Chatfield Family Medicine will feature health and safety tips on sun exposure, first-aid, H1N1 flu, seasonal flu and vaccinations. 

… navigate lakes and rivers?
Do you know how to stay out of harm’s way when recreating on a boat, on a beach or near a river?  Rangers from Colorado State Parks have all the answers on water safety, including “boating under the influence” information and interactive activities for kids.

We hope you’ll join us to learn how to do all these things and more at the Sheriff’s Safety Fair, September 19 and 20 at Clement Park, part of the Summerset Festival.

Sheriff’s Safety Fair
@ the Summerset Festival
September 19, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
September 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Northeast corner of Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Avenue, Littleton

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Last Modified: Aug 18, 2009 03:15 PM