American Red Cross Announces Greenwich Safety Town 2016 Registration

*Editor’s note: This story was first published Feb. 22. Here it is again, in case you missed it.

The American Red Cross is accepting registrations for its annual ‘Safety Town’ safety education program for youngsters.

Safety awareness and prevention skills for youngsters entering a kindergarten program in fall 2016 are taught in the program that last year, drew more than 400 children.

This year the weeklong half-day sessions will be held June 6 through June 10 and June 13 through June 17 at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd. in Old Greenwich. Morning sessions meet from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions meet from 12:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

The program focuses on children’s safety taught under the guidance of classroom teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS and other community helpers. Children will be taught critical tools to stay safe in a fun and interactive way. Children will learn bike safety by riding pedal cars through the kid size Red Cross Safety Town complete with buildings, crosswalks, sidewalks, and street markings. Each child is fitted with their own bike safety helmet that they use for the week and then take home to keep.

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The children also will tour an ambulance, fire truck and school bus. Daily lessons are followed up with take-home handouts and additional reference information for parents and caregivers.

Mary Young, CEO of Metro New York North Red Cross, said, “The kids have a great time while learning essential safety rules and tips. It’s important that they learn the roles of the first responders; this knowledge could make an important difference to them one day.”

Registration is open to all, but space is limited.

For more information or to register your child for Safety Town 2016, visit the American Red Cross’

Children’s Safety and Preparedness Programs site and download the Safety Town Application. For questions about the program, email SafetyTown.GNY@redcross.org.

Tuition for the session is $195 and scholarship assistance is available.

Contributed photo.