ADAM JACKSON/Black Press
Over the last week, youngsters at the Heartland Youth Centre learned about an important topic — safety.
Program co-ordinator Alicia Adair headed a week dedicated to first aid and emergency preparation for youngsters aged six to 16 years.
The safety week, which snowballed from a day dedicated to EMS awareness, has quickly become a student favourite.
“I was going to start off with that and just do a first aid day, but then I decided to expand on that and make it a full safety week,” said Adair.
“The responses have been great,” said Adair.
“The kids are really enjoying it.”
The kids at the youth centre were instructed in a variety of different situations, from what to do in emergency situations to a mock bus disaster enacted in the gym.
Adair estimates she presented to about 100 youngsters during the week.
“It’s information that all kids need to know,” said Adair. “It’s something that you just can’t pound into their heads enough.”
In an effort to make the week relevant to all students, Adair also focused on workplace safety for the kids at the youth centre who are either working or will be soon.
The youngsters were also taught about something that many of the kids are involved with every day — bike safety.
Const. David Yome from the Stettler RCMP was at the youth centre teaching the children about how to interact with vehicles while riding a bike.
Adair plans to continue the safety week in the future, possibly combining it with Fire Prevention Week in October.