Why Safety City?
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for persons
between the ages of six and thirty-three years, causing one-third
of all child injury deaths. These crashes most often occur within
twenty-five miles of home. Each year approximately 8,000 youngsters
are seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide.
Additionally, each year 1,000 children under the age of 12 die because
of fire and almost 8,000 are seriously injured. It is the nature of young children to be impulsive, which can lead to injury.
Who Goes to Safety City?
Safety City was created primarly for elementary aged children. Two
different structured programs are offered at Safety City. During
the school year, we offer a four and one half-hour program, which
targets students in the second grade. Teachers in the Knox County
School System assisted in creating the curriculum. In the summertime,
a three-hour program is offered to organizations with children ages
7 to 11. Special events are offered to people of all ages.
What Do You Do at Safety City?
During our structured programs, children learn skills they need
to be safe citizens in their communities from police officers and
fire fighters. Students then practice what they have been taught
within the miniature city. They learn traffic safety by riding bicycles,
miniature cars, and walking through the city as pedestrians. While riding bicycles, the children learn the rules of safe biking. And, as they drive the miniature cars, they see the importance of wearing a seat belt and why they need to be a good passenger. The students also learn
how to utilize 9-1-1 properly from Knoxville-Knox County Emergency
Communications District personnel. In addition, students receive
fire safety instruction and learn how to escape a simulated non-toxic
house fire, using a primary or secondary exit.
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