Gellert Centre Greets Grade 4 Risk Watchers

On Tuesday June 21 and Wednesday June 22, the Gellert Centre parking lots will be visited by over 900 grade 4 students from 18 Halton Hills Elementary Schools. Risk Watch students from Acton and Georgetown Catholic, Christian, French and Public elementary schools will be bussed, courtesy of Dennys’ Bus Lines and Tyler Transport to the Gellert Centre to participate in a fun filled day of learning activities. Risk Watch Coalition Members are looking forward to the 2 day event, once again filled with activities related to the Risk Watch curriculum. Drop-in guests are also welcome to attend this very significant event.

Risk Watch is an injury prevention program for children pre-kindergarten to grade 8, developed by the Nation Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and endorsed by the Fire Marshals’ Public Fire Safety Council. In Canada, injuries are the leading cause of death for children over one year of age. The Risk Watch Safety Blitz promotes the prevention of injury through various activities amongst our younger population.

Captain David Ford says, “Risk Watch is an educational initiative with age appropriate curriculum that has been developed for all elementary school grades”. Ford adds, “The messages we deliver, allows the children to make a more positive choice about their personal injury behaviors”. While a few bumps and bruises are an unavoidable part of a healthy childhood, most serious injuries are not inevitable – they are predictable and
preventable.

Mayor Rick Bonnette says, “The Blitz is an excellent opportunity to further educate children and adults about injury prevention, making safe choices and smart choices while having fun at the same time”. Mayor Bonnette adds, “Watching the children learn about injury prevention and having some fun at the same time has proven to be very successful”.

Attractions at the 2 day event include a bicycle helmet inspection/fitting clinic, Halton EMS/First Aid, OPP/Rollover Simulator, Halton Regional Police Services/Bicycle safety and road rules, Recreation & Parks/boating, swimming safety, CN Police/Rail safety, Elmira farm Service/farm equipment safety, just to name a few.

The fie department wishes to thank Corporate Sponsors Ray Johnson of Co-operators Insurance, Mary Walker of Tim Horton’s, Tracey Craig of Canadian Tire and Herminia Henderson of Georgetown Market Place continue to support the efforts of Coalition Members which, in turn continues to make this event a great success. The continued success has earned Halton Hills the “Risk Watch Safe Community” designation from NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).

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