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Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers’ annual Children’s Safety Expo promises to be an educational – with an emphasis on fun – opportunity for families to learn and strengthen their knowledge of child safety and protection.
The free event will feature interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities and expert guidance from First Responders that will help parents feel more prepared and confident in keeping their children safe.
Erica McIntosh, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, said this year’s Children’s Safety Expo – which takes place at the John D. Bradley Centre on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – will be the biggest ever.
“We have so many partners joining us to make this an educational day that is also a lot of fun,” McIntosh said. “I can’t wait to see all of the families and kids coming out to have a blast.”
“After all, it’s not every day you get to see a car rollover, watch a vehicle be ripped apart, or even try out a fire extinguisher,” McIntosh said.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see an armoured tank, several police vehicles, including motorcycles and ATVs, fire trucks and ambulances, a mobile command trailer, and the Chatham-Kent Police’s K9 Unit.
“The chance to explore emergency vehicles up close is an unforgettable experience for children,” said McIntosh.
One of the highlights of the day will be live demonstrations by local emergency services, providing kids and families with an opportunity to experience safety education up close.
These demonstrations include:
– Fire Extinguisher Demo: Children can safely try out a fire extinguisher while learning how to use it properly in an emergency.
– Jaws of Life Demonstration; Emergency crews will cut apart a vehicle using specialized rescue equipment.
– Rollover Simulator: A powerful visual demonstration showing the impact of a rollover crash on both vehicles and passengers.
In addition to the demonstrations, First Responders and safety experts will share practical tips on child safety, from stranger awareness to digital safety in an online world.
The Expo will also feature several free clinics to help families take proactive steps in keeping their children safe, including:
– Car Seat Clinic (Hosted by Linck): Qualified staff will check installations, ensure safety standards, and answer questions. Space is limited, as early registration at www.ckcrimestoppers.ca is essential to ensure a spot at the clinic.
– Kids Fingerprint Clinic: Parents and caregivers can obtain free fingerprinting records for their children, creating an important tool for identification. Families receive a digital record to keep safe. Crime Stoppers does not store any personal information.
While the focus is on safety, there will also be plenty of fun for everyone. Kids can enjoy games, activities, food vendors and a chance to meet live PAW Patrol characters.
The Children’s Safety Expo would not be possible without the collaboration of many community partners and emergency services working together.
Partners in the Children’s Safety Expo with Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers include the Chatham-Kent Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Moraviantwon Police Services, Chatham-Kent Fire and EMS, Chatham-Kent Lambton Administrative School Services and Linck Child, Youth and Family Supports.
The event reflects Crime Stoppers’ mission of building safer communities by engaging families and providing resources that make a real difference.
“Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility,” stated McIntosh. “Events like this bring the community together in a positive way, showing kids that First Responders are not only there to protect them but to connect with them, too.”
Learn more by visiting www.ckcrimestoppers.ca.
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