Remaining safe

Learning about farm safety

On June 2, more than 30 4-H and community members gathered in Brook Village to learn about safety at home and on the farm at the Progressive Farm Safety Day.

During the day youth took part in a series of stations learning about different ways to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Some of the sessions included an interactive station on fire safety where the participants learned how to use a fire extinguisher including practicing putting out a fire on the digital display.

They also learned about wilderness safety from the Department of Natural Resources which included information about ticks and what to do if they see a bear or coyote in the woods. In the hall they also learned about biosecurity practices and why they are important as well as why proper hearing protection is needed around loud noises.

The members then went outside to learn about ATV, tractor and lawn mower safety. They also got a review on what the safety symbols on chemicals can mean and how to properly store chemicals safely.

Members had pizza before taking part in their afternoon sessions which included a safety quiz to put their new-found knowledge to the test and an agriculture trivia game.

One of the highlights of the days for the participants was to fill their goody bags with lots of items to help keep them safe this summer including bracelets to remind them to reapply sunscreen, water bottles to keep hydrated, reflective bracelets so they can easily be seen when playing outside as it is getting dark and flashlights to guide their way in the dark.

The day was made possible by all of the volunteers who donated their time to teach participants how to stay safe.

If you weren’t able to partake this year make sure you look out for next year’s Progressive Farm Safety Day in the area.

Nicole MacEachern is the 4-H summer assistant for the Cape Breton Region.