Safety Town set for another summer

Lorain Police Safety Town is getting ready for another educational summer of roadside safety for Lorain’s youngsters.

“We will be starting shortly and want to make sure parents are aware of the event,” said Lorain police Officer Kyle Gelenius. “This will be our second year at Lorain High School, after previously holding the camp near the old Southview High School.”

Gelenius said the goal of the camp is to make sure children know how to safely cross the street.

“We make sure they understand the importance of looking both ways,” he said. “If they ride a bike, the importance of wearing a helmet is made known.

“They may be dissuaded by their peers when it comes to these safety regulations, but it is something that will make sure they are safe on our roadways.”

Gelenius said The Nord Center also will have a discussion on inappropriate touching.

“It gives children an idea about what sexual assault is,” he said. “It is not something you want to have to say to a child, but I’m glad The Nord Center is partnering with us for this.

“The children need to hear about safe touches and what to do in those situations.”

Gelenius said Safety Town staff also will cover more than safety on streets.

“The Lorain Fire Department will be there to talk about fire safety,” he said. “Children will also learn about proper railroad and water safety. We wanted to make sure all bases were covered for the week.”

Gelenius said the week will culminate with an award ceremony.

“We will go into the high school auditorium and give them something to show they participated and learned about safety,” he said. “The purpose is to instill safe practices in these children when they are young.

“We want this to happen before they start going to school. This is one of the police department’s main community-partnered events, and it is a fun week, overall.”

Gelenius said the second week already has been filled, but applications are still available for the following weeks.

Safety Town is open to all children living in the city of Lorain who will enter kindergarten in fall 2018.

Sessions run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, during the weeks of June 18, June 25, July 9 and July 16, at Lorain High School, 2600 Ashland Ave.

Applications can be found at the Lorain Police Department, 200 W. Erie Ave., or the Lorain City Schools administration building, 2350 Pole Ave.

Forms, attached to the applications, should be completed and mailed to Robin Smith, Safety Town Coordinator, at 505 Allison Ave., Lorain, OH 44052.

Gelenius can be reached at 440-204-2115 for any additional questions.