The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

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April 13, 2009

Carle, Bunge sponsor farm safety day

STAFF REPORT

GEORGETOWN — The Center for Rural Health and Farm Safety at Carle Foundation Hospital and Bunge Milling will sponsor a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day for students at Mary Miller Junior High in Georgetown, Judith Giacoma Elementary School in Westville, Catlin, Jamaica and Oakwood from 9 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. April 28 at the Georgetown Fairgrounds.

Other participating agencies will include Live Line Demo, Vermilion County Conservation District, Birkey’s Farm Store in Hoopeston, DI Fire and Safety, Illinois Feed and Grain, Illinois Army Corp of Engineers and the Progressive Agricultural Foundation.

Amy Rademaker, farm safety specialist at Carle Foundation Hospital and one of the event coordinators, said children often view farm and livestock operations as exciting playgrounds, providing endless hours of fun and adventure. But these facilities, and the livestock and equipment on them, can set the stage for tragedy. Many children are killed or injured on America’s farms and ranches each year.

“Safety days, such as this one in Georgetown, are taking place this year in more than 350 locations across the U.S., Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa to teach children how to prevent injuries and reduce the risk of farm and home incidents,” Rademaker said in a press release.

During these safety days, children participate in interactive activities that reinforce the importance of taking responsibility for their own safety, respecting parents’ safety rules and sharing safety tips with their family and friends.

Hands-on demonstrations teach participants lifesaving first-aid techniques and reveal the hidden hazards of farm surround-ings. Demonstrations focus on hazards associated with electrical safety, ATV safety, firearm safety, farm equipment safety, water safety, fire safety, grain safety, lawn equipment safety, chemical look-a-likes and will also learn about “going green.”

The safety day program allows community leaders to structure a safety day that covers basic safety issues and emergency response, and addresses specific local needs. Local farmers, manufacturers and merchants donate their time and equipment to ensure that each safety day is a fun and valuable learning experience.

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