With more and more children being raised by grandparents and drugs affecting many families, young children are finding themselves in unsafe situations. Often, times they do not know where to go for help or what they should do if an emergency arises. Several families and community members reached out to the Bell County Cooperative Extension Service for help to get young children familiar with community helpers in our area and ways to make them feel safe.

      With the help of the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, Bell County Volunteer Fire Department, Bell County Emergency Management Service, Air Evac and the Division of Forestry, Safe Communities Family Day Camp was carried out! Along with their families, 18 children (ages 8 and under) came together to meet local community helpers to learn about what jobs they perform and services that are provided. For two days 16 families met firefighters, paramedics, police officers, flight nurses and forester rangers, that provided information on ways to keep their families safe, as well as protecting their community. They were taught that these individuals are our friends through various activities that help foster positive attitudes and also, the importance of dialing 911 for emergencies only.

      After the program was concluded a verbal survey was conducted and 90% of children can now identify local community helpers. 90% of families indicated that their children now have a positive impression of community helpers and are not afraid them. 80% of children can recognize the numbers 911 on a phone and can dial 911 for emergencies.