(Posted Aug. 18, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The Madison County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) doesn’t monkey around when it comes to expanding on the activities offered at the annual Madison County Safety Expo.
Set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Madison County fairgrounds in London, this year’s expo features a safari theme. Every child who attends will receive a pith helmet (safari hat) and an insulated monkey-themed lunch bag filled with goodies from area businesses. Also in keeping with the theme, the Columbus Zoo will be on hand with several wild animals.
Other new features include the state of Ohio’s storm safety shelter, Ohio State University’s heart mobile, a robot demon-stration by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and inflatable toss games courtesy of the Ohio National Guard.
“It’s a great day of free family fun,” said Roger Roberts, EMA director.
Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served as part of a free lunch at 11:30 a.m. An ice cream social is set for 1 p.m.
Throughout the event, children can visit learning stations covering a wide variety of topics, from school bus and seatbelt safety to water safety and bullying. They can go through a fire safety house and safety obstacle course, learn how to shoot a bow and arrow at the archery trailer, and get an up-close look at modern and antique safety equipment, including fire engines, police and highway patrol cruisers, and EMS squads.
Again this year, Madison EMS will hold a “Price is Right” inspired game asking participants to guess how much items on the vehicle cost, such as fire axes, turnout gear, and the truck itself.
Multiple medical helicopters will be on site. If possible, their landings will be timed to coordinate with Jaws-of-Life auto extraction demonstrations.
The Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails return with a bike rodeo, for which they will provide children with bikes to ride while they learn about bike safety. They also will give out bike helmets while supplies last.
AEP will be on site with its 16-foot trailer promoting power line safety. Columbia Gas is planning demonstrations, as well. Other expo activities include a bounce house, clowns, caricature artist, and COSI Science Spot kiosks. The Madison County-London City Health Department will be available to conduct car seat safety checks. Additionally, several county agencies will be on hand to share information about everything from mental health to domestic violence.
“We expect 500 to 600 people to attend, and half of those will be youths,” Roberts said.
Businesses or agencies who want to donate items for the lunch bag giveaways should contact EMA by Aug. 23. Monetary donations can be made anytime.
This year marks the 15th annual Safety Expo, created the year after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This year, as in all years prior, the expo will include a blessing of the badges ceremony in remembrance of the victims of 9/11.
The Safety Expo will take place rain or shine. Those entering the fairgrounds by car should use the Garfield Avenue entrance. For more information, call the EMA at (740) 852-4200.
Shred-It Day
In conjunction with the Safety Expo, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office will have a Shred-It trailer on site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can drop off paper items to be professionally shredded and disposed of. The service is free.
Identity theft is one of the fasted growing crimes. Even though computer hacking is on the rise, most identity theft information is obtained through hard copy paper sources.
For details about the Shred-It trailer service, call the Sheriff’s Office at (740) 852-1212.
