Public safety and fun are two words you don’t normally hear used in the same sentence, but Saturday’s Public Safety Day in Baldwin was an exception to the rule. Families flocked to Mitchell Gailey park for up close encounters with firefighters, police officers, EMTs, a flight nurse, a flight paramedic and Smash the Clown. They not only picked up valuable safety tips, they had fun doing it. They got to ride a zip-line, see an emergency helicopter land and experience a burning house simulator.
Lt. Chad Keener walked guests through the simulator. In the kitchen he demonstrated how to safely place pots and pans on the stove, turning the handles away from the front edge of the stove to avoid dangerous spills. He impressed upon children and their parents the importance of using smoke detectors in their homes and the need to keep batteries fresh. Smoke alarm batteries should be changed every six months.
While awareness and prevention are key to protecting life and property, they’re not always enough. Accidents do happen and fires do start. Responding appropriately can save your life.
Keener taught guests how to respond in case of a fire. He taught them to stop, drop and roll if their clothes or body catch on fire. He taught them how to keep smoke from entering a room by placing towels and other objects underneath the door to prevent smoke inhalation and increase their chances of survival. He taught them how to get out of a burning building. Keener helped children exit the mobile simulation trailer through the back bedroom window. Gavin Beeso of Habersham County was the first one out and he made it out with a smile. “I learned about the fire drill. I saw smoke and I had to go out the window,” says Gavin. His sister Jessica Beeso says it was a valuable lesson. “With his autism, I hope he really learns that if there was ever a fire at home he’d know what to do.”
Another demonstration that captured people’s attention Saturday was the rescue helicopter. The chopper flew above Mitchell Gailey park and was available for photo ops after landing. Event-goers climbed inside the chopper and talked with flight crew members Tamara Underwood (Flight Nurse) and David Rogers (Flight Paramedic). “The job is very obviously interesting, it’s very dynamic but it’s also very emotional at the same time because you are coming across, you know, babies that are hurt, kids that are hurt, elderly that are hurt, just individuals that are hurt really bad,” says Underwood. “We are using every ounce of adrenaline and every emotion and every ounce of your being in order just to maintain clarity and professionalism.”
Public Safety Day events such as Saturday’s are important because it gives emergency responders like Underwood a chance to interact with the people they serve outside of a crisis. It fosters mutual understanding and helps build relationships. Ask any public official and they’ll tell you, in their line of work, public trust is important. “Since I’ve been here in Baldwin, I’m proud of getting involved in the school system. We have several officers that are mentors including myself with several of the students up her at Baldwin Elementary, so, that’s one thing I’m very proud of,” says Baldwin Police Chief Chad Nichols.
Another thing public safety personnel take pride in is their support for each other. Baldwin Fire Chief Joe Roy says a raffle held Saturday will benefit the Habersham County Deputy who was shot several weeks ago and concession and t-shirt sales money will go to support the Habersham County Clowns Society.
“We’re a group of public safety clowns,” says Smash the Clown. “We all work. We’re either paramedics, we’re firemen, we’re dispatchers, we’re police officers…we’re just a group that gets together, go to the schools, teach them fire safety, teach them life safety,” he says. Smash was a smash hit with the kids Saturday. He says he loves meeting new friends at events such as Public Safety Day but he also enjoys making a positive difference in young people’s lives. “If one kid could save their family or not get hurt, it’s worth every bit of it!”
Baldwin Public Safety Day 2015
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