Field Trip on Wheels Impresses Several Public Policy Visitors

2008 marks the 10th Anniversary for the Great Safety Adventure (GSA), the Home Safety Council’s “field trip on wheels”, as it hits the road on both the East and West Coasts. The GSA visits elementary schools around the country and has touched more than one million parents and children since its inception in 1999.

With it’s nearly 1,000 square foot interactive learning space, the GSA tour is led by “Rover the Home Safety Hound,” who teaches elementary school kids and their parents the safety practices needed to help prevent the five leading causes of home injury: (1) falls; (2) poisoning; (3) fires and burns; (4) choking and suffocation and (5) drowning.

To add to the excitement of a 10th Anniversary kick-off, several public policy officials have already visited the GSA this year.

On February 8, 2007, Mayor Harry Jeffries of Watauga, TX, toured the GSA at Whitley Road Elementary. Walking through the exhibit, Mayor Jeffries commented that the GSA was an "awesome place" and "really cool for the students." With nearly 700 children and parents participating in the Whitley Road Elementary School event, Mayor Jeffries not only became the Home Safety Council’s newest “Safety Ranger,” but also walked away with the knowledge of how to prevent home related injuries that result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits annually.

The same day, Susan Young, District Director for Texas State Representative Kelly Hancock toured the GSA at Whitley Road Elementary and was very impressed with what she saw. Young thanked the Home Safety Council for the great work they do through the GSA to safeguard children and families in their communities.

“Your program not only educates and trains boys and girls about safety issues, it also makes them want to be safe,” Young said. “I loved seeing the interaction between the students and the (safety rangers).”

Young went on to express what a great time she had watching the children have fun while being educated in the process.

“Way to go!” Young said. “I only wish more students could see your outstanding program. “

As the GSA continues its tour around the United States, this “field trip on wheels” will continue to show children how to help their families prepare for dangers in the home and encourage them to share Rover’s safety messages with friends and family.