SEPTEMBER SAFETY scaled

Safety First

Lila O’Funnigan and Ruby Woofwinkle are fantastic students. There is not a subject that they don’t enjoy. Math? Marvelous. Spelling? Superb. Art? Amazing. They are learning lovers and nothing – absolutely nothing – gets them more excited than when there is a new theme at school. This fall they are exploring the theme of safety and the kids know that means a special field trip will happen!

“Gather round class!” their teacher called all the students to the front of the room. “As you know, this season we are talking about safety! And as an extra special part of our safety theme we will be visiting the Honeysuckle Hollow Safety Department!”

The kids all cheered and many raised their hands with questions.

“Do we need to prepare anything in advance?” asked Lila O’Funnigan.

“Great question!” the teacher replied, “I would suggest wearing comfortable shoes and clothes because there might be a bit of activity.

Lila and Ruby could hardly sleep the night before the field trip. They were both so excited! Lila’s mom packed her rubber boots as she said, she had heard there was a fire hose at the station. When the girls reunited that morning heading over to the safety department they chatted about what they might see and learn.

“I heard they rescue animals stuck in trees!” said Ruby.

“Maybe we will get to see a rescue happen!” nodded Lila with anticipation.

They were welcomed at the Safety Department by two grown-ups wearing what looked like safety helmets. The helmets were red and covered their ears.

“Welcome everyone!” said the fire fighter “We are so happy to have you joining us today! And we want to show you around the station to get a feel for what we do. Follow me!”

Lila and Ruby were field trip buddy partners. They held each other’s hand as they formed a line and entered the Safety Department’s main building. Inside there was a ladder that went up to the second floor and a pole that went from the second floor all the way down to the ground floor.

“Want to give it a try?” called out the head of the Safety Department noticing their wide eyes taking in the fire pole.

“Yeah we do!” Lila and Ruby called out in unison. The two climbed up the ladder with some help and took turns sliding down the pole. After that, all the students were given a small tour around the station. They learned about every day safety precautions they could take and the importance of being aware of your surroundings – especially near busy streets and intersections.

“Gather round children! We have one last fantastic surprise for you!” called out the chief. The kids cried out in excitement wondering what it could be.

“As you might have noticed outside we have our safety department truck. It is perfect for getting somewhere quick if someone is in need of help. Who wants to go for a spin in the truck?”

The chief took the children two by two with their partner and each got a turn going around the block. They rang the bell and waved at those passing by. Lila and Ruby felt the day had been splendid and they had learned so much. They could not wait to go home and tell their families about the importance of safety first.