‘Kids Safety Day’ draws a crowd

CHESTER — Scorching temperatures on Saturday failed to keep around 200 attendees away from Chester on Saturday, where the Chester Fire Department held its Kids Safety Day.

The temperature prevented Smokey the Bear from making an appearance, although Sparky the Fire Dog did make the rounds of the various vendors and booths. The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office provided fingerprinting for children, while the Pomeroy Fire Department gave fire extinguisher demonstrations and allowed kids the opportunity to use one to extinguish a fire.

The Pomeroy Gun Club had a small firing range to allow kids the chance to learn about gun safety. Meigs County EMA brought a tornado shelter, and allowed attendees to peek inside. Considering the rough weather the area has had in recent years, they want to make sure that residents are aware of their shelter options in the event of future tornadoes and other bad storms. The tornado shelter is an excellent choice if a residence does not have a basement or other type of storm shelter, according to EMA officials.

Besides providing free hot dogs and water, Chester Fire Department also provided 300 smoke detectors and gave them away to those who need one. Colorful Faces provided face painting, and Meigs Inflatables provided a bounce house and an obstacle course. The New Haven Fire Department brought their Fire and Home Safety House. Tyler Co. Search and Rescue and Med Flight also were present at the event.

Two Dalmatian dog statues were given away, to Micah Reed and Audrey Clegg. Brandon Lockhart won the fire extinguisher.

Alexa Cook is pictured using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire at Kids Safety Day.

http://mydailysentinel.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/06/web1_6.21-PPR-FIre.jpgAlexa Cook is pictured using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire at Kids Safety Day. Jessica Marcum/Courtesy

Marvin Taylor explaining a smoke alarm at Kids Safety Day.

http://mydailysentinel.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/06/web1_6.21-PPR-Fire-2.jpgMarvin Taylor explaining a smoke alarm at Kids Safety Day. Jessica Marcum/Courtesy

A MedFlight crew visits during Kids Safety Day at Chester.

http://mydailysentinel.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/06/web1_6.21-PPR-Fire-3.jpgA MedFlight crew visits during Kids Safety Day at Chester. Jessica Marcum/Courtesy

The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office offers free fingerprinting to families at Kids Safety Day.

http://mydailysentinel.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/06/web1_6.21-PPR-Fire-4.jpgThe Meigs County Sheriff’s Office offers free fingerprinting to families at Kids Safety Day. Jessica Marcum/Courtesy

Sparky the Fire Dog makes an appearance.

http://mydailysentinel.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/06/web1_6.21-PPR-Fire-6.jpgSparky the Fire Dog makes an appearance. Jessica Marcum/Courtesy

Pictured is Micah Reed, winner of a Dalmation dog statue.

http://mydailysentinel.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/06/web1_6.21-PPR-Fire-7.jpgPictured is Micah Reed, winner of a Dalmation dog statue. Jenny Whan/Courtesy

Jessica Marcum is a freelance writer for The Daily Sentinel.