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For the past three years, the Warsaw Fire Department and other local agencies have tried to make learning about safety fun.
That tradition will continue Saturday as the Warsaw Fire Department sponsors the third annual Family Safety Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Central Park and Center Lake Pavilion.
The event started in 2004 when a group of Kosciusko County residents decided to plan an event to educate children about being safe.
Since then, the event has grown steadily each year. According to Jeff Rostochak of the Warsaw Fore Department, about 300 children took part in the event last year.
This year, Rostochak said, he hope to see more children at the event.
"This is a fun event," Rostochak said. "We want the kids to come out, even if it's only for a little while."
The Samaritan Air Ambulance is scheduled to land in Central Park, and the Lutheran Air Ambulance may make an appearance for children to get a closer look at the emergency vehicles.
Steve Zorn, certified safety instructor, will be on hand to demonstrate ways to prevent child abduction.
Another focus of the event centers around Halloween safety.
Demonstrations about costume safety and flammability will be performed by local firefighters. At different times during the event, firefighters will ignite costumes donated by the Goodwill Store to show the flammability of many store-bought costumes, proving how quickly they burn.
"Even though some Halloween costumes are labeled fire-resistant, they still can burn," said Rostochak. "With open flames from jack-o-lanterns, that can be very dangerous."
Along with the demonstrations, there also will be children's games, face painting, pumpkin painting, food and prizes given away throughout the day.
Displays and information will be available from many groups, including the American Red Cross, the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Warsaw Optimists, 911 dispatchers, Kosciusko County Conservation officers, Kosciusko Community Hospital, Multi-Township EMS and the Shriners.
"This is not necessarily just about Halloween safety," said Rostochak. "It's about everyday safety. The nice thing about this is that everything is free. We have some great sponsors and will be raffling off some great prizes."
Some prizes that will be raffled include bicycles, helmets, and jump ropes. Items such as pencils, magnets and cups will be available at booths set up in Center Lake Pavilion.
Lunch also will be provided free of charge during the event.
