'Walk to School Day' Kicks Off Safety Week at West End

Lynbrook's West End Elementary kicked off its 2011 Safety Week on Monday.  Each year, the West End PTA has a week dedicated to educational programs and workshops with safety themes. 

The event began with Monday's "Walk to School Day."  Clark St. was closed to traffic, so students and parents could walk to school safely. The PTA handed out bottles of water as students made their way down Clark Ave. which was also closed.

The shared important fire safety information with West End's 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. A firefighter dressed in full gear showed the children how he would look and sound if he was coming to rescue them from a fire. They also had the opportunity to see inside the fire engine and spray the fire hose. It allowed for some fun while discussing the serious topic of fire safety. 

North Shore Ambulance talked to the children about calling 911 in an emergency, and they demonstrated the equipment used to help people who are hurt. Students walked through the ambulance, while EMTs demonstrated different instruments on board and displayed a mannequin boy on a stretcher with his leg in a splint. 

Big Brothers & Big Sisters held a presentation for all grades called "Playing It Smart" which focused on how to recognize a stranger, what to do if approached, and tips on how to avoid these situations.

Other programs included K.I.D.S. Child Identification Service, MTA Railroad Safety presentation, American Red Cross First Aid, and a Halloween Safety presentation from Sgt. Cipolla of the Lynbrook Police Dept.