Safe Kids Summer Public Awareness Campaign

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

“Be Safe! Stay Safe! Have a Safe Kids Summer!” The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) created a community outreach and information program called “Safe Kids Summer” (SKS) designed to help children become aware of home safety, school safety and pool safety during the hot Arizona summer months when they might be spending more time than usual at home unsupervised. MCAO volunteers staff booths at different public and private swimming pools each week and quiz younger children (ages 3 to 12), giving them the chance to tell us how they practice home, school and pool safety. In turn they can win prizes including water bottles, frisbees, beach balls, suntan lotion and colored beads if they correctly answer safety questions. Kids are also asked to recite their home telephone numbers or home addresses for volunteers. Kids are asked questions like, “What is the number you dial on the telephone when there is an emergency?” (Answer: 9-1-1) “What is the first thing you do when you get in a car?” (Answer: Put on a seatbelt). Should you ever use the swimming pool at your house if you are home alone? (Answer: No). If they answer correctly, they win a prize. If they don’t know the answers, MCAO volunteers spend time talking with them to make sure they are being safe at home, school and the pool – and so they can take home a prize.