The Lake Oconee Elks Lodge No. 2849 held its annual Kids Public Safety Day on Saturday, July 27.

As the lake country kids get ready to go back to school, the Lake Oconee Elks Lodge No. 2849 was helping to make sure that their homes were safe when they return after a long day of learning. 

On Saturday, July 27, the Lake Oconee Elks sponsored the second annual Kids Public Safety Day at Putnam County Fire Station 3. Numerous celebrity sightings included Sparky the Fire Safety Dog, clowns Mischief and Nuisance, and of course, our First Responders! As the kids enjoyed exploring fire engines, ambulances and the fire house itself, they also wrestled a real fire hose, played in the bouncy houses and learned about drug safety as the Elks were busy preparing a free hotdog lunch for all. Through a grant obtained from the Elks National Foundation, the kids were given a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and a smoke detector with batteries.

All the safety items were demonstrated and are essential for home safety:

•Fire extinguishers can effectively put out 80% of all fires.

•Every home, auto and boat should be equipped with a basic first aid kit.

•Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.