Annual DA’s Safety Fair helps folks safeguard their homes, health

JEFFERSON COUNTY – Lessons in safeguarding homes, families and finances drew a crowd to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds for the 2010 Jeffco District Attorney’s Safety Fair Saturday.

Outside the exhibits building, youngsters were dashing from one area to another. They bounced down an inflatable slide, bounced around inflatable firehouses and rode bicycles around a complicated course before collecting free bike helmets. They clamored aboard fire engines and a rescue boat. They sat in the driver’s seat of a police squad car and they marveled at two vintage police cars far older than the excited youngsters

But the fun came with a serious message: safety.

More than 65 agencies, health-care organizations, caregiver groups, service organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, parks agencies and victim-outreach groups offered information and advice about all facets of public safety.

Police guide youngster through bike course.

“We have twice as many booths giving resources in how to be safe in various aspects of your life. We have 65 booths inside alone, plus what’s outside,” said District Attorney Scott Storey.

While the number of informational outlets just about doubled those last year’s inaugural Safety Fair, Storey said at midday Saturday this year’s event was on pace to double in attendance, as well, swelling to more than 1,000 participants.

Storey attributes the larger crowd, in part, said to a public that is becoming more aware of threats in recent years, threats to safety as well as health, from a variety sources.

“I think we all are more conscious of if and I think that, in government, it is our job to facilitate that,” Storey said. “I know that in my office, crime prevention is a priority. That’s how to keep yourself safe from identity theft, for example, or from Internet exploitation of kids.

“And we’ve really, really focused on that because, frankly, it’s more cost effective if you can prevent people from becoming victims of crime. And the same holds true for carbon monoxide poisoning, for example” as well as other threats, the DA added.

The Safety Fair included free small electronics recycling, document shredding and prescription recycling. Folks also could pick up a free copy of their credit report, printed on-site, along with consultation with bank officers. The event also featured live safety presentations and demonstrations.

The free Safety Fair was co-sponsored by 9News, 1stBank, Seniors’ Resource Center, A-1 Electronics Recycling, Iron Mountain, Wells Fargo Bank, SaveAndInvest.org, The Prime Time for Seniors and Home Instead Senior Care.

“This free community event offers safety tips and tools for the entire family – whether you are interested in staying safe at home; during recreational activities; general health and well-being; or have concerns about your kids going back to school,” said Pam Russell, spokeswoman for the DA’s Office

Jefferson County’s Board of County Commissioners last week proclaimed Saturday as Consumer Safety Awareness Day in Jefferson County, encouraging citizens to promote safety in their homes, neighborhoods and communities.