RRA - Sherriff's Departmenti
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*41M2)YEI4IPEEI IEna -
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
DATE. February 2, 2000
OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE
FRO TALIE MACIAS, DIRECTOR TO: STATION CAPTAINS, CRIME
C MMUNITY /LAW ENFORCEMENT PREVENTION /COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS RELATIONS STAFF
SUBJECT: PREPARATIONS FOR SAFE COMMUNITIES WEEK -MARCH 20 -25,2000
It is the time of year to begin to prepare for Safe Communities Week. This year the Board
of Supervisors will present a proclamation declaring March 20-25 as Safe Communities
Week. I have enclosed the background and purpose of this week to assist you in your
preparation. In order to make this year's week a success, I am requesting the following:
I would like each station to develop a plan of activities for that week. Please
have your Crime Prevention /Community Relations Staff bring them to our
monthly Crime Prevention/Community Meeting on February 17'", 2000_
Be sure to include any special assignment deputies, COPS Team , STAR
Deputies, and your GET unit.
Please have all Crime Prevention staff read the enclosed material. This will
assist in generating ideas for activities. You may also wish to look at the
Rowland Unified School District Planning Guide from last year.
Please submit a draft proclamation to your contract cities - proclamations will
need to be approved bythe City Council priorto or during Safe Communities
Week. Once you receive the proclamation, please put them in your station
lobby or at City Hall.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Deputy Carlos Avila at (323) 526 -5015.
P Thank you again for your cooperation.
I
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GUIDELINES FOR
2000 SAFE COMMUNITIES WEEK
BACKGROUND /HISTORY OF WEEK
In 1992, the Walnut/San Dimas Sheriffs Station's East San Gabriel Valley Anti -Gang Task
Force wanted to draw attention to the need for community involvement in keeping
neighborhoods safe. This Task Force composed of representatives from Walnut and
Rowland Unified School Districts, Operation Safe Community, 4" District Supervisor Deane
Dana (now Supervisor Knabe), 1� District Supervisor Molina, 5" District Supervisor
Antonovich, School District Board members, service clubs, religious organizations,
concemed residents. Industry and Walnut Sheriffs Stations, and the Community /Law
Enforcement partnership Programs Office created, "Safe Communities Week." The hope
was that everyone in the diverse communities served by Walnut and Industry Stations
would relate to the need for safe communities.
It initially focused on a particulararea of apartments on Batson Avenue in Rowland Heights.
With the assistance of the owner and manager of the building, the Task Force Established
the Batson Avenue Festival. The festival highlights residents working with businesses,
schools, and the surrounding community to take the apartments back from negative
elements in the community.
The Task Force, now a part of Operation Safe Communities, along with Supervisor Knabe
and the Sheriffs Department is continuing Safe Communities Week. This event has
developed into a Countywide effort. Once again, your participation will assure a successful
outcome for this event-
PURPOSE
The purpose of Safe Communities Week is to unite communities in creating a safe, healthy,
crime -free environment through a series of community -based programs and activities. The
major focus of this long -term commitment is to make a positive difference for our
communities by educating our youth and adults, by providing positive alternatives and role
models for children, and by unifying the support of the local community including schools,
businesses, religious organizations, service clubs, law enforcement agencies, and local
county government.
The symbol of involvement in this project is the rainbow ribbon of colors. The rainbow
colors represent a promise to ourselves that by working together we can lay the foundation
for a safe environment in our communities and schools.
ry r
S
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GUIDELINES (cont.)
CHECK LIST/TIME TABLE OF ACTIVITIES
February 7 (Monday)
Read all materials and come up with a list of activities planned for
the week;
Send draft proclamation (See Attached - Sample Proclamation) to
contract city, work with one contact person to finalize and put on city
Work with one contact person to finalize and put on City Council
Agenda(before March 1);
— Inform Captain and Sgt. /Crime Prevention/Community Relations of
date and time of City Cnunril presentation.
February 11 (Friday)
— Depending on your planned activities - have proposal of activities
(See the list of Suggested Activities given to you at the last crime
prevention meeting) and meet with contact person of schools you
work with;
Tentatively have type of activity (ies), date)s), time(s), and
location(s) - assist school in preparation or providing resources.
February 18 (Friday)
Finalize planned activities;
Contact Sheriffs Headquarters Bureau for entry in the Master
Calendar. Contact your Chiefs Office (note: if the Sheriff is not
available to attend, proceed with activities scheduled);
— Assist school(s) in preparing printing/copies announcing activities -
have sponsoring schools pass out information to all students to take
home;
Prepare press release to local newspapers and school newsletter.
Send a copy of your release to SHB for publicity_
By February 25 (Friday)
Schedule date and time of City Council meeting regarding
proclamation presentation;
Follow up with Captain and Sergeant on who will attend City Council
meeting to accept proclamation.
March 16 (Thursday)
Bring City proclamations to our March Crime Prevention Meeting.
ram
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PROCLAMATION FOR SAFE COMMUNITIES WEEK
March 20 -25, 2000
WHEREAS, the vitality of the County of Los Angeles Depends on how safe we
keep our home, neighborhoods, work places and communities; and
WHEREAS, crime and fear diminish our trust in others and in our'institutions,
threatening the community's health and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, people of all must be made ayvare of what tiiey car, do to prevent
themselves, their families, neighbors and co- workiers from being hartrle.d by drugs,
=: :...
violence, and other crimes: and •� ?, - - •
WHEREAS, people of all ages must unite.-all elements of the community in
creating a safe, healthy, crime -free environment through:a-series of community-based
programs; and
i
i -
WHEREAS, the major focus of tflis to►jgderm commitrn ant .is to make a positive
difference for our communities by education d6r:y6uths and adults, by providing positive
alternatives and role models for chjtfen, ang.'fiy�jj��fying the support of the local
community including schools businesses, refigious;drganiilations, service dubs, law
enforcement agencies and local and county government;"
NOW, THEREFORE, , Supervisor Don Knabe, Chair of the Los Angeles Board
of Supervisors, do hereby,proclaim M�girch 20 - 25, 2000, as SAFE COMMUNITIES
WEEK in Los Angeles. County and- ;iirge;l�iratizens, govemment agencies, public and
private'institutions 'artd'all businesses to Increase their participation in our community's
cnmgprgv_ention, oits a.r?d therebyaiilifd more productive comminutes and improve
quality-of life for all.
M
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February 00, 2000
Dear Superintendent
I am writing to inform you about a Los Angeles County wide effort declaring March 20 - 25,
2000, as Safe Communities Week. In 1992, various community groups, school districts,
the Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors worked
together to draw attention for community involvement in keeping neighborhoods safe in the
San Gabriel Valley.
The purpose of Safe Communities Week Is to unite communities in creating a safe, healthy,
crime free environment through a series of community based programs and activities. The
focus of this long term commitment is to make a positive difference in our communities by
educating our youth and adults, by providing positive alternatives and role models for
children, and by unifying the support of the local community including schools businesses,
religious organizations service clubs, law enforcement agencies, and local government.
The symbol of involvement in this project is the rainbow ribbon of colors. The rainbow
colors represent a promised to ourselves that by working together we can lay the
foundation for a safe environment in our communities and schools for all people.
The Sheriffs Station would like you to join us in this effort. I have
enclosed a copy of Rowland Unified School District's Planning guide to illustrate some
activities you may want to do in your schools. If you have any questions, please call Deputy
At . I look forward to working with you in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Leroy D. Baca, SHERIFF
1 Captain
Station
cc: School Board Members
M,
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Rowland Unified School
District
Safe Communities Week
Planning Guide
(Reference for year 2000)
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Rowland Unified School District
it
safe co 1
es Week
March • -,
" -Zy Zoav
Sponsored by: Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department / Walnut Station
Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe's Office
California Highway Patrol / Santa Fe Springs Office
Operation Safe Community
Rowland Unified School District
RUSD Safety & Drug Alcohol Tobacco Education (S &DATE) Program
Purpose: The purpose of Safe Communities Week is to unite all elements of the
community in creating a safe, healthy, crime -free environment through a
series of community-based programs. The major focus of this long -term
commitment is to make a positive difference for our communities by '
educating our youth and adults, by providing positive alternatives and role
models for children, and by unifying the support of the local community
including schools, businesses, religious organizations, service clubs, law
enforcement agencies, and local and county government.
Symbol: The symbol of Involvement in this project Is the rainbow ribbon. The
rainbow colors represent a promise to ourselves that by working together
we can lay the foundation for a safe environment In our communities and
schools for all people.
The S &DATE program will provide each elementary school with Safe
Communities Week badges printed on card stock. Students can color them in
rainbow colors and wear them during the week.
Kick -off: The community kick -off event for Safe Communities Week will be the Safe
fr•"� � �r� Communities Week Festival at Rowland Heights Community Park (Bandida)
v� ■���•• on March between 10 a.m. and 2 p,m, Informational flyers will be
LG�oO distributed to all students.
Schoolsite The list of suggestions that follows has been compiled from a variety of
Involvement: sources both within and outside the school district. A media list is also
included. Both are intended as resources to assist schools in planning
their observance activities.
RUSD:S &DATE (elementary) 1 1/20/98
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adift WD(aa
Suggested School Activities
School/Class Assemblles:
Presentations may focus on a number of related topics: peer pressure as it relates to
gang involvement and drug use; building self - esteem; refusal skills; personal responsibility in
helping to make our community safe: how personal safety depends on wise decisions; peer
pressure and making good decisions; resolvinq conflicts without violence.
Elementary schools `41* ftnt to=lrlvolve -,Qteir SANE or DARE officer in planning
pre5entations`*wOd Asddgt5r. She l��re"'tlep"�Rt�nt and/or law enforcement department
community reldurce onic4carealso be good resources to provide a speaker on topics such as:
home fire escape plans, calling 9 -1 -1 to report an emergency, bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Sheila Eckler. the district GAPP officer (probation dept.), may also serve as a resource for you.
She can to reached at 854 -6359.
Student government may wish to plan a "Flagpole Assembly' or other unifying activity
to kick off Safe Communities Week at your school.
If your school has a outdoor sign board, you may wish to use it to
acknowledge observance of the event and /or promote the community festival on
March 6.
poster /Writing Contests:
Students at all levels can become motivated to participate In contests. Your local
business partnerships may be a source for incentives and awards. Ask local businesses if they
would display student work. Several essays could be chosen, printed up and read during
homeroom throughout the week. Some themes to be considered include:
• the importance of a drug -free lifestyle
• role models who have influenced students
• the value of friendship
• the importance of resolving conflict in a positive way
• making good choices
• the need to always do your best
• the importance of staying in school
• people to go to for help or to answer your questions
• school as a safe environment for learning
• dealing with peer pressure and making good choices
• personal responsibility in helping to make our comniwnity safe
• making the neighborhood safe
A cartoon format could be used by students to communicate their message.
Wrltln ctfvltlea:
Writing prompts related to the types of writing using the theme of safe communities
could be developed, Students may identify community problems, such as graffiti, vandalism,
gang intimidation, drive -by shootings and generate ideas for what a community could do to
RUSD:S&DATF (elementary) 2 1/79/99
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combat these problems from the perspective of schools, local businesses, law enforcement,
residents, and students themselves.
Students could write "Public Service Announcements" or commercials and read Some of
them over the intercom, PA system or radio daily during Safe Communities Week.
Book marks or book covers with a safe Communities theme
• Classroom door decorated using a safe cpmmunities theme
Skits or role play an anti - gang /anti - drug /ant- violence situation
Banners for classroom or campus display
• Murals depicting positive community activities
Arrange for intermediate school or high school peer helpers to speak to younger
students on a number of topics including peer pressure and making good choices.
Students could collect newspaper articles related to safety issues and then discuss in
class how situations might have had different outcomes had individuals or the
community been more Closely focused on safety.
Paper chains using rainbow colors could be used to decorate classrooms or campus
and serve as a symboltreminder.
Student council members could write a pledge for students to discuss and sign.
Pledges could be displayed as a visible commitment. The following is an example:
I pledge to respect myself.
I pledge to respect others.
To say 'no' to gangs and drugs...
To make my community a safe place.
Students could write their pledge on their hand print cut from colored paper
(rainbow colors) and make a 'Helping Hands• chain to be displayed on fence at front
of school.
Included at the end of this guide is additional information that may be helpful to the classroom
teacher. Please share it and the resources listed on the next page with teachers at your school_
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Resources available for checkout from the S &DATE Office
• Video: WHY GANGS (Explores factors in choosing gang lifestyle.)
• Video: NO WAY OUT , Grades 4 -12 plus adult, (Flood control channel safety
education. Additional information follows in this guide.
Video: ER! D ri F w, GRADES 4 -12. (One of the most potentially
deadly, but little known, storm hazards is the danger of flash floods and debris flows
in mountain canyons, especially in vulnerable burn areas in the aftermath of
wildiand brush fires.
• Video: TAKING RESPONSIBILITY: What's Wrong with Vandalism, primary
• Video /Teacher's Guide: Getting Better at Getting Along, Grades 2 -4,
(addresses simple techniques for resolving conflicts)
Video/Teacher's Guide: WE CAN WORK IT OUTI. Grades 5 -6, (addresses simple
techniques for resolving conflicts)
• Video and lesson sheets: STUDENT WORKSHOP: SOLVING CONFLICT , Grades 2-
4, (hands -on workshop in conflict resolution skills)
• Video and lesson sheets: STUDENT WORKSHOP: CONFLICT RESOLUTION
SKILLS, Grades 5 -9, (addresses skills of conflict resolution through hands -on
activities and practice)
• Video: 1 Get So Mad l, Grades K -2. Makes students aware that anger is a natural
emotion everyone experiences at times. Shows them that it's not the getting angry
that counts, but what they decide to do about it. Offers easy -to- understand ways to
cope..
• Three module kit with videos /teacher's guides: GET REAL ABOUT VIOLENCE,
grades 4 -6. Modules and lessons included are:
Module: Vulnerability to Violence - Lesson 1: Violence is everyone's problem: Lesson
2; How violence hurts (no one deserves to be a victim): Lesson 3: It's good to
discourage violence because violence is everybody's problem
Module: Contributors to Violence - Lesson 1: Identify some contributors to violent
attitudes and discover some of the effects of mean messages; Lesson 2: Practice how to
resist mean and violent messages; Lesson 3: Individual attitudes and behaviors can
contribute to violence
Alternatives to violence - Lesson 1: The partnership in preventing violence; Lesson
2: Strategies to use when students see or hear about teasing, bullying or fighting:
Lesson 3: Skills to use when observing someone do something mean or violent; Lesson
4: Practicing the Refusal Skill for Self - Control; Lesson 5: How to use the refusal
skill to resist peer pressure to do something mean or violent.
Three module kit with videos/teacher's guides: GFT REAL ABOUT VIOLENCE,
Grades 6 -9, (covers same modules as above with geared to older children.
Early Childhood Safety Curriculum: SAFE AT HOME, American Lung Association of
Los Angeles County
Prolect YES!, Grade 5. Anti -gang and anti- violence curriculum kit. Includes
lessons and video.
ci r
Please refer to the Resource Guide: Drug Alcohol Tobacco Education compiled by the
S &DATE office for additional video resources. Phone 8340 or 6350 for a copy, if needed.
The Sheriffs Department at Industry Station has an informative booklet on BICYCLE SAFELY.
Call them for more information and possible presentation.
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G Los Angeles County
G 7777 office of Education
A Safety Reminder
WARNING!
• When it rain. in T,ns Angeles, flood control channels, rimers, and arroyos can quickly
fill up with fast - moving water. creating a potentially life- threatening danger to any-
one who gets caught or swept away.
• It is against the law to be down inside a flood control channel, regardless of whether
it is wet or drv.
What Should You Do?
What if you fall in?
•
Never get into this situation!
• Remain calm. Don't waste energy yelling for help after you have been spotted by
someone.
• Get ready to be rescued-
• Try to float on your back with your legs straight and your feet pointed downstream-
• Use your legs to shove yourself away from obstructions.
• Keep your head up so that you can see where you are going.
• Watch for obstacles and debris! If a tree or other stationary object is blocking the chan-
nel, forcing water over it, try to flip over on your stomach and approach the obstacle
head -0n, crawling over the to of it Most victims in swift water die when they get pinned
against obstacles, or get trapped in submerged debris and vegetation.
What if you see someone fall into the water?
• DO NOT GO IN-TO THE WATER AFTER THE VICTIM!
Do not try to pull the victim out with your hands, rope, or similar device. Do not
attach anything to yourself and toss it to a victim in the water. You will be pulled in
by the force of the current-
• If possible, throw a flotation device to the victim, such as a boogie board, styrofoam
ice chest, basketball. or other unattached object.
• Lti1MEDLATELY CALL 911!
Tell the 911 operator that someone who fell into the channel is being swept down-
stream and that Swiftwater rescue teams need to respond.
• Give accurate information about where you saw the victim go in, what the victim was
wearing, etc.
5
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Safety and Rescue Resource Guide
For further information, classroom speakers, and other resources, please contact:
Los Angeles County Office of Education
562/922 -6307 • httpV /www.lacoe.edu
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
626/4584087 • httpJ /www.co.la.ca.us
California Office of Emergency Services
Contact your local Office of Emergency Services 0 http) /www.oe.5.ca.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency
1- 800 - 480 -2520 • httpJ /www.feraa.gov
American Red Cross
Contact your local chapter • httpJ /www.crossnet.org
National Safety Council
312/527 -4800
National Weather Service
http://www.nwsla.noaa-gov
The Weather Channel
Programs may be borrowed for 30 -days, and include teacher guides:
Education Coordinator, The Weather Channel
2600 Cumberland Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339
Members of the Los Angeles County River Rescue Task Force are willing to assist with
special presentations at your school.
LsfAFm
Los Angeles County Fire Dept. 213/881.2411
Lifeguard Division 310/939 -7200 • http)/ pent. ci. santa- monica.ca.us/laco_ lifeguard/
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. 213/526 -5541
SAME. Unit 562/946 -7263 • httpJ /wwwlasd.org
Los Angeles City Fire Dept.
Fire Safety Education Unit
Glendale Fire Dept.
Office of Emergency Services
Alhambra Fire Dept.
Burbank Fire DepL
Culver City Fire Dept
Long Beach Fire DepL
and Lifeguard Division
Monterey Park Fire Dept
Pasadena Fire Dept.
San Gabriel Fire Dept
San Marino Fire Dept.
South Pasadena Fire Dept.
213/485 -5954
81W56 -9671 • httpJ /wwwcityofla.org/lafd
81815481814
81a/548 -2121
626/570 -5190
8183238 -3473
310/253 -5900
562/570 -2573
626/307 -1270
6261744 -4668
6261308 -2880
626/300 -0735 Los Angeles County
626403 -7300 �� Office of Education
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Operation Safe Community - S &DATE Program
ftq@ &OnrnlffullMnln @ �n7oQG3
ado &)DN)M
Safe Communities Week is a time set aside each spring to unite all elements of the
community in creating a safe, healthy, crime -free environment. The symbol of
awareness and commitment in this endeavor is the rainbow ribbon. This emblem
represents a promise to ourselves that by working together we can lay the
foundation for a safe environment in our communities and schools for students,
parents and residents.
For the last few years, district students in kindergarten through sixth grade have
colored and worn a badge containing the rainbow colors instead of a rainbow -
colored ribbon. We would like to again have a badge for elementary students to
color and wear during Safe Communities Week.
Operation Safe Community and the S &DATE Program are sponsoring a badge
design contest at each elementary school_ The winning design at each school will be
reproduced on white card stock and distributed to all students at that school. If a
school chooses not to enter the contest, it will receive the badge design judged to be
the overall district winner.
All sixth grade students are encouraged to enter the badge design contest. In
addition to serving the community by providing a symbolic emblem, the student
who submits the winning entry at each school will be recognized by Operation Safe
Community with a framed certificate and a small token of appreciation. The district
winner will represent the district at a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors'
meeting when the district receives recognition for their participation.
The contest guidelines are as follows:
1. The contest is open to all sixth grade students.
2. All work is to be original. Any use of copyrighted material (i.e. Ninja Turtles,
or cartoon characters, etc.) will mean automatic rejection. The design must be
conceived and produced by the individual student.
3. Finished art work is to be no larger than 3 1/4 inches by 5 inches. It can have an
irregular shape (does not need to be rectangular in shape).
4. Finished art work must contain the words "Safe Communities Week" and the
dates 'March 6 - March 12, 1999 ".
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5. The finished design must include colors of the rainbow in normal progression
like in a rainbow.
6. The design must be submitted on white paper in two forms: black line drawing
and then a photocopy rendered in appropriate colors.
7. Student's name, teacher's name and school name must be clearly printed on
the back of the black line drawing.
8. Entries must be turned in to each school's liaison teacher no later than noon
on Tuesday, February 73, 1999. Liaison teachers should put entries in the
district mail that day so they will reach the DATE office no later than Thursday,
February 25.
9. Entries will be judged by a committee of Operation Safe Community and
S&DATE Advisory Committee members. The decision of the judges will be
final.
The winning design from each school will be printed and distributed to the students
at that school. For further information contact Jan Huber at 8548350.
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Prometo respetarame.
Prometo respetar a otros.
A decir "no" a pandillas y
drogas... •
Hacer mi
comunidad un
sitio seguro.
Prometo respetarme.
Prometo respetar a otros.
A decir "no" a pandillas y
drogas... •
Hacer mi
comunidad un
sitio seguro.
02/03/00 15:48 FAX 9235265657 CLEPP als
C lr�§so
communities
1999
Poster Design Contest
Safe Communities Week is a time set aside each spring to unite all elements of the
community in promoting a safe, healthy, crime -free environment. This years
observance is scheduled for March 6 -12, 1999.
Operation Safe Community (a community coalition) and RUSD's S &DATE
(Safety & Drug Alcohol Tobacco Education) program are sponsoring a poster
design contest open to all secondary students in Rowland Unified. The purpose of
the poster this year is to advertise the Safe Communities Week Festival to be held
at Rowland Park on March 6 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Festival, to which
community members of all ages are invited, will serve as a kick -off event the for
week long observance. Sponsors of the event are Operation Safe Community,
RUSD /S &DATE, Supervisor Don Knabe's office, and the Los Angeles County
Sheriffs Department in cooperation with L.A. County Parks and Recreation.
Contest guidelines are:
1. All design ideas are to be original. Any use of copyrighted material will mean automatic
rejection of the entry. The design must be conceived and produced by the student submitting
the entry.
2. Finished posters can be of any size up to 16 inches by 20 inches using any media.
3- Finished posters must promote the festival including date, time and focus (informational flyer
is attached).
4. The student's name, grade level, homeroom teachers name and school name must be clearly
printed on the back of the poster.
5. The posters submitted will become the property of Operation Safe Community and will be
displayed throughout the community to advertise the festival to the public. The person
submitting the design judged most eye -catching and attractive in keeping with the focus of the
event will receive a check for $25 from Operation Safe Community.
6. All entries must be turned in to your art teacher or fine arts chairperson by noon on
Wednesday. February 24,1999. Entries will be judged by a committee of Operation Safe
Community and S&DATE Advisory Committee members. The decision of the judges will be
final.
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EDITH: EXIT DRILLS IN THE b,OME
Operation EDITH was introduced in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1958, spread to other
cities and town, and since 1966 has been sponsored by the Fire Marshals Association of North
America, affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association.
Standing for Exit Drills In The Home, Operation EDITH is a major effort to reduce the
toll of dwelling fires, which now claim some 6,000 lives each year. EDITH encourages
families to plan ahead for escape in case of fire.
Summarized below are the basic points of an effective, possibly life- saving, Exit Drill
In The Home.
TWO WAYS OUT of each room is the starting point for a home fire escape plan. Keep in mind
that fire can sweep up stairways and through halls with alarming speed. For this reason,
bedroom and/or hall doors should always be closed at night.
Most fatal home fires occur at night when the family is asleep, so it is especially
important that each bedroom have a least two avenues of escape_ A window is usually the
alternate exit - be sure it is low enough and large enough to climb through; that access to it is
not blocked by furniture; that it can be opened easily, even by children; and that storm windows
and screens can be removed easily.
If the window leads to a porch or garage roof, fine. Otherwise, second -floor bedroom
exit can be via an escape ladder. Keep in mind, however, these two important limitations: it
requires agility to use an escape ladder; and if the ladder must pass a lower floor window from
which there is smoke and flames, it becomes unusable.
Adults can help children escape by leaning over a second -floor windowsill, lowering
children by their arms, and gently dropping them to the ground - preferably into bushes to
break the fall.
Don't risk serious Injury or death by jumping in panic from a windpw high above
ground. In case of entrapment, make sure the door to your room is closed tight, open a window a
little at the top and bottom to let in some fresh air, and hand out a sheet to signal rescuers as to
your location.
A HOME FIRE ALARM SIGNAL should be discussed and agreed upon by your family. Most
houses are small enough so that shouts and banging on the wall will be hear by other members,
Some families hang a whistle on the back of their beds.
THE BEST ALARM SIGNALis provided by smoke detectors installed on the ceiling throughout
your home. They are inexpensive, dependable, never sleep, and they will provide valuable
minutes of escape time that can make the difference between life or death.
GET OUT FAST is the rule one the fire alarm has sounded in the house. Don't stop to dress or
gather valuables. Don't let the children look for favorite toys or even the family pet. And don't
risk fives trying to find the source of the fire or fighting flames yourself.
NIIE
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TEST DOORS BEFORE OPENING THEM to make sure it's safe on the other side - intense heat
and deadly smoke may be ready to overcome you. To -test" a closed door, feel the panels to see if
they are hot and look to see if smoke is leaking around the edges. If you suspect fire on the other
side, don't open the door. Instead, use your alternate escape route from the room. Once you
decide it is safe to open a door, do so slowly, with one shoulder braced against it and head kept to
one side. Be ready to slam the door shut in an instant if heat and smoke start to rush in.
AN OUTSIDE MEETING PLACE should be decided upon in advance of the fire emergency and
everyone in the house should know just where it is: Locate the meeting place well away from the
house and make a rule that 'Once Out - Stay Outl•
As soon as two people reach the meeting place, one should leave to NOTIFY THE FIRE
DEPARTMENT. The second would stay to report to the rest of the family that the caller escaped
and has gone to call. Use a neighbor's telephone. Call 911 or the Fire Department direct.
Speak slowly and distinctly. Give your name, phone number where you're calling from, the
exact address of the fire. Then wait to answer questions. Emergency phone numbers are listed
on the inside front page of phone books.
REHEARSING YOUR ESCAPE PROCEDURE regularly is essential. To make your home fire
drills as realistic as possible, occasionally hold them after dark, or even after everyone has
retired for the night. Make the drills a surprise. Pretend the stairway or other major escape
route is cut off.
Also have everyone pretend they are caught in the heat and smoke of a fire - crawl as you
move, keeping low to get as much fresh air as possible (heat rises, so air is better close to the
floor). Take short breaths while escaping, covering the face with a cloth ( a wet cloth if
possible)_
Escape plans should include provisions for very young children - those not old enough to
think or act for themselves - and for elderly, handicapped or invalid members of the household
who will need special help. A large fire extinguisher kept in the bedroom may provide the
solution to a specialized problem that your family might be facing.
For children, a fire drill should be a wise mixture of seriousness and a game - never a
scary experience. Children who have had fire drill practice at home will almost automatically
do the right thing in a real emergency. Without such practice, they all too often pitifully hide
under a bed or in a closet, which can mean disaster.
02/03/00 15:48 FAX 3235285857 CLEPP
m
Pueucs6on No. 359
U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMIStON
lan Washington. CC 20207
How to p
(301) 501 -0580
for the •
unexpected
Preventing Child Drownings
In some of the nation's sunbelt, drowning has been the leading cause of accidental
death in the home of children under 5 years old. The information below can help
parents and caregivers provide young children with the protection they deserve_
ach year, nationwide, more
than 300 children under 5
years old drown in residential
swimming pools, usually a pool
owned by their family. In addi-
tion, more than 2,000 children in
that age group are treated in hos-
pital emergency rooms for sub-
mersion injuries.
Medical costs for submersion
victims during the initial hospital-
ization alone can be quite high.
Costs can range from an estimated
S2,000 for a victim who recovers
Cully to 580,000 for a victim with
severebraindamage. Someseverly
brain damaged victims have initial
hospital stays in excess of 120
days and expense in excess of
$150,000.
Following are just a few facts_
uncovered by the U.S. Consumer'
Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) in acomprchensive study
of drowning and submersion inci-
dents involving children under 5
Yews old in Arizona, California,
and Florida.
#Seveaty-fiveporcentofthesub-
mersion victims studied by CPSC
were between I and 3 years old; 65
percent of this group were boys.
Toddlers, in particular, often do
something unexpected because
their capabilities change daily.
• At the time of the incidents,
most victims were being super-
vised by one or both parents_ Forty -
six percent of the victims were last
seen in the house; 23 percent were
lastseen in the yard oron the porch
or patio; and 31 percent were in or
around the pool before the acci-
dent. rn all, 69 percent of the chil-
dren were not expected to be at or
in the pool, yet they were found in
the water.
♦ Submersion incidents involv-
ing children usually happen in fa-
LeaGeued neat peee
02/03/00 15:48 FAX 9235205057 CLEPP
Many communities
have enacted safety
regulations governing
residential swimming
pools -- inground and
aboveground. It's up to
parents to comply with
these regulations.
Apart from these
laws, parents who own
pools, can take their
own precautions to
reduce the chances of
their youngsters ac-
cessing the family pool
or spa without adult
supervision.
miliar surroundings. Sixty-five per-
cent of the incidents happened in a
pool owned by the child's family
and 33 percent of the incidents hap-
pened in a pool owned by friends or
relatives.
♦ Pool submersions involving
children happen quickly. A child
can drown in the time it takes to
answer a phone. Seventy -seven
percent of the victims had been
missing from sight for 5 minutesor
less.
• Survival depends on rescuing
the child quickly and restarting the
breathing process, even while the
child is still in the water. Seconds
count in preventing death or brain
damage.
♦ Child drowning is a silemdeath.
There's no splashing to alen any-
one that the child is in trouble.
The following barrier recommen-
dations are the result of identifying
key paraaacters that typically con-
tribute to child drowning in back-
yard pools. These recommendations
are the minimum steps you can take
to make your home a safe place for
your child.
arricrs are not
chi ldproof, but they
provide layers of protec-
tion for a child who strays
from supervision. Barriers
give parents additional
time to locate a child be-
fore the unexpected be-
cumes a reality.
Barriers include
t fences, walls, door
alarms forlhe house, and
NIM
power safety covers for the Pool.
They also may be used to protect
children from accessing hot tubs
and spas. Use the following fee -
nmmendations as a guider
FENCES & GATES
♦ Install a fence or other barrier,
such as a wall, completely around
the pool. If the house is part of the
barrier, the doors leading from the
house to the pool should be pro-
tected with an alarm or the pool
should have a power safety cover_
Alarm and cover details are below.
*The Fence or other barrier
should be at least 4 feet high. It
should have no foot- or handholds
that could help a young child to
climb it.
♦ Vertical fence slats should be
less than 4 inches apart to prevent
a child from squeezing through.
Use thla as a guide when the release
mechanism is located less than 94 inches
from the bottom of the gate.
02/03/00 15:48 FAX 3295285857
LEORNIN6
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Any of the
sdacatiatal
m►vials discussed
is a tbis issue way be
obtained by cosiactitl
your local Am (lab off(ct
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CLEPP U21
1997 ISSUE 1
A TRAFFIC SAFETY NEWSLETTER FOR
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS FROM THE
eceut air -bag related
injuried and fatalities
have resulted in increased
attention by the National
1$ghw-ay Traffic Safery
Administrarion (NETSA)
and other organizations
regarding the safety- of air
bags.
The statistics indicate. how-
ever. that air bags continue to
save significant1v more lives
than they take. For example.
in 1995 alone air bags are
estimated to have saved 500
fives. Of the 31 children
killed by air bags since 1993,
on the other hatul. all q ul'
the infants were inhproper[
placed in the front ,ear, of
yehieles in rear - facia,
infant dear_- and 18 of the
"_2 oider children wire
total[- unre +trained by- •afe-
n• hells. while another twn
were improperly- re- trained.
On December 30, 1006.
\Z -ITSA announred rwn
proposed reohdation, one
for depowering and one for
deactivating air bags. There
is a shim day- public -cont-
ment period prior to
issuance of the final rules.
SAFETY TIPS V
• infants and children 12 years old and under dhOUhl
ride in the back seat: if this cannot be done. move The
front seat back as far as possible From the dashboard
(and place the largest children in front).
•
Never place an infant (up to age 1) in the front seat if
it has a passenger -side air ba,-.
• For small children (under four years or -tO poun(k)
who cannot ride in The back, use a safety ear with a
complete harness system rather than a booNter ,eat.
• Older children who must Sit in the front ear ,hnuld
wear a properly- fattened lap and shoulder belr.
02/03/00 15:48 FAX 3235265657 CLEPP
FAM
BE SAFE...PUT ON YOUR SAFETY BELT T
he poster enclosed with this issue was designed by Claudia Wu- a
student in South Whittier Intermediate School. Claudia's entn_-
won a 2nd -Place prize in the 1995-()6 .-Lta Poster Contest.
Her design reminds students of the
iml"Mance of usu1n safer- WT- attd
- houhler hatrne;;,, rarll rime they
ride in a vehicle- The poster inav be
used in cla,.rnoutih,euseiona
regarding nafery belts aitd air bass.
ABCs ON AIR BAGS V
Yo«r �chnnl already hnuld liay
received a letter norifying you that
rn till) relien:iye edrrcurion kit culled The
. \B(a of Air Bas Safety will arrive at
your chool late in February. The pur-
pose of the kit is to educate parents and
their children on the importance of
.always buckling children in the back seat- of a vehi.
4-le- The kit includes hands -on student activities- teachers" guides.
posters- videos and a take -home section for families.
The kit k the product of a joint effort of the American Automobile
Association- Chrysler Corporation. and the American Academv of
Pediatric,,. If you do not receive the kit. please contact Lifetime
Learuius 6vsienls at (�20�3) 2.59 -5257 or FAX to (203) 25.1 -08 ?f.
CYCLING TUNE -UP V
The Auro Club offers the
Bievele Safety Tesrina Unit as a
free service to schools and com-
munity agencies. The Testing
Unit is a portable trailer that
tests a bike's mechanical condi-
rion. including wheel alignment
and brakes. An .auto Club
inspector also yisualh- inspects
other key bicycle parts such is
handlebars: tires, chains and
pedals.
After completing the safety
test. each student receives a
take home checklist identifying
needed repairs. an Auto Club
inspection sticker and educa-
tional materials on safe bicy-
cling skills.
To schedule the Testing Unit.
schools should call the auto
Clubs Service Patrol at (213)
'i1 --Wi .
RESOURCES
Call (213)'.41 -446.) for broehurr, and
;213) for.ideo information and
a caralosue.
Brochures
Bicycle Laws
0600 79 - Enzlish
060W - ponuh
Firs Rules To Live By When Riding
a Bike
062635 - Englith/Spnnish
Bicycle Riders Rules Card
#6145- • En¢lishl ponrsh
Bkyde Safely Quiz
960034 primary
x60699 elementary
use Your Neode We a "met
#60491 • English
#62257 - Spanish
Videos
Tfw Bicycle zone NEB
elementary. 12 min.
Llephann Newt Fail gem 1411
elementary, 7 rain
Ride Sae Way To id a 00
Skyele form«
elementary, 8 min.
I'm No Fad With a Bkyde
primary. 15 min.
Be Sae on Your Bike
elementary, 12 min.
Bkyde SdelyCamp
primary, 26 mim
Skyde Sae/y: The Beginning Years
elementary, 20 min.
c P'eges' -
.:
the shape of e'ehcr
02/03/00 15:48 FAX 3235285857 CLEPP U23
Instruct babysitters about potential pool hazards to young children and about the use of
protective devices, such as door alarms and latches. Emphasize the need for constants upervis ion.
O Never leave a child unsupervised nears
pool. During social gatherings at or neara pooli
appoint a "designated watcher" to protectyoung
children from pool accidents. Adults may take
turns being the "watcher_" When adults become
preoccupied, children are at risk.
O Ifa child is missing, check the pool first.
Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire
pool, bottom and surface, as well as the pool
area.
O Do not allow a young child in the pool
without an adult.
O Do not consider young children to be
drownproof because they have had swimming les-
sons. Children must be watched closely while swim.
Ming-
0
Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for
supervision.
O Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Babysitters and other caretakers, such as grandpar-
ents and older siblings, should also know CPR.
CPR
O Keep rescue equipment by the pool. Be sure a telephone is poolside with emergency
numbers posted nearby.
O Removc toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young
children to the pool.
O Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier.
NOTE: To obtain detailed barrier recommendatim
WNW CP$C, Pool Barrios, Omce 0 Information
Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20207.
01094031
02/09/00 15:48 FAX 3295265657 CLEPP
If horizontal members are equal
to or more than 45 Inches apart,
vertical spacing shall not exceed
4 inches.
There are a wide
variet; of fencing con-
struction materials
available to compliment
your house and pool
surroundings. Your
local fence company or
Poo/ enclosure com-
pany can provide you
with information and
assist you in making a
selection.
The weak link In the
strongest and highest
fence is a gate that
fails to close and
latch completely. For
a gate to close com-
pletely every time, It
must be in proper
working order.
tjl�' 4.,
e If the fence is chain link, then
no part of the diamond - shaped
opening should be larger than
1 -3 /4 inches.
• Fence gates should be self -
closing and self- latching. The Cato
shouldbe well maintained to close
and latch easily. The latch should
be out of a child's reach.
DOOR ALARMS
♦ If the house forms one side of
the barrier, then doors leading from
the house to the pool should be
protected with alarms that pro-
duce an audible sound when adoor
is unexpectedly opened.
e Install an alarm that can be
temporarily turned off by an adult
for a single opening of the door by
using a keypad or switch that is out
of a child's reach_
flattery and electrically powered
alarms arc available. The keypad
switch can be used by adults who
wish to pass through the door with-
Out setting off the ularun. It should
he pluced high on all doors leading
from the house to the pool. Atiord-
able and easily installed alarms are
available. An ularm signal immedi.
ately tells a parent that a door has
been opened.
POWER SAFETY COVERS
e Power safety covers over the
Pool may be used as an alternative
to door alarms_ A power safety
cover should meet the requirements
of the ASTM pool cover standard
which addresses labeling require-
ments and performance. AST W re-
quires that a cover withstand the
weight of two adults and a child to
allow a rescue should an individual
fall onto the cover. The standard
also requires quick removal of wa.
ter from the cover. A young child
can drown in just inches of water.
A power safety cover is a motor
powered barrier that can be placed
over the water area. Motor- driven
covers easily open and close over
the pool. %Vhen the power safety
cover is properly in place over the
pool. it provides a high level of
safety for children under 5 years
old by inhibiting theiraccess to the
water.
ABOVEGROUND POOLS
e S [cps and ladders leading from
the ground to the pool should be
Secured and locked. or removed
When the pool is not in use.
M
02/00/00 15:48 FAX 9235265657 CLEPP R125
ACTIVITY V
Safety Secret
Complete the math problems In each block In the box.
Color In all the blocks that have 9 as the answer.
10
4
2
4
M PAP
-1
+0
+2
x4
x2
+3
5
7
+4
+3
7
3
-5
+5
3
X3
-1
2F
15
�8
i3
-
2 18
+9
+8 x0
+2
6
2
4
9
10
+4
x2
-3
-4
7
What was hidden in the ball
With a friend, make a list telling what you know about this item.
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02/09/00 15: 48 FAX 3295205057 CLEPP Z26
ACTIVITY
Safety Hangers
• Color and cut out the safety tags.
• Glue to construction paper, cut out again, and use
yam or string to make a dangle tag.
• Put one in each of your family's vehicles.
• Hang the tag on the radio knob.
0
Buckle VA
ell
o -
OP Safety
Love,
0
Buck /e v
A
or Safety
Love,
02/03/00 15:48 FAX 3235265657 CLEPP
Need A Speaker .. .
For Your School, Club, Civic Organization,
Community Meeting, Business or Industry?
OPERATION LIFESAVER is a
nation -ride railroad grade crossing
safer- program designed ro save lives
through educational speaker presen-
tations. This FREE program creates
an an areness in the communicy of
the hazards which prevail at railroad
crossings.
A"LIFESAVER" program will tell
you how, why, when, and where
crossing accidents occur, and what
you can do ro prevent them. Through
an Operation Lifesaver presentation
you learn what the signs and signals
really mean. laws go%erning grade
crossings, and what trains can and
cannot do.
You will find this program ertrernck
informative and beneficial. Having
reduced grade crossing Fatalities by
65 percent since its inception in
1972, Operation Lifesaver is one of
the most successful highway safety
programs in America.
A Free Public Service
Speaker Presentations With Film or Videotape.
To Schedule Programs, Call or Write
Gary Bartlett
`909' 386 -4010 OPERATION
LIFMYER
MA
02/09/00 15:48 FAX 9295205657 CLEPP
POnwfiona !IFO ?Guy 9m
School
Liaison
4 %MMW M@t
Date /Day Description of Activity DATE Support Needed
Please return to DATE Office by FEBRUARY 25, 1999.
N