News : Progressive Ag Safety Day at the Benton County Fairgrounds

On Saturday, the Benton County Fairgrounds was the site for the Progressive Ag Safety Day. The group started with various events at 9:00 a.m. and concluded with lunch around noon. The students were educated on different areas of safety. Sessions included Semi/Tractor  Safety, Skid Loader Safety, Water Safety, ATV Safety, Animal Safety, Electrical Safety, Grain Safety, Fire Safety and First Aid. Each of the students went home with a tee-shirt to remember the days events. Students from Vinton-Shellsburg, Center Point-Urbana, Belle Plaine and Benton Community attended that days events. The following provided training: Semi/Tractor Safety -- Benton Community FFA      One of the things they discussed was the fact that if you can't see a semi driver, he can't see you, and you are in their blind spot. 911 Emergency-- North Benton Ambulance      Emphasized the need to know your vital information. If you are at someone's elses home, know the address in case you need to call 911. Skid Loader Safety- Vinton Shellsburg FFA      Safety of skid loaders, how they operate and how to safely enter and exit the equipment. Water Safety – Benton County Conservation      Life jackets and their use were discussed. ATV Safety—Ron Bandy      There was a lot of discussion about how an ATV is a fun piece of equipment, but safety and speed don't always go together. Animal Safety- Benton Community FFA      A set of baby pigs were on display as well as goats.  Electrical Safety- East Central REC      REC explained to the children how electricity works. Grain Safety—Vinton Shellsburg FFA      There was a demonstration to show how grain inside of a grain bin works, as well as the new piece of equipment that the fire department would use to rescue a farmer if they needed to. Fire Safety- Vinton Fire Department      The VFD explained to the children how to use a fire extinguisher, and allowed them to put a fire out. They instructed the children to:      P-ull the pin on th eextinguisher      A-im at the base of the fire      S-queeze the trigger      S-weep back and forth as you spray. First Aid – Virginia Gay Hospital Extra Station---Hidden Hazards- Belle Plaine FFA The event was sponsored in part by the Benton County Farm Bureau, Unity Point Health Clinic, Dairy and Beef Producers. Various Helpers came from the Vinton-Shellsburg, Belle Plaine & Benton Community FFA, Farm Bureau, business and community members. The day was a success in educating youngsters of the dangers around them. For pictures of the event, click here!