FARMS CAN BE DANGEROUS FOR KIDS

The farm can be a dangerous place for children.

Check the statistics:

-- About 100 children die each year from agriculture injuries.

-- Children younger than 16 are victims of up to 20 percent of all farm fatalities in both the United States and Canada.

-- Children who do not live on farms are victims of one-third to one half of nonfatal childhood agriculture injuries.

The numbers show that many youth deaths and injuries are related to work and chores on the farm.

A number of safety programs are available for youngsters to prevent injuries on the farm.

Farm Safety Day, a three-hour program provided by University Extension, next month will provide farm safety tips for up to 75 children between the ages of 5 and 10.

The safety program sponsored by the Cape County Junior Leaders and Lutheran Brotherhood, will be held from 9 to noon Aug. 14 at the 4-H Shelter in Arena Park.

Registration is required by Aug. 2 at the extension office in Jackson.

Another program is the national "Farm Safety 4 Just Kids" program, which was founded a dozen years ago. It is designed to educate children and farm families of the dangers present on farms and to prevent farm-related childhood injuries, health risks and fatalities.

Additional information on the farm safety program is available by calling (800) 423-KIDS.

Also available is a 16-page report on "North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks," designed as a general reference to help parents in assigning farm chores.

The booklet was designed by the National Children's Center for Rural Agriculture Health and Safety. Information on obtaining the guidelines is available by calling (888) 924-SAFE.

FARM SAFETY DAY

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to 12 noon

WHERE: 4-H Shelter at Arena Park

WHO: Children 5 to 10

HOW: Preregister at Jackson Extension Office before Aug. 2

HOSTS: Cape County Junior Leaders and Lutheran Brotherhood