Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Fun Safety for Kids


Kids can have fun and learn about safety at the same time. Parents, visit http://sparky.org/index.html with your kids for fun games to play on line and download.


May is National Bike Safety Month!
Do you wear a helmet when you ride your bike? If your answer is "Yes," you’re the best. On the other hand, if you said "No," don’t put a foot on that bike pedal until you have a helmet on your head. Bike helmets are cool!Now that you are nicely equipped with a way-cool helmet, follow my ever-popular "Top Ten Bike Safety Rules" and you’ll be on the road to safe biking.
For you older kids, or "tweens" (kids 8-12 years old), make sure you’re wearing your helmets too! No matter how old you are make sure you put that helmet on. I make sure to wear one every time I ride my bike –and everyone knows what an old dog I am.

Sparky's Top Ten Bike Safety Rules:
10. Never ride at dusk or at night.
9. Use the correct hand signals when turning to let drivers know what you’re planning to do.
8. Walk, don’t ride your bike across the street.
7. Cross only at the street corner, not mid-block.
6. When entering a sidewalk, path or driveway, stop completely. Look left, right, and left again.
5. When riding on the street, obey all traffic signals and laws.
4. Ride with the traffic flow, not against it.
3. Always stop at stop signs and stop lights.
2. Make sure to choose a safe area to ride your bike, like parks or bike paths.
1. Sparky’s #1 bike safety rule is…ALWAYS WEAR YOUR BIKE HELMET.Remember, younger kids should ride on sidewalks or safe areas only. Older kids can ride in the street after they learn the rules of the road. Don’t forget to get permission to ride your bike from a grown-up first!

Kitchen Fire Safety

Fires seem to be top of mind lately - we got this very educational clip and wanted to share with our neighbors.

Notice to Greenwood Residents

The Fairfax County Fire Investigations Division of the Office of the Fire Marshall is currently investigating the cause and the Fairfax County (and other counties) response to the catastrophic fire our neighbors suffered on April 23rd. Many Greenwood residents observed the fire before the arrival or immediately coincidental with the arrival of County Emergency Response Units. If you have ANY observations about the response to this emergency, either praising or criticizing noteworthy fire fighting efforts, you are asked to immediately provide a statement to the Fire Marshal.

**Your observations can help our neighbors as they file claims with their insurers or serve to improve future response to such emergencies.**

Mail statements to:
Office of the Fire Marshal
Fire Prevention Division
Fire Investigations Branch
4100 Chain Bridge Road, 4th Floor
Fairfax, VA 22030

Email statements should be directed to: fireweb@fairfaxcounty.gov?Subject=Fire

Fire Marshall Telephone for Information: (ph) 703-246-4741; (fax) 703-293-9476

Questions: Call Mike Waters 410-562-4616

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Another Successful Drive

Many thanks to everyone who helped with the drive on Saturday - we helped raise more clothing, money and toys for the families. We know they still have long way to go before life is back to some normalcy. Our best wishes are with them.

We just heard that Mary Kay and Chris found a new place to rent while their place is being rebuilt - Right here in Greenwood on Dakine Circle! We are thrilled they will be coming home to Greenwood.

Below is a note from William and Scott Pfaltzgraff to all the neighbors and friends of Greenwood. Looks like the toys were a hit!