Kindergarten cop lessons

(CNS): Toddlers on Cayman Brac learned a little about keeping safe recently when local PC Nettie Bulgin from the RCIPS spent time with the youngsters at Cayman Brac Day Care Centre telling them about road safety, the correct use of 911 and safe play. Around 20 children aged 3-4 years took part in the event in which PC Bulgin used games and role play to help them learn.

Flash cards were used to help demonstrate how to cross roads safely, using seatbelts in cars and playing too close to the road. Traffic signs and signals were also discussed and a game was played to ensure they understood the difference between red lights and green lights.

“The game was a great way to see if the children understood the concept of red and green lights,” said PC Bulgin. “And it was evident they had a clear understanding.”

The final area that was covered was the importance of knowing when to call 911. Following a discussion, each child was given the opportunity to dial 911 on a toy phone and demonstrate how they would do it and what they would say.

“The role-play was a really helpful addition to the talk,” said PC Bulgin. “The children were able to show me what they would do in an emergency. They understood the concept fully.”

The children were also asked to learn important details that may assist them should they ever need to dial911 such as their parent’s full names, exact address and  telephone number. “I will be returning at a later to date to reinforce these messages and introduce new ones as the children get older,” said PC Bulgin.

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling Crime Stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.