For kids, National Night Out sheds light on safety

Given that 6-year-old Vincent Vandiver had a plastic firefighter's helmet in hand, it was easy to guess what he would declare as his favorite part of the 4th annual National Night Out event Tuesday in Campton Hills.

"I would say the fire trucks," Vincent proudly proclaimed. "It was the second time I've been on a fire truck."

Vincent was one of many children absorbing crime tips, fire safety rules and other lessons at the annual crime prevention and safety event in the parking lots of Wasco Elementary School.

Tom Vandiver has brought his son to the event each year, and he reflected what every parent had in mind for their child - as well as the impetus for organizers of the first National Night Out Against Crime 27 years ago.

"I want him to have an awareness and exposure to the safety equipment and the people who do those jobs," Vandiver said. "I want him to know these people do important jobs, and Vincent is pretty good. He asks a lot of questions, and he listens."

The National Night Out has been set up with that concept in mind - a community gathering in which children can ask questions and learn in a virtual educational lab not only about community safety but about being a responsible citizen.

Educational booths were crowded as presentations were offered on self-defense, crime awareness, care for wildlife, recycling, and family and crisis counseling.

Children crowded around for close looks at horses used by the Kane County Mounted Rangers or the 250cc motor scooter used by Kane County Forest Preserve officer Michael Siciliano, who was busy helping kids in and out of the scooter's seat.

"These scooters are really helpful for keeping our bike trails and forest preserves safe," Siciliano told families. "They also attract attention, and people will stop and talk to you on the trails."

Food and music helped keep families entertained during the two-hour event, but one food item was on display for something far more important than eating.

Michelle Klecka, a registered nurse at Delnor Hospital, had a firm Jell-O mold in the shape of a human brain on display at her table near the bike safety course.

After the obligatory "yucchhs" and "ewwws" from kids touching the mold, Klecka explained its purpose.

"Feel this 'brain,' and you will see how soft your brain really is," Klecka said. "It is hard to protect, even though your skull is hard, so you always have to have your bike helmet on."

Kane County Forest Preserve officer Rick Splittgerber was helping kids through the bike safety check and skills tests.

"It's basically a see-and-be-seen message for kids regarding crossing streets and keeping their balance on their bikes," Splittgerber said. "We also always encourage them to wear bright color clothing."

Two other exhibits were popular with families - the identification card service by the Campton Hills police for parents to obtain a card with their child's photo and thumbprint, and the "Safety House" for learning fire-safety tips.

"In a fire, don't hide. Know two ways out of your house," Elburn fire marshal Alan Isberg said in delivering messages to youngsters. "If you see smoke, fall down and crawl."

Campton Hills police officer Randy Johnson said the most important message he was trying to deliver to families was to keep their garage doors closed at night and keep their car doors locked.

"Police are getting a lot more help in fighting crimes by getting e-mail alerts," Johnson said. "But neighborhoods are now forming their own little e-mail alert trees, and that is a great tool as well."

Educate: Families learn about fire safety, crime prevention