'Safe kids' get to learn from pros

Emergency responders are bringing out as many vehicles, animals and obstacle courses as they can to teach kids about safety Saturday.

Kane County Safe Kids Day, a free event, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mooseheart field house.

"It'll have anything that prevents injury or illness for children," said Gary Baum of the Sugar Grove Fire Department, co-chair of the event.

The day will include fire department demonstrations, a K-9 unit, an auto extrication demonstration, a Big Wheels safety course and bike safety information.

Last year, about 2,000 people attended the event.

One of the biggest draws is the fire department obstacle course, where kids slide down a pole and "rescue" a dummy.

"They were swamped last year," Baum said.

Help for installing child safety seats will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteers for the day come from more than 50 area service agencies, including police officers, firefighters and hospital staff.

"We wanted to be more active in the community," Baum said. "We wanted to be more proactive in getting the message out."

Kids will also be able to meet emergency workers and explore emergency vehicles.

The Mooseheart field house is located off Mooseheart Road, between North Aurora and Batavia on Route 31.