Smokey Bear will be educating the public about wildfire prevention at the 5th Annual CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday event set for Saturday at GDI Insurance Agency's Turlock office.
Approximately 95 percent of all wildfires are sparked by the activity of people, which means that almost all wildfires are preventable.
"Due to California's record-setting drought, the forests are drier than ever. Vigilance with your campfires is critical for preventing catastrophic wildfires. Our campaign, Drown, Stir and Feel is important to remember every time you dowse your campfire," said Charlotte Jordan, from Battalion 53, Sierra National Forest, U.S. Forest Service.
Wildfire prevention is just one aspect of the safety part of the Community Safety Saturday event, which will also include a Turlock Police squad car and McGruff the Crime Prevention Dog, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department vehicles and K9 dog demonstrations, Turlock Fire Department engine and the American Red Cross.
The KlaasKids Foundation will return this year and offer free digital photo IDs and fingerprinting for every child. Parents receive a free DNA collection kit, child-safety tips and a nine-point plan on what to do if their child disappears. KlaasKids is a nonprofit organization with the mission to stop crimes against children by providing education and knowledge to the general public.
Marc Klaas, who recently marked the 20th anniversary of his daughter Polly's abduction and murder, advised, "The best way to avoid victimization is through education and knowledge."
Other features of the event include:
• Girl Scouts Heart of Central California hands-on craft activity.
• Friends of Turlock Animal Shelter mobile adoption trailer and information about pet safety.
• Creative Alternatives Foster Family Agency will provide information about foster care as well as child abuse and neglect.
• Jessica's House will provide information about its peer support groups for children and teens that have experienced the death of a loved one. They'll have art activities, wheel of prizes, corn hole games, coloring books and more giveaways from Jessica's House.
• Monkey Business of Emmanuel Cancer Center will bring information about its support group for children when a loved one has cancer.
• Turlock Irrigation District will bring its education trailer and provide electricity safety information and Dexter Duck coloring books and other giveaways.
• United Way of Stanislaus County will have an information booth and handouts about their 2-1-1 program and a children's coloring game.
• American Medical Response will bring an ambulance for kids to tour.
The 5th Annual CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at GDI Insurance Agency's Turlock office at 801 Geer Rd. For more information about this event, visit www.CIGsafetysaturday.com.