ENVIROMENTAL SAFETY

Enviromental Safety                                           (Back to little dragons home page) 

As Patrick poured the milk on to his breakfast cereal, he noticed the picture of missing child on the side of the carton, and felt very sad. He thought of how sad the child's family must be. Those thoughts were with him later as he read the morning newspaper about a string of crimes that had been committed right in his neighborhood.

By the time he got to school that day, he had seen a number of things that bothered him; a neighbors tree had become so overgrown that it hung heavy on the power lines behind his house. He knew that if the lines were to break, someone could be hurt or a fire could start. In front of the school, he had been forced to cross the street where there was a crosswalk, but not a stop light. That made him uncomfortable because of all the kids who were too busy talking to pay much attention to the cars.

All day, these issues swam through his head. That night at dinner, his father asked him what was on his mind. The one thing he could think of to say was, "I'm worried about my safety." His dad asked him what he meant, and Patrick explained all of the things he had noticed through¬out the day that made him aware of all the safety hazardous he could encounter.

His dad listened, and when Patrick was finished, his dad said, "Patrick, all around you, for all of your life there will be dangers. You must realize that the only way for you to be safe is to be constantly aware of yourself and your surroundings. It is up to you to look at every situation you are involved in and make a mental note of the dangers and safety problems, than find the best way to overcome or solve those dilemmas. If we all do that, the world will be a safer place."

Patrick thought about what his father had said. Over the next few weeks, Patrick found ways to bring a feeling of safety to his environment. He suggested to his parents to join the Neigh¬borhood Watch program. He went over to the neighbors and offered to help cut the tree back. He met with the school principal to discuss the street crossing and the school got a crossing guard until a light could be approved. Looking back at all he had accomplished, Patrick knew that his dad was right; it's up to everyone to do their part to make the world a safer place.

Question for Students
1. Can Patrick control all of his environment and make it safe?
2. Do the things Patrick noticed bother you in your own area?
3. What can you do to make your personal environment safer?                                  Pick another storie