HAMILTON, Ohio — For parents, safety is key especially before their little ones head off to kindergarten. Which is why many communities across the state offer Safety Town- a way to prepare kids for emergencies and everyday safety lessons. 

It’s that time of the summer in Hamilton, as 4- and 5-year-olds take a spin around Safety Town.

A girl takes part in Safety Town. (Katie Kapusta/ Spectrum News 1)

While the program is celebrating its 50th year, Officer Kristy Collins has been running the program for the past ten. She took over after long-time Safety Town Officer Bob Gentry passed away.

“It was so successful when he did it and I wanted to do it exactly how he did it and maybe add some of my own pieces to it," Collins said.

Collins emphasizes several safety messages throughout the course of the week, including bus safety, when to call 911, as well as stranger danger, and gun safety, an especially important topic this year. Collins follows the Eddie Eagle program for gun accident prevention.

“Stop, don’t touch, leave the area and tell an adult," Collins said. "So always telling an adult, not touching the gun, communication with adults.”

The one-week program runs through six sessions and is free for Hamilton residents. Collins says she loves interacting with the kids.

Collins oversees kids riding their bikes. (Katie Kapusta/ Spectrum News 1)

“I love the little kids," she said. "I love being around them all day. They’re fun. I feed off their energy!”

She shares that no matter how many times you may share these lessons with your child, hearing it from a police officer in this setting is the most effective way to make sure they’re prepared for emergencies.

“We can tell our kids all day long the different safety tips," Collins said. "If you can have other parents, other officers, educators reinforce that same message, do it.”

Many communities across the state host Safety Town. Contact your local safety council for more information.