Have you heard? Aliens landed at Wimberly Farm near Bowman! How in the world did they miss that big UFO welcome center in the town of Bowman?

Coming down to earth, the truth is that a kid appeared to be an alien. He was participating in Family Farm Safety Day as he dressed in a hazardous chemical protection suit.

Farm Family Safety Day was cosponsored by the Orangeburg County Conservation District and Orangeburg County 4-H with Glenda Lewis and Diane Curlee as coordinators. Other contributors were Clemson Extension, Edisto Electric Cooperative, Guess Equipment Co., and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College associate degree nurse students and instructors.

Seventeen kids, accompanied by 27 adults, registered for six fun and educational stations: Gravity Flow Wagon, Gator and Tractor Safety, Sun Safety, Electrical Safety, Farm Chemical Safety and a puppet show. Each participant received a colorful Farm Safety Camp shirt and a bag of safety supplies.

Barry Hawkins was the instructor for the Gravity Flow Wagon and Gator and Tractor Safety. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College headed up Sun Safety. The Electrical Safety demonstration was presented by George Brickle of Edisto Co-op. Morgan Judy and Lewis Beckham of Clemson Extension hosted the Farm Chemical Safety. The day concluded with ice cream and a puppet show performed by The Pilot Club of Orangeburg.

Some farm safety tips include:

1) Children should be warned of a gravity flow wagon and the possibility of suffocation.

2) Don’t ride more than one person on a tractor.

3) Only allow kids 16 years of age or older to drive a Gator.

4) Wear light-colored, loose clothing during hot days.

5) Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

6) Don’t operate equipment near power lines. Call for assistance.

7) Follow the safety precautions listed on chemical labels.

8) Protect yourself with the proper attire when using chemicals.

You must be logged in to comment.