For Kids
Safety Begins Early
Introducing young children to the underground world of the pipeline system is critical. Elementary age youth are more impressionable and “rule embracing” than in their older years. As with many prevention programs, reaching young children with pipeline safety provides opportunity to influence attitudes and behaviors while they are still being formed.
The Results Are In!
“Pipeline Safety & Awareness for Kids!” reached 17,839 1-3 graders in ONE MONTH. Thanks to federal pipeline safety grant funding and great partners like Texas811, Regency Energy, and the Border Damage Prevention Council.
Take a look at the impact and then take advantage of the opportunity to bring this valuable safety program to your operating areas. Give the kids in your community the chance to be the “Safest Clown in Town!” like JJ Harrison
Click image for larger view.A Growing Need for Awareness
No matter where you live in the U.S., it is likely that the ever-growing pipeline and utility system is beneath your feet. In fact, more than 2.4 million miles of underground transmission pipelines move energy resources across the nation (phmsa.dot.gov) while countless distribution pipelines carry energy into our homes, schools and buildings.
Learning to Protect Pipelines
“Excavation is still the No. 1 cause of pipeline damage across the U.S. Protecting pipelines from damage means protecting our energy supply, lives and the environment. The Smalley Foundation believes that youths growing up with a “safety first” mindset will practice and promote safe digging and excavation as adults, homeowners and the future workforce as well as set forth a generational shift for a culture of pipeline safety.
“... if you start teaching them when they are children, they’re going to grow up and teach their children.”
Designed for Today’s Classrooms
“Pipeline Safety and Awareness for Kids!” is built on a hybrid platform that utilizes an elementary grade smart-board lesson that collects pre and post program data interactively for impact measurement. The bilingual (English and Spanish) multimedia program utilizes video, including the 811 Kids Call Before you Dig pirate video, and JJ Harrison the 811 Rodeo Clown, to engage students in the message.
Hands-on materials allow the students to experience the artificial warning smell of natural gas, and digging scenario worksheets with pipeline transparencies and Uniform Color Code Cards provide students with the opportunity to practice safe digging and consider the consequences of damaged pipelines and utilities.
Students completing the lesson are issued “Junior Pipeline Safety Expert” certificates to share with parents and are given other unique take home items such as re-usable bags they can use to carry home information and program materials.
Embraced by Educators
This one-of-a-kind program is turn-key for educators, requiring no background knowledge and very little preparation. Message integrity is built in with technology! Structured to require very little classroom time, educators can chose to tie the program into core curriculum standards such as personal health and safety, language arts and reading, social studies, and science, just to name a few.
As an added benefit, the program message is naturally reinforced every time students see pipeline markers, paint and flags in their community!
“The kids loved the overlays and video. The students were very engaged and interested. With the new homes coming into our community, the kids were able to make a connection as they have seen the guys out spraying and labeling where the pipes are. We enjoyed the program Thanks so much!”
Built to Address Industry Needs
“Pipeline Safety & Awareness for Kids!” is efficient and budget-friendly. Multiple audiences can be reached in one program including educators, students, and families. Program elements are branded and customized to be operator specific and detailed documentation and impact measurement is provided for company records.
Based on CGA’s Best Practices 10.0 and RP1162 Public Awareness Recommendations, this targeted program addresses critical key messages that include:
- How to recognize pipeline locations by identifying markers (temporary and permanent)
- How to recognize the physical signs of a pipeline leak
- What to do if you suspect a pipeline leak to promote safety (including hazard awareness)
- The importance of protecting pipelines by calling 811 before digging
