Realizing that Santa brings new bicycles and in-line skates during the holiday season, the Northeastern District office of the Red Cross will sponsor a safety program in February in Bel Air for children ages 8 to 13.
"We have such a program in Carroll County that is taught by 4-H Club members," said Janice Williams, interim district director.
Too often neither children nor their parents know what's available to help prevent injuries caused by skating or bicycle accidents, Ms. Williams said.
Two programs, scheduled for Feb. 11 and 25, will be held at the Red Cross office at 122 S. Main St., Ms. Williams said.
In four-hour sessions on each date, instructors will teach youngsters what to do in life-threatening situations, such as choking, bleeding and when a person stops breathing.
The program also will stress prevention of accidents, fires in the home and poisonings.
The classes will include discussions about poorly repaired bicycles and skates.
"We also will begin a pilot program in this district for senior citizens," Ms. Williams said.
The program for seniors, to be held at the Bel Air office on a January date not yet determined, will stress safety, prevention and early recognition of illness, Ms. Williams said.
She said a request from the Rev. Tracy Stanley at Edgewood Assembly of God church prompted the seniors' program.
"Reverend Stanley has a group of seniors who regularly travel together, and they would like to know how to look out for each other as they travel," she said.
Instructions for the seniors will include early detection of the symptoms of heart attacks, or the signs of becoming too cold during the winter, Ms. Williams said.
To obtain information or to register for any Northeastern District Red Cross program, call (800) 787-8002.