May 2, 2018 (Marietta, Ga.) -- The International Safety Village Conference kicks off today at the Cobb County Safety Village. Twenty delegates from all over North America, including Canada and California, are in Cobb for the next few days to learn innovative ways they can keep their communities safe.

The Cobb County Safety Village’s motto is “Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I will learn for a lifetime.” During the two-and-a-half-day conference at our state of the art facility, participants will be involved in learning about many topics, such as cyber security and adult senior programs. They will also experience the Cobb Safety Village’s interactive shows and programs firsthand. The conference will culminate with the 10th anniversary celebration for the Cobb County Safety Village Friday evening.

After years of research and planning, the Cobb Board of Commissioners approved the safety village project in 2007 and a groundbreaking ceremony was held in February 2008. Every year, more than 20,000 local children are taught vital safety information in a way that makes things learned easier to retain. Over the past decade, the safety village has helped educate 308,500 students through its programs. Adults and seniors also enjoy classes on topics including home security, cooking safety, identity theft and using fire extinguishers. About 4,200 free car safety seats have been distributed to families in need. The safety village also hosts 35 events annually, including Family Fun Safety Days.

About the Cobb County Safety Village: It is the most comprehensive and unique safety training environment in our region. The 27,500-square foot facility includes four classrooms for children, two adult classrooms, a multipurpose room and a 127-seat theater. A main feature inside the facility is Sparky’s House—an interactive house that simulates fire and smoke for a real-life demonstration and complete learning experience. Behind the facility is a child-size representation of Cobb County, complete with a locomotive, school bus and scaled-down models of operative buildings with signage, streets, pedestrian crossings and traffic lights. Mini cars and bicycles are used to teach roadway and pedestrian safety by engaging children in a realistic environment.

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