WAVERLY - Most kids, by age 10 or 11, know not to drink motor oil or take a taste of break fluid. Hopefully.

But a thirsty boy or girl might be tempted to steal a swig from their dad's unattended pop or water bottle left in the garage. And if the contents don't match the label, the consequences could be a revolting - not to mention deadly - discovery.

Thursday, Mary TeWinkel of the Iowa State University Extension Service warned students about the dangers of container swapping and uninformed sampling.

"Never put things in different containers … ," TeWinkel said.

Students struggled to distinguish between window cleaner and Mountain Dew, water and rubbing alcohol. They also learned Sudafed tablets look a lot like red hot candies.

"Read instructions," TeWinkel added.

The event marked the ninth annual safety day for fourth-graders in Bremer County. This year, about 300 students gathered at the fairgrounds in Waverly for hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Students from every school district in the county rotated among stations, learning about topics such as farm, animal and lawn mower safety; first aid education and disability awareness.

The field trip is something to look forward to at Wapsie Valley, teacher Carla Even said.

"It's highly anticipated," Even said. "I'm really glad they have this opportunity."

About 100 volunteers, including members of FFA and 4-H; area fire departments and EMS crews; and farm agencies participated.

Some stations stressed injury prevention - a demonstrator at the bicycle safety session cracked a melon on pavement to encourage helmet use, for instance. Other instructors helped kids learn to stay cool when things go wrong.

Firefighters got also got a little practice, using the Jaws of Life and other high-powered tools to cut open a smashed vehicle. The noise and vibrations may frighten children unfamiliar with the process, emergency officials said.

"Sometimes we'll climb in there with you," said Jodi Vossberg, a member of Waverly's emergency medical service.

William Strong of Waverly, a student at West Cedar Elementary, simulated being a victim in a car accident and volunteered to wear a neck brace. Once the boy was strapped to a stretcher, Vossberg explained what an injured person could expect. And not expect.

"It kind of scared me when they flipped me over," Strong said.

But he added he felt securely attached.

"It was really strong," the student said.

Janice Mueller, event coordinator, said safety day continues to grow and evolve. Years ago, the event focused more on farm issues. But with fewer kids coming from backgrounds in agriculture, organizers expanded topics to include more comprehensive topics.

The concept is also popular in other counties, Mueller added. Floyd and Butler counties, for example, offer similar events, said Randy Heitz, regional manager for the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Safety day activities are coordinated by the Bremer County Farm Bureau and Iowa State University Extension in Bremer County.

Mueller said fourth-grade students are old enough to begin embracing more responsibility.

"They are a good age that they are going to start using some of this stuff and do some of these things, and they retain the knowledge," Mueller said.

Sometimes kids have to speak up when older folks are looking for answers, volunteers stressed.

"I have adults that don't know how to use a fire extinguisher," said Brad Biermann, a firefighter in Tripoli.

Marina Hilbert of Readlyn Elementary got the hang of it.

"First take out the pin. Then you walk up and squeeze the handle," Hilbert said. "… Sweep it and then you walk backwards … "

To keep the lessons fresh on their minds, students received safety day T-shirts.

"It's a daily reminder … ," Heitz said. "As it goes through the wash, mom and dad are going to stress safety, too."

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.