Nonprofit Sparky the Fire Dog Site Educates Kids About Fires w/ New "Put Out the Fire" Online Game

Safety

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As a parent I've always believed educating kids, even toddlers, about what to do in case of a fire is essential. So when I heard today the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) just announced major enhancements to their free educational interactive Sparky the Fire Dog website for children, I wanted to share this valuable and free resource with my blog's readers right away.

My daughter & Daddy try on Real Fireman's Gear at a Museum

When my own four teens were toddlers -- triplets plus one more all born within a year --  there weren't really any online sources available to teach lifesaving lessons like this. Instead, back then my hubbie, the kids' preschool teachers and I each did our part to educate them as soon as they could talk about fire prevention as well as how to react in case of a real fire. 

Learning for our family included visiting several children's museums and going to an actual firehouse to climb on to a real firetruck. We also took them to public, library and school educational programs, watched VHS videos (the predecessor to today's DVDs) and read many books on fire safety together. 

My other daughter in a Real Firetruck at a Library Program

Today you can still do many of the old-fashioned hands-on things we did to learn about this important subject. Thankfully, to supplement real-life experiences, there are also modern resources that are just as engaging like the NFPA's site Sparky.org which is best viewed with Flash Player because there are sounds and animation.

I checked out the enhanced fire truck section which includes a brand new online game called Put Out the Fire that requires kids to think critically.  There's also an All About Fire Trucks section providing virtual tours inside different types of firetrucks and Follow the Sounds, a sound pattern game for preschoolers and school-age kids that develops listening and sequencing skills. I wouldn't want MBE readers to miss the fun and important information that comes across in the site's arcade or down loadable coloring pages, either.

My 4 kids at a Fire Truck Museum on a Family Roadtrip

Sparky the Fire Dog's site is definitely worth checking out for those of you parents with young children. You may also want to consider sharing this with your child's teachers at school as well as other parents you may know.

About Sparky the Fire Dog
Since 1951 Sparky has been the official mascot and spokesdog of nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Since then multiple generations have learned about fire safety through educational materials featuring his image. In addition to visiting kids for school programs and public events, Sparky the Fire Dog is featured in public service announcements and in the Fire Prevention Week campaign each October. In addition to Sparky.org children can interact with the famous fire dog on Facebook.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one. 

Twitter Party Calendar Prizes April 2-8

Twitter Parties

April Showers Southern California Style

Another awesome week of fun coming up so definitely check out the latest Twitter Party schedule covering April 2-8. So far a dozen family friendly Twitter parties are already on the calendar for this week with some great prizes to win for women, moms, kids and family. Come back often so you don't miss updates and additions I'll be adding to this list all week.

Want to be the first to know when next week's Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live? Then consider following MBE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

THIS WEEK

Monday, April 2

Tonight at the #TMOM #UOR Twitter Party they're discussing theme parks at 9 pm EST. Join @TravelingMoms and her panel; sponsored by @UORNews. Loads of prizes from Universal Orlando.

Tuesday, April 3

Come one, come all to the #KmartEaster #CBias party at 1 pm EST to talk about Easter decor and baskets. Hosts: @7onashoestring @lomargie and @KathleenHenage. Prizes: Kmart Gift Cards one - $100, one - $50 and two - $25.

You're invited to @Windows and @WesternDigital #winchat at 3 pm EST. This week they're discussing how to use your PC like a TV, etc. Prizes: TWO product bundles, a storage device valued at $399 and a streaming media player.

Come to the Green Works Twitter Party at 6-8 pm EST. Grand prize is $500 Visa gift card; other prizes include TWO (2) $50 Visa GCs and assorted Green Works Products. Hosted by @MomBloggersClub with sponsor @GreenWorks #GreenWorks

Join the #TogetherCounts Twitter Party to celebrate Child Nutrition Month at 8 pm EST. Hosted by @Resourcefulmom and sponsored by @TogetherCounts

Mark your calendar to attend the Never Settle for Less H&R Block Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. To participate follow @CleverGirlsColl @HRBlock @Technorati and use hashtag. Prizes include 10 American Express Gift Cards (each worth up to $100) #NeverSettleHRB

It's another @MomItForward #gno Twitter Party this time sponsored by @HormelHam at 9 pm EST. They'll be talking spring cooking and this week's giveaway for one lucky winner includes a fully loaded Entourage Wicker Picnic Basket + a $125 American Express GC.

Wednesday, April 4

Join @WisconsinMom and @temysmom for the Colgate #EasterSmiles Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. Prizes include two $25 Walmart Gift Cards, one $50 Walmart GC and one $100 Walmart GC.

It's #TimetoPlayLive at the Twitter Party hosted by @JimSilver and @TheToyGuy at 1 pm EST. Winners declared by @TimetoPlay. Lots of chances to win some of the most cool and innovative toys for kids at this weekly not-to-miss event. Go ahead and click, you've got to see the list of what you can win.

Come to the #DoleCookoff Twitter Party at 8-10 pm EST hosted by @Bookieboo and sponsored by @DoleFoods. Grand Prize: $150 Visa Gift Card, product coupons as assorted swag (1 winner). First Prize: Swag/Coupons plus $50 Visa GC (2 winners). Other prizes $25 Visa GC + Swag/Coupons (4 winners) and Dole Gift Bags with Swag/Coupons (4 winners).

Don't miss the weekly @TheOnlineMom Family Friendly Tech Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Prizes, Hashtag: TBA.  

Please come to the Spring Green & Clean Twitter Party at 9 pm EST with @healthy_child. Prizes, Hashtag: TBA

You don't want to miss the Happy Family Twitter Party talking about home, health and safety at  9 pm EST. Sponsored by @HappySuperfoods @JoLynneS with Prizes from Happy Family, Mrs. Meyers, Dabble and OXO.#HappyFamily

Thursday, April 5

Get in on the fun at the I Am a Smartie Twitter Party at 1 pm EST with @mamabzz @sydney_cbias. Prizes: FOUR (4) Smarties Prize Packs #IAmaSmartie 

You'll have a blast at the Shutterfly Twitter Party @ResourcefulMom is hosting at 2 pm EST. There will be a lot to chat about since the picture taking season is upon us. Be sure to follow the sponsor @Shutterfly and brand rep @JustJulie. Prizes include THREE (3) Shutterfly books, THREE (3) Shutterfly iPhone cases, THREE (3) Shutterfly photo mugs, THREE (3) Shutterfly canvas prints, and many of Shutterfly products. Grand prize is a $100 Shutterfly gift card. Hashtag: TBA

Join @MomCentral for the @MaxClarity Twitter Party at 3 pm EST. SIX (6) $50 Amazon Gift Card codes + #MaxClarity kits will be given away during party plus TWO (2) pre-party Tweeters will each receive a $50 Amazon GC code & Max Clarity kit.

Mark your calendar for the Tropicana Pure Premium 100% Orange Juice Twitter Party hosted by @SocialMoms at 7 pm EST. Follow Social Moms and @tropicanaoj before party. Prizes: Twenty (20) Amazon Gift Cards, randomly selected 10 winners for Tweeting before party, 10 winners for Tweets during event #TropFloridaOJ

Friday, April 6

Verizon Insider Twitter Party with @theOnlineMom @RobynsWorld at 3 pm EST. Prizes include a 4G LTE HTC Rezound and iGo Anywhere Charger. #theonlinemom #VZWBuzz

NEXT WEEK

Tuesday, April 1o

If you've got a baby, don't miss the #AbbysLane Twitter Party at 9 pm EST centering around diapers, baby wearing and parenting. Hosted by @Clothdiapergeek. Grand prize is a Limited Edition BabyHawk Mei Tai in Tori of Tokyo print, valued at $99 with other prizes from sponsors just as cool.

Here's comes the Bride Twitter Party @CleverGirlsColl chat with @FlowerFactor at 3 pm EST. Prizes include FOUR (4) $100 American Express gift cards and ONE $100 AmEx GC for the best Dream Wedding Pinterest board. #CleverFlowers

Thursday, April 12

Did you hear? @OregonChai is hosting a Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Party goers can expect tips for finding Me Time, decadent chai recipes and giveaways including #OregonChai branded merchandise and tea products, a $50 Amazon gift card and a collapsible picnic basket. Grand prize is a Kindle Fire. Special prizes for 5 who pre-Tweet about the party include variety packages of OregonChai teas with one winner that Tweets about the party before it starts winning a $50 Amazon GC!

Come to the Tide Coldwater Twitter Party at 9 pm EST.  #Takealoadoff is hosted by @SheSpeaksUp with sponsors @Tide and @FutureFriendly. During this event they're giving away $1,000+ in prizes: a year supply of Tide Coldwater, Conair Massaging Foot Bath and Cell Phone Solar Charger and more. Grand prize is a $200 gift card to the spa of your choice.

COMING SOON

Wednesday, April 18

You're invited to the Earth Day Twitter Party at 7 pm EST with @momsandbrands. Prizes from natural band sponsors: Rockin Green Soap, Manitoba Harvest, Bambooee and Love Grown Foods. #MomsandBrands

About this Weekly Twitter Party List Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com

Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar please email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line including all the details and links in the body of your message.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter Parties as a Guest. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Join Toyota & Wyland Foundation in Community Water Wise Pledge, Prius c Hybrid Giveaway, Ends 4/30

Eco Living

Water Pledge & Prius c Giveaway

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Built around the upcoming 42nd anniversary of Earth Day which falls on April 22, 2012, Toyota USA is participating in Earth Month in a big way. The company that brought us the Camry, one of America's best selling cars, is stepping out into the community yet again to take the lead in partnering with world-famous marine artist and green living activist Wyland and his non-profit The Wyland Foundation to bring about positive changes in water conservation.

A rare rain bedazzles vegetation in coastal Southern California

Wyland with the support of Toyota is building public awareness about water-wise practices this month via the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation.  The campaign will be rewarding those who take the online pledge to conserve water and energy with the chance to win the Grand Prize: a Prius c Hybrid. More than 1000 other prizes will be given away including custom designed sprinkler systems, various water saving fixtures for the home, and Lowe's gift cards.

It only takes a few minutes 

to sign the pledge, so do it Now

 MyWaterPledge.com 

Ends at 11:59 pm PST, April 30

Me test driving the new 2012 Prius c at Toyota USA Headquarters

Committing to conserve water, save money and reduce pollution is so important to us all. By taking part in the My Water Pledge initiative, not only will everyone's efforts impact the world we live in now as well as that of future generations, but residents in the communities with the highest participation will be eligible to win some really great prizes like the Prius c and much more.


Toyota seems to be involved nationally or locally in one way or another on a rolling basis. In fact I think their commitment to community service is one that other big companies might consider emulating. Last month, for example, there was the launch of the 100 Cars for Good campaign and during the holidays Toyota was stuffing as many gifts for kids as they could into Prius v vehicles to deliver to Toys for Tots.

Beach Sand, the Pacific Ocean and Toyota

I've already taken the MyWaterPledge and hope you'll leave me a comment saving that you have too!

FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Toyota Women Influencers Network TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. I did not receive any compensation for writing this post or payment in exchange for participating. The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not reflect the views of Toyota or any of its brands. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.