Tellus To Educate on the 'Dangers of Dinosaurs'

As families get ready to vacation for the summer, Cartersville's Tellus Science Museum is reminding adults and kids to be safe around dinosaurs, even if the last one hasn't been seen in a few million years.

"We want to educate everyone just in case the unthinkable happens," Executive Director Jose Santamaria said in a release. "People worry about the zombie apocalypse or asteroid impacts, but nobody is thinking about what to do if they woke up with a T-rex outside their front door."

The museum plans weekly safety videos and notices for Summer Dinosaur Safety to prepare anyone who might be in danger of running into a previously thought to be extinct monster while playing golf, visiting the beach or even visiting a museum.

Dinosaur Awareness Week, July 8 to 12, will be the museum's summer celebration of everything dinosaur. From giveaways to activities, visitors will have a blast learning about all sorts of dinosaurs.

"We realized that as much as we know about dinosaurs here, our staff just isn't prepared for a living dinosaur to appear in the museum," Santamaria said.

Some safety tips include:

• First, figure out if the dinosaur is a carnivore or herbivore. Herbivores often had flatter teeth. Note: Do not get too close to see the teeth.
• Run. Fast. Many dinosaurs had great eyesight. Don't hang around hoping they won't spot you.
• Ease up on the perfume and cologne this summer. Dinosaurs often had strong senses of smell.
• Use the buddy system. An optimal buddy is one who is slower than you.

For more information visit www.tellusmuseum.org or www.facebook.com/tellusmuseum.

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