The end of summer triggers the start of school. Between now and the second week of September, our little ones will start their trek back to school. And with it, as with all new routines, come a few new dangers and risks. I urge you to share the following article with your school- aged children. Take these tips, put them into your own words and emphasize those which apply to them. Together, we can make this a safe and fun school year for all!

For Bus Riders

·        Line up facing the school bus door, not along the side of the school bus.

·        Don't play in the street while waiting for the school bus.

·        Carry your belongings in a backpack or book bag – but try to keep it light!

·        Never reach under a school bus to get anything that has rolled or fallen underneath.

·        After getting off the school bus, move immediately onto the sidewalk or road shoulder, out of traffic.

·        Wait for a signal from the bus driver before you cross the street. Walk at least 10 steps away from the front of the bus so that the bus driver can see you.

·        Never cross the street behind the school bus.

For Walkers or Bikers:

·        Never walk alone — always walk with a buddy.

·        Pay attention to all traffic signals and instructions from crossing guards. Never cross the street against the light, even if no cars are coming.

·        Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and use intersections with crossing guards. Stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields, and other places where there aren't many people around.

·        Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

·        Walk your bicycle across intersections.

·        Wear reflective material to be more visible to street traffic.

For Car Passengers and Drivers:

·        Everyone in the car should wear a seat belt. In the event of an accident they lower the risk of injury by 45 percent.

·        Motor vehicles are the leading cause of death for people age 15 to 18 years old. Remind your teenager to take extra precautions if he or she drives to school, or rides with another teenage driver.

·        Make sure babies and young children are in properly installed safety seats at all times during a car ride.

On the Playground:

·        Check the playground equipment at your child's school. Look for hazards such as rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces. The surface around the equipment should be covered with wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel, or mats made of safety-tested rubber or fiber material to prevent head injury when a child falls. Report any hazards to the school.

·        Avoid any drawstrings on the hood or around the neck of jackets and sweatshirts. Drawstrings at the waist or bottom of jackets should extend no more than three inches long to prevent catching in car or school bus doors, or getting caught on playground equipment.

·        Teach children proper playground behavior: no pushing, shoving or crowding.

·        Give your child some strategies for coping with bullies. He/she should not give into bully's demands, but should simply tell the bully to stop and walk away.    If the bullying continues, talk to the teacher.

Some Additional Tips for Parents to Keep In Mind:

·        Be sure your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult, and how to use 9-1-1 for emergencies. Make sure your child has enough change to make a phone call, carries a telephone calling card or has cell phone.

·        When car pooling, drop-off and pick-up children as close to school as possible. Don't leave until they have entered the school yard or building.

·        Teach your child never to talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers. Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your children doesn't know well or doesn't trust.

·        If your child is home alone for a few hours after school set-up rules for locking doors and windows and answering the door or telephone.

·        Make sure he or she checks-in with you or a neighbor immediately after school.

·        Agree on rules for inviting friends over and for going to a friend's house when no adult is home.

David Purvee, OHST

Director of Safety

Laird Plastics