Morrison IL, children will begin the new school year on Monday, August 19, 2013. The American Red Cross has steps that everyone can take to make the trip back to the classroom safer.
Adults can take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED course, so they will have the knowledge and skills to act if an injury or emergency happens. Download the free Red Cross First Aid app to have first aid information at your fingertips. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.
“When [young] kids go back to school, parents should make sure the child knows his or her home phone number and address, parents’ work contact information, how to get in touch with another trusted adult, and how to dial 9-1-1,” said Dr. David Markenson, chair of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and pediatric expert.
“Parents should also teach their children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know,” Markenson added.
Bus Safety
If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Other safety steps include the following.
· Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed you to get on.
· Only board your bus and never an alternate one.
· Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
· Cross the street at the corner, obeying traffic signals and staying in the crosswalk.
· Never dart out into the street, or cross between parked cars.
Bus Signals for Motorists
· Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop, and motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop.
· Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign mean the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers in both directions must stop their vehicles and wait until the lights go off, the stop sign is back in place, and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.
Driving
If children ride in a car to school, they should always wear a seat belt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly. This is typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9″. Youth should ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
If a teenager drives to school, parents should mandate that they use seat belts. Drivers should not use their cell phone to text or make calls, and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.
All drivers should be aware that children are out walking or biking to school and slow down, especially in residential areas and school zones.
Biking and Walking
Students who ride their bike to school should always wear a helmet, obey all traffic signs, and ride on the right in the same direction as traffic.
Those who walk to school should only cross the street at an intersection, and use a route along which the school has placed crossing guards. Parents should walk with young children and children taking new routes or attending new schools at least for the first week, to ensure they know how to get there safely. Thereafter, arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.