Back to School: Let’s Be Safe
Safety & Awareness | September 1, 2023
Safe Kids’ Safety Tips, By Kelly Hanink, Assistant Fire Chief / Fire Marshal, SafeKids Fox Valley Coalition Member
Hectic family life that comes with the start of a new school year is here. Remember – and share with your children – these tips to keep everyone safe and healthy throughout the school year.
BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY
Obey Traffic Rules: Always obey traffic signals, stop signs, school zone speed limits, and your school’s drop-off/pick-up procedures. The safety of our kids is a shared responsibility.
Teach Kids Road Safety: Parents, take the time to teach your children about walking and biking safely – look both ways before crossing, use crosswalks, walk on sidewalks or facing traffic, ride single file on the right side of the road with traffic, and stay in well-lit areas.
Stay Alert: Drivers, put away distractions such as mobile phones while driving through school zones (and really, everywhere)! Teenage drivers especially need this reminder. Being attentive is crucial for everyone’s safety.
Stranger Danger: Ensure children know their address and how to contact a parent or guardian. Reinforce the importance of being cautious around strangers. Teach students to be aware of their surroundings, travel in groups whenever possible, and report any suspicious activities to trusted adults.
Cyber Safety: Remind students about responsible internet use, privacy settings, and the importance of not sharing personal information online. Encourage open conversations about cyberbullying and how to stay safe online.
Backpack Safety: Encourage students to pack their backpacks with only essential items, distribute weight evenly, and wear both straps to prevent strain on their backs. Properly fitted backpacks can help avoid potential injuries.
FIRE SAFETY
Fire safety is also highlighted at this time of year. Learn these key points to be fire safe.
Cooking Safety Starts with YOU: Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Watch what you heat on the stove. Always keep a lid nearby to smother a small grease fire in the pan. Set a timer when using the oven. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
Install Working Smoke Alarms: Fire moves fast! Smoke alarms provide the earliest warning possible so that you can get out of your home quickly. Smoke alarms should be in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
Close Before You Doze: A closed door can be an effective barrier against deadly levels of carbon monoxide, smoke, and flames, and may give you more time to respond to a smoke alarm. While a room with an open door may reach 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, a room with a closed door may only reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Make closing doors
at night part of your bedtime routine.
Make Your Escape Plan: Talk about what to do if there is a fire. Know two ways out of every room. Include a safe meeting place in your plan. Practice your plan.
Especially for Young Children: Have a ‘kid-free zone’ of at least 3 feet around anything that can get hot. Teach young children that matches and lighter are tools, not toys. Never play with lighters or matches when you are with children; children may try to do the same things they see you do. Keep smoking materials locked up in a high place.
