Safe Kids’ Fall Safety Tips: Back to School & Fire Safety
Safety & Awareness | September 3, 2024
By Kelly Hanink, Assistant Fire Chief / Fire Marshal, SafeKids Fox Valley Coalition Member
BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY
The beginning of a new school year marks a significant transition for children and adults alike to new schedules and new routines. Incorporate these tips into your family’s new routines for a safer community.
Limit Driving Distractions: Mobile phones, morning coffee, and radio / navigation systems are just some of the common culprits of distracted driving. Put these aside while driving through school zones. Teenage drivers especially need this reminder. Focusing on driving is crucial for everyone’s safety.
School Bus Signals
School buses have signals that mimic traffic lights. When overhead lights are flashing yellow, prepare to stop. When overhead lights are flashing red, stop no closer than 20 feet from the bus. When red lights are turned off, proceed with caution. Never pass a bus loading or unloading children regardless of the signals.
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.
Backpack Safety
Choose a backpack for your child that is the proper size for their bodies. It should have ergonomically designed features to promote comfort and safety. Using both straps of the backpack will evenly distribute the weight of the backpack – ideally no more than 5-10% of a child’s body weight.
FIRE SAFETY
Fall is also the time that fire safety is highlighted nationwide. Watch for different events and messaging around your neighborhood during Fire Prevention Week™, October 6-12, 2024. This year’s Fire Prevention Week focus is “Smoke Alarms, Make Them Work for You.” Fire moves fast! Smoke alarms provide the earliest warning possible so that you can get out of your home quickly.Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
Create a Plan
Ensure that everyone in your home, including overnight guests, know what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do if it sounds. This includes teaching guests about your meeting place and showing them two ways out of every room.
Close Bedroom Doors
A closed door is an effective barrier against deadly smoke and flames. It may also give you more time to respond to a smoke alarm sounding. A room with an open door may reach 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, but a room with a closed door may only reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Make closing bedroom doors at night part of your bedtime routine.
Stovetop Safety
Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Do not leave the area when cooking on the stovetop. Always keep a pan lid or cookie sheet next to the stove 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.
