By Mary Falconer-Williams, American Red Cross volunteer

Why is it that as soon as the 4th of July comes and goes, it feels like no time passes before the bus arrives one morning to pick up my kiddos for school?

Back to school is upon us once again. Along with those $0.50 crayons, pencils, and blunt tipped scissors, the Red Cross is recommending that you equip your school aged children with these safety tips.

First time or younger students
If your student is younger or going to school for the first time – start with their phone number. My children have never known a landline, so my cell phone serves as the primary phone number that they all know. Many school districts will collect this information, as well as other emergency contacts, at the beginning of the school year but this comes into play when they are outside of the school grounds and need to contact a parent.

Secondly, teach them their address. I have had the most luck getting my children to remember our address(es) by making it into a goofy little song and singing it over and over. We moved the summer before my son, now 13-years-old, started first grade and he can still tell you our old address. In song form. Additionally, this is a great time to reinforce how to dial 911!

Finally, remind your children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know. A rule we follow is that either a parent or teacher will tell them if they will be picked up by someone different from normal. This gives them only 3 people that could let them know of a change in plans.

Students who walk
If your child walks to school, teach them to:
● Walk on the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic.
● Stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming.
● Cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalk.
● Never run out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Students who ride the school bus
If your student takes the bus to school, teach them to:
● Get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive.
● Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed them to get on. And only board their bus, never an alternate one.
● Stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.

Checklist for grown-ups
Take a breath, then take a moment to write down some key information about your child so that you have it handy in a heat-of-the-moment situation. (Ask me how I know…)
● A clear photo of each child, focusing on the shoulder up, try to replace it every 6 months – even if it’s just on your phone!
● If your child rides the bus, make sure to write down the phone number for the bus garage and their bus number.
● The phone number for their school, as well as their grade level and homeroom teacher.
● The name, phone number and address of their primary care physician.
● The name, phone number and address of their dentist.
● The name, phone number and address of any other medical specialist that would hold records regarding your child.
● A list of regular medications.

Drivers!
● Slow down.
● Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop ─ slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off.
● Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
● Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. This includes two and four-lane highways.
● If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer