Back to School Safety Tips for Military Families

It’s that time of year again. Parents everywhere are balancing feelings of excitement over their kids going back to school with the sadness that making fun, summertime memories has come to a close! Sending our kids back to school brings a lot of considerations.

We run through a laundry list of questions in our minds…

• Did I buy everything on the school supply checklist?
• Will my kids make good friends this year and like their school?
• Did I buy enough clothes (or the right uniforms)?
• Did I buy a million new pairs socks to make up for all of the socks they’re going to lose over this year?

That last one is always a serious consideration in our household!

Whatever the concerns may be, there are a few back-to-school safety tips we need to add to our rolodex of back-to-school concerns. Below are some important tips from the American Red Cross for parents to keep in mind this school year that can keep our most precious family members safe and sound.

TAKING THE BUS TO SCHOOL

• Students should get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Young children should be supervised.
• Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant instructs them to get on. They should only board their bus, never an alternate one.
• All students should stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.

WALKING TO SCHOOL

• Cross the street at the corner, obeying traffic signals and staying in the crosswalk.
• Never run out into the street or cross between parked cars.
• Use a route along which the school has placed crossing guards.
• Parents, walk with young children and those taking new routes or attending new schools, for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.

KEEP LITTLE ONES SAFE 

Keeping all students safe is the primary concern for everyone, but there are special steps for parents of younger kids and those going to school for the first time:

• Make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to call 911.
• Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.

PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES 

Know what the emergency plan is at your child’s school and develop a family emergency plan so everyone will know who to contact and where to go if something happens during the school day. Details are available at redcross.org/prepare.

First Aid and CPR Skills can save your student’s life!

• Download the free Red Cross First Aid app for instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies.
• You can find it by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps. Learn and practice First Aid and CPR/AED skills by taking a course (redcross.org/takeaclass) so you can help save a life.

Whether your student is going into kindergarten or high school, these tips can and should be used by all families to ensure maximum safety for everyone!

And remember, a new school year does not have to be daunting. With a little planning it can be an exciting (and safe!) adventure for the whole family.

Wishing you and yours a great back to school season.

 

Emily Osment  is a world traveler, writer, wife, proud pet mom and mom of an amazing teen – all rolled into one.  

Growing up, she moved every two years of her life, so she knows a lot about preparation, packing and airports!

She currently serves as a spokesperson for the American Red Cross, sharing lifesaving tips with families all over the country.

 

*For more articles like this, visit the AWN Expert page.