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School Safety Tips

Reminder for drivers:

  • Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully
  • Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours
  • Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings
  • Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving

Reminder for your kids:

  • They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old
  • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks
  • Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars
  • Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them

Riding a Bike to School:

  • Always wear an approved helmet when riding a bicycle
  • Wear clothing that is bright and colorful to make it easier for drivers to see you
  • Learn hand signals and use them
  • Ride a bike on the right hand side of the road traveling in the same direction as the traffic
  • Always stop for stop signs and follow the rules of traffic lights
  • Learn and follow the rules of the road
  • Do not listen to an iPod, mp3 player or other music device
  • Always pay attention to the traffic

Riding to School in a Car:

  • Make sure each child is securely strapped into their seat belt
  • Younger children need the appropriate car seat or booster seat for their age or size
  • Have each child exit the car using the door on the curbside so they are not stepping out of the car into traffic
  • Do not leave the school until your child, or all those in the carpool, are safely inside the school building

Waiting for the School Bus:

  • Walk to the bus stop using a sidewalk if there is one
  • If there is no sidewalk, stay on the left side of the street facing the traffic
  • While waiting for the school bus to arrive stay at the bus stop 
  • Do not wander down the street, into a wooded area or onto private property
  • Do not speak to strangers while waiting for the bus
  • Do not go into the street while waiting for the bus to arrive
  • Do not roughhouse, run or play with your friends while waiting for the bus to arrive
  • When the bus approaches, line up away from the street
  • Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and has the door open before stepping into the road

Rules for Boarding the School Bus:

  • Hold the handrail when getting onto the school bus
  • Do not push or shove others when they are in line or are boarding the bus
  • Once you are on the bus, quickly find a seat, sit down and stay seated

Riding the School Bus:

  • Stay in your seat
  • If the bus is equipped with a seat belt make sure to fasten it securely
  • Never put your head, hands or arms out of the school bus window
  • Do not yell or make other loud noises that could distract the bus driver
  • Talk quietly while on the bus
  • Do not eat or drink anything while riding on the bus
  • Do not block the bus aisle with backpacks, books or musical instruments: if an emergency should arise it is important the aisle is clear
  • Do not touch or play with the emergency exits
  • Do not throw things at others on the bus or out of the bus windows
  • When you reach the school, or your bus stop on the return trip home, have your things ready so you can leave without holding up others on the bus