Back to School Safety Reminders

BACK TO SCHOOL MEANS WATCH OUT FOR KIDS

I'd planned to post these safety reminders this past week when school started here in Houston.

However, school got off to a rocky start thanks to Hurricane Harvey that closed schools a few days after it started.

Today or maybe tomorrow, depending on how much rain falls between now and then, school re-starts. So here are my...

Back to School Safety Reminders for Adults

1. Always observe school zone speed limits.

2. Watch for kids if you're driving when it's go to school time or leave school time.

3. Most school zones are cell phone free zones so do NOT use your cell while in a school zone.

4. Talk to your kids about safety rules before you send them to school. These rules should cover stranger danger as well as rules that apply to walking or riding bicycles to and from school.

5. Parents, go over the route your kids will take if they walk, ride bicycles, or just go to the bus stop. Then take your kids on a dry run, discussing what if situations so they understand exactly what to do if accosted.

6. Follow the signs at schools about dropping off your kids. Be sure to enter and exit according to the posted signs.

7. Remind your kids of the safety rules that apply to them as they walk to and from school.

Back to School Safety Reminders for Kids

1. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

2. Never run out into the street.

3. Never cross between parked cars.

4. Always keep your attention on what is going on around you. Don't listen to music or talk on cell phones. Be aware.

5. Always walk in front of the school bus after exiting so the driver can see you. Never walk behind the bus.

6. Never talk to strangers or approach a stranger in a vehicle regardless of what they may say.

Takeaway Truth

Preparation will help your school kids and remove a bit of the anxiety parents experience in sending kids off to school.