Learning Center

School Zone Safety

Tips for motorists:

• When a school bus or children are present, slow down and proceed with caution, obeying all traffic laws and speed limits.
• Always stop for a school bus that has stopped to load or unload passengers. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm tell you the school bus is stopped to load or unload children. Under certain conditions State Law requires you to stop.
• If you are on a two-lane roadway, you must stop.
• If you are on a roadway that has two or more travel lanes traveling in each direction and you are traveling the same direction as the bus, you must stop.
• If you are on a roadway that has at least two or more travel lanes traveling in each direction and you are approaching, meeting the bus, you do not have to stop, but merely proceed with caution.
• Be alert and ready to stop. Watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.  When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school.
• When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.
  

Tips for parents:

• Help your children learn and practice the safety rules for walking, bicycling, or riding in a passenger car, school bus or transit bus.
• Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop.
• Be a good role model, especially when you are with your kids. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules.
  

Tips for students:

• Always buckle up when you’re riding in a car.
• Always ride in the back seat.  It’s the safest place for young people.
• Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike.
• If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus.
• If you walk to school, learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians.  Always cross at cross walks; obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and safety patrol instructions.
• Be a good role model for your younger brothers, sisters and friends, and help them learn and practice safety rules.
  

Fire Safety

Keep your family safe from fire year-round by following a few simple tips:

• Keep all combustible materials at least 3 feet away from heat producing devices or equipment.

• Never leave candles burning unattended.

• Never leave your cooking unattended.

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach from children.

• Be careful not to overload electrical outlets and use extension cords as temporary wiring only.

• Unplug electrical appliances after each use.
  

Be prepared for emergencies by having a home escape plan.

Draw a floor plan of your home. Find at least two ways out of every room. Pick a meeting place outside. Practice your plan with the entire family.

Test smoke alarms monthly.

Replace batteries twice a year.

Halloween Safety

Each year millions of children look forward to Halloween.  There are a number of steps we can take to make this Halloween a little safer for those out to enjoy it.

• For those expecting trick-or-treaters, provide a well lit porch.
• Remove any possible trip hazards including extension cords on the porch and walkways.
• Use extreme caution when decorating with candles. Keep all candles away from any item that may be combustible. Remember pumpkins can also be illuminated with small, inexpensive flashlights.
• Choose costumes that are light, bright, and visible to motorists.  Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks.
• Check the labels on costumes to ensure they are “flame resistant.” Although this label does not mean these items won’t catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• Make sure that costumes do not present a trip hazard due to being too long or baggy. The costume also shouldn’t obstruct the wearer’s ability to see.
• Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
• Adults please accompany your child. Make it a family affair.