Consider safety while preparing for school

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. David Sawyer
  • 36th Wing Safety Office
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The first day of school for students in the Pacific is Aug. 27. Andersen children will be trading in their roller blades and swim suits for pencils and notebooks. Parents and children will be preparing to get back to business of school. Children and their parents often overlook one key item on the list of things to consider in preparing for school; that is SAFETY. Here are some tips for both parents and children to follow:

· If your elementary-age children walk to school, discuss the safest route. The safest route is not always the shortest route.

· Put reflective tape on your child's backpack or jacket, especially during bad weather when it's more difficult for drivers to see the children.

· Obey all signs that say where to unload passengers. Pick-up and drop off children only in approved areas. Remember that Plumeria Boulevard is not approved for pick-up or drop-off of passengers.

· Children should try to wear bright colors, especially on cloudy days.

· Be extra careful boarding the school bus. Especially when having to cross a road to get to the bus.

· Never walk behind or to the side of a school bus. The driver may not be able to see you.

· If you drop something near the bus, tell the driver before you pick it up. You want to make sure that the bus driver knows where you are at all times.

· If there are no sidewalks, walk facing the traffic.

· Walk with a friend or friends. A group of children is easier to see by a driver than a single child and less likely to be harmed by strangers.

· Cross only at intersections. Do not dart from between parked cars.

· Before crossing any road, look left, right and left again. Do not assume the traffic has stopped when the crossing guards and school safety patrols say you may cross.

· The safest route for bicycling will probably be different from the best walking route. Cyclist should try to avoid busy streets and use bike paths if available, also remember to always where your helmet.

· Ride with the traffic, not against the traffic.

· Remember to ride in single file. Plus, wear bright clothes when riding bikes.

· Do not wear headphones while riding a bicycle or walking to school.

This is not an all inclusive list, but it should get you started. Remember to be alert to your surroundings, keep safety in mind and have a great school year.