GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – The American Red Cross of Western Colorado has released 10 back-to-school safety steps for families as students return to class.
Christie Caster, executive director of the Western Colorado chapter of the American Red Cross, said teaching younger children their personal information is the first step.
“It’s very important to make sure young kids know how to contact an adult, make sure they know their parents’ names and numbers, where they work, how they can get a hold of them, but also another trusted adult, which is also important just in case somebody can’t be reached,” Caster said. “It’s also important for a young child to know how to dial 911.”
Stranger awareness and pedestrian safety
Caster said reminding children not to talk to strangers follows from that first step. The next two steps address pedestrian safety — walking on the sidewalk whenever possible and looking both ways before crossing the street.
“Making sure the kids are aware of their surroundings, but also when crossing a street, looking both ways,” Caster said.
Bus and bike safety
For students who ride the bus, Caster said arriving at the stop early is important so children are not running into the street to catch the bus. She said students should wait away from where the bus will pull up and ensure the driver can see them.
Students who ride bikes to school should wear a properly fitted helmet, Caster said.
“It’s great to have one on, but if it’s loose, it’s really not going to do what it should do if they do hit their head,” she said.
Car safety and distracted driving
For students traveling by car, Caster said all passengers should wear a seatbelt regardless of the length of the trip. She said parents should remind teen drivers to ensure their passengers are also buckled.
Children should remain in the back seat until around age 13 because of airbags, Caster said. Younger children should be secured in a properly fitted car seat.
The tenth and final step addresses distracted driving. Caster said drivers should avoid texting, calling, eating, and drinking while traveling to school.
“It’s that time of year when we need to kind of refocus and make sure that we’re keeping our kids, our family, and our community safe,” Caster said.
Safety courses and additional resources are available through the Red Cross First Aid app and here.
