Asotin Police Department Shares Back-To-School Safety Tips For Families | #schoolsaftey #kids #parents #children

ASOTIN, Wash. — With the new school year approaching, the Asotin Police Department is reminding parents and guardians to take time to talk with children about personal safety.

The department emphasizes that child safety starts with parents and guardians and encourages families to review safety rules with children rather than assuming they already know what to do.

Among the department’s recommendations:

Walking to school: Parents should help children plan a safe route using direct roads, designated crosswalks and, when possible, intersections with crossing guards. Children should avoid isolated areas and walk with a sibling, friend or neighbor. Reflective clothing can also help make children more visible to traffic.

Stranger awareness: Children should never accept rides or gifts from people they do not know or leave school with someone without first checking with a parent, guardian or trusted adult. Children should also know where they can go for help, including trusted businesses, neighbors, police or fire stations.
School bus safety: Parents are encouraged to visit the bus stop with their children, identify safe routes and make sure children know their bus number, driver’s name, address and telephone number. Children should stay with a group while waiting for the bus and report anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable.
Bike safety: Children riding bicycles should follow traffic signs and signals, use bike paths when available, wear properly fitted helmets and ensure their bicycles are in good working condition. The department also recommends bright clothing and reflectors and advises children to avoid headphones while riding.

Internet safety: Parents are encouraged to monitor children’s internet use and talk openly about online dangers. Children should never share personal information, passwords or photos without permission or meet face-to-face with someone they met online.

Home alone: The department recommends keeping doors and windows locked, teaching children not to tell callers they are home alone and keeping emergency phone numbers readily available. Children should also know what to do if they are followed and where to go for help.

The Asotin Police Department encourages parents and guardians to make back-to-school safety conversations an ongoing part of preparing children for the school year.