Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 09/09/1996 All articles from this issue

These back to school tips could ensure student safety

printer friendly version

Town Crier Staff Report

To help you stay safe and healthy this school year, McGruff® the Crime Dog says:

Work out a safe route to school with your parents. Chose the quickest way with the fewest street crossings and intersections with crossing guards. Stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields, and other places where there aren't many people around.

Walk to and from school with a friend, neighbor, brother, or sister. Don't go by yourself.

Be sure you know your home phone number and address, the numbers of your parents at work and of another trusted adult, and how to use 911 for emergencies.

Never talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers. Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your parents don't know well or don't trust.

If you bike or skateboard to school, wear a helmet. And don't forget to lock up your bike wherever you leave it.

If you're home alone after school, check in with a parents or neighbor as soon as you walk in the door.

Let parents and friends know if you stay late after school. Get permission first if you want to play with a friend instead of going home.

If you see anyone doing something that makes you uneasy or you think isn't right, tell your parents, a teacher, or another trusted adult.

Checklist For Parents

Be sure your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult, and know to use 911 for emergencies.

Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop. Chose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and intersections with crossing guards.

with your child. Tell him or her to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields, and other places where there aren't many people around.

Teach children - whether walking, biking, or riding the bus to school - to obey all traffic signals, signs, traffic officers, and safety patrols. Remind them to be extra careful in bad weather.

Make sure they walk to and from school with a friend, neighbor, brother, or sister.

When car pooling, deliver and pick up children as close to school as possible. Don't leave until they are in the school year or building.

Teach your child never to talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers. Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your children don't know well or don't trust.

If your child is home alone for a few hours after school:

Set up rules for locking doors and windows, answering the door and telephone, and activities allowed.

Make sure they check-in with you or a neighbor immediately after school.

Agree on rules for having friends over and for going to a friend's house when no adult is home.

Take time to listen carefully to your children's fears and feelings about people or places that scare them or make them feel uneasy. Tell them to trust their instincts. Take complaints about bullies and other concerns seriously.