According to Safe Kids USA, an estimated 2.2 million children ages 14 and under are injured in school-related accidents each year. Here are some tips to help keep your children safe as they start a new year.
-
Teach your child your phone number and home address, or make sure this information is on them at all times.
-
Designate a trusted relative, friend or neighbor to pick your child up from school in case of an emergency, and confirm your selection with your child.
-
Be sure your child walks to and from school with a buddy.
-
Teach your child to obey all traffic signals and be extra careful in inclement weather.
-
If your child bikes to school, make sure a helmet is worn at all times.
-
Tell your child not to bend down in front of the bus (to tie his/her shoes etc) because the driver may not see him.
-
Avoid any drawstrings on the hood, or around the neck of jackets, prevent catching in car and school bus doors, or getting caught on playground equipment.
-
Inform teachers of any severe allergy and what to do in case your child needs medical assistance.
-
Get to know new teachers.
-
Talk to your kids about bullying.