Ring, Ring Goes the Bell – Back to School Safety
Aug 19
Post by: Gina Stone
With the new school year ringing in, it’s time to review the back to school safety and preparedness plans!
Elementary school children (and Junior High as well) need to be reminded of the “Stranger Danger” and not to talk or go with anyone they don’t know. Your school should have an Emergency Card on file, listing the people that are allowed to remove your child from school. Be sure to let the school know if there is also someone that is explicitly NOT allowed to remove the child from school (i.e. an estranged spouse, any one you specifically do not trust with your children).
Walking and biking to school is always a fun way to start the day with friends. Be sure to keep with your group, and aware of your surroundings. Remember rules of the road apply to bicyclists too, including stop signs!
A weapon or armed person on or near campus is a growing problem for all age groups. Be sure you are aware of the school and district policy, and how to report ANY type of weapon on campus. If your campus is in lock down, follow all directions until the “All Clear” has been given. This is for your safety and the safety of the first responders that may be on scene.
For the college group, be sure to register your phone numbers, email addresses, and any other way possible with the campus to receive emergency messages, including weather warnings, and safety warnings such as lock downs. When the Los Angeles coastal areas were under the tsunami warning from the Japan mega-quake, my school called my home, cell (called and texted), emailed me at all my registered addresses, and faxed me. There was no way on earth I could have missed the safety warning!
Parking: It seems it is always a hike to get back to your car on campus. Always park in a well lit area. If you are out at night, it is best to go in pairs or groups. Trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t feel right, turn around and head to the nearest populated, well lit area. If you are being followed, run in a different direction and YELL for help. Avoid dark and out of the way spots on campus. Don’t be afraid to ask campus security for an escort to your car if you feel uneasy. Some Universities have a dedicated service to escort students to their cars, check with your school or on their website. When approaching your car, keep aware, already have your keys out and ready, and be sure to look around and in the car to make sure it is secure.
A new school year also means toting around the latest technology. If you must leave your laptop, iPad, or other electronic devices in your car, lock them in the trunk out of sight to reduce temptation for break-ins. It is best if you don’t absolutely need it, don’t take it with you. The extreme temperatures in the car (heat right now and soon to be the cold) are hard on the electronics anyway.
Have a fun, productive and SAFE school year!
Elementary school children (and Junior High as well) need to be reminded of the “Stranger Danger” and not to talk or go with anyone they don’t know. Your school should have an Emergency Card on file, listing the people that are allowed to remove your child from school. Be sure to let the school know if there is also someone that is explicitly NOT allowed to remove the child from school (i.e. an estranged spouse, any one you specifically do not trust with your children).
Walking and biking to school is always a fun way to start the day with friends. Be sure to keep with your group, and aware of your surroundings. Remember rules of the road apply to bicyclists too, including stop signs!
A weapon or armed person on or near campus is a growing problem for all age groups. Be sure you are aware of the school and district policy, and how to report ANY type of weapon on campus. If your campus is in lock down, follow all directions until the “All Clear” has been given. This is for your safety and the safety of the first responders that may be on scene.
For the college group, be sure to register your phone numbers, email addresses, and any other way possible with the campus to receive emergency messages, including weather warnings, and safety warnings such as lock downs. When the Los Angeles coastal areas were under the tsunami warning from the Japan mega-quake, my school called my home, cell (called and texted), emailed me at all my registered addresses, and faxed me. There was no way on earth I could have missed the safety warning!
Parking: It seems it is always a hike to get back to your car on campus. Always park in a well lit area. If you are out at night, it is best to go in pairs or groups. Trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t feel right, turn around and head to the nearest populated, well lit area. If you are being followed, run in a different direction and YELL for help. Avoid dark and out of the way spots on campus. Don’t be afraid to ask campus security for an escort to your car if you feel uneasy. Some Universities have a dedicated service to escort students to their cars, check with your school or on their website. When approaching your car, keep aware, already have your keys out and ready, and be sure to look around and in the car to make sure it is secure.
A new school year also means toting around the latest technology. If you must leave your laptop, iPad, or other electronic devices in your car, lock them in the trunk out of sight to reduce temptation for break-ins. It is best if you don’t absolutely need it, don’t take it with you. The extreme temperatures in the car (heat right now and soon to be the cold) are hard on the electronics anyway.
Have a fun, productive and SAFE school year!
Photo Courtesy of Avolore
Gina Stone
Founding Contributor of 2BeeReady.org
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