Readiness Strategies for School Return from the American Red Cross
The new school year is upon us, and with it comes the need for safety precautions. The American Red Cross has provided a comprehensive checklist to ensure student safety, whether they are driving, taking the bus, walking, or cycling to school.
For those who drive, it is crucial to avoid distractions while behind the wheel. Teenagers should refrain from texting or making calls, and should also avoid eating or drinking while driving. The road is a dangerous place, and full concentration is necessary to ensure safety.
If a student takes the bus to school, they should arrive early at the bus stop, stand away from the curb while waiting, and board only their designated bus after it has come to a complete stop. Once on board, they should never walk behind the bus. These simple rules can prevent unfortunate accidents.
For those who walk to school, it is important to stick to the sidewalk if one is available. If no sidewalk is present, they should walk facing traffic. When crossing the street, students should do so at the corner, obey traffic signals, and stay within the crosswalk.
Younger students or first-time schoolgoers should be taught their phone number, home address, and emergency contact details. This knowledge can be invaluable in case of an emergency.
Students who ride their bike to school should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as traffic. Bicycle safety is just as important as pedestrian safety.
The Back-to-School Checklist also advises motorists to slow down around school buses. On two and four-lane highways, motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. If physical barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping, but only after all the children have reached a place of safety.
When the bus stops, motorists must stop and wait until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. Running out into the street or crossing between parked cars should be avoided at all costs.
The checklist also advises students not to talk to strangers or accept rides from unknown individuals. If a parent drives their child to school, no specific safety instructions are mentioned.
For those who have a teenager learning to drive, it is important to remember that seat belts should always be used.
The American Red Cross also provides a cell phone app, the First Aid and Emergency app, which is free to download. This app can be a valuable resource in case of an emergency.
Finally, students joining a sports team should wear protective gear, warm up and cool down, watch out for others, and know the location of the closest first aid kit and AED.
The Back-to-School Checklist from the American Red Cross is a comprehensive guide to ensuring student safety during the school year. By following these simple rules, we can help keep our children safe and secure as they return to the classroom.
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