5 Back-to-School Tips to Keep Your Millbrae Kids Safe

While some California parents were savoring every last moment of summer with their children, others were counting down the days until their student returned back to school for the 2016-2017 school year. Now that many have already sent their kids (back)packing to the classroom, one thing is certain— parents need to know of the dangers that surround children to keep them safe as they head back to school.

Here are a few tips from the National Safety Council:

1. Use Extra Caution when School is in Session: Safely share the roads with school buses, pedestrians and bicyclists and teach your kids the importance of watching out for cars, buses and suspicious vehicles at the bus stop.

2. Send Kids Off to School Safely: Many injuries can be prevented. Click on the safety topics below to read more about how to prevent injuries at school and on the field.

• Backpack safety
• Playground safety
• Concussion risk from sports
• Tips for a safe bus ride
• Head up, phone down

3. Protect New Teen Drivers: Teen crashes spike in September and often occur during hours when school begins and lets out. Learn the best ways to keep your teen drivers safe.

4. Teach Kids to Wear Seat Belts on the Bus: Riding a bus to school is safer than riding in the family vehicle or walking, according to the National Safety Council, who reminds families that seat belts save lives.

"Since 2002, passenger lap and shoulder belts have been made available on school buses; California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Texas require them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated its support for lap and shoulder belts on buses in 2015, and NSC has joined in support of this position. NSC also recommends states or school districts consider this added safety benefit when purchasing buses."

The NSC also says bus riders should follow safety precautions when entering or exiting the bus and to use the handrail, walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus until you can see the driver, make sure the driver can see you, wait for a signal from the driver before crossing. When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again, walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.

5. Talk to Your Kids About Strangers: This last tip is from Kid's Health. Teach kids to never accept candy or gifts from a stranger and never to go anywhere with a stranger (look for a lost puppy, lost child, etc.). Tell them to run away in the opposite direction and scream if someone follows them or tries to force them into a car. Make sure younger kids know their names, address, phone number including area code, and who to call in case of an emergency. Point out the homes of friends around the neighborhood where your kids can go in case of trouble. Make sure they keep the door locked and never tell anyone who knocks or calls that they are home alone.

Click here for more safety tips from the NSC.

—Written By Patch Editor Wendy Ann Mitchell.

Image by Woodley Wonder Works via Flickr Creative Commons