SAFETY REVIEW
As children throughout the community sharpen their pencils and get ready to head back to class , it ’ s important to ensure they have a safe school year . Here are some tips on how your family can be proactive and avoid potentially harmful situations :
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Make |
sure |
your |
school |
has your child ’ s updated |
emergency |
|
contact |
information . |
Write |
down |
any |
specific |
instructions |
that |
should |
be |
followed |
in case of an emergency , |
and have the school keep |
them in your child ’ s file . |
ALLERGIES
Talk to your child ’ s teachers before classes start and alert them to any medical issues your child has . Also , explain to the teacher what he or she should do if the medical issues arise — such as an allergic reaction , asthma attack or seizure — and provide school personnel with emergency medication such as EpiPens ® ( Epinephrine Auto-Injectors ) and inhalers .
PHONE NUMBERS
Help your children memorize important phone numbers so that they know how to get in touch with you and other trusted adults . Also , make sure those numbers are programmed into their cell phones , or provide them with a list of phone numbers that they can keep in their backpacks or wallets at all times .
ACCEPTING RIDES
Let your children know exactly who they can go home with after school if their regular ride can ’ t pick them up , and make sure they know not to accept rides from people who aren ’ t on the list .
WALKING TO SCHOOL
If your children will be walking to school , walk the route with them several times before classes start to make sure they understand traffic laws and can walk the route on their own . Also , find a friend or sibling they can walk with , and make sure they always use the buddy system . Show your children which houses in the neighborhood they can go to in case no one is at home after school .
REPORTING RECKLESS DRIVERS
Report reckless drivers to the police to help make sure the neighborhoods remain safe , particularly during times when kids are going to and returning from school .
LakeTalk August 2023 15