Safety Kids Corner

The big day has finally arrived-no, not the release of Star Wars Episode III-but the

release of all school agers from that most institutional of all institutions-SCHOOL.

Yes, summer vacation has arrived and everyone is free to enjoy a few weeks of fun in the sun except of course, those who have summer employment.

But with summer fun and relaxation comes responsibilities to conduct one’s self in a safe and secure manner.

Where security is concerned it must be remembered by those who will be home and have working parents that strange and dangerous individuals lurk about neighborhoods just looking for empty homes or those occupied by of the younger more vulnerable persuasion.

In a word do not trust strangers, do not open doors to anyone without a full knowledge of who they are and without contacting a responsible adult. Even adults have become victims to criminals after failing to check out who they really were before allowing them access to their homes.

The security also applies to out of doors fun time. Again the guiding motto is “don’t trust strangers”. Stay in groups of three or more. Watch out for each other, if a stranger approaches you or one of your friends in a threatening manner act as a group-yell, scream, and run. If a vehicle is used try to get a car license number. Try to remember vehicle style and color as well as a description of the criminal for the police.

Far too many youngsters are taken by force each year. Far too many youngsters are either never found or found, unhappily, deceased. This is not an acceptable situation but with a determined effort by youngsters everywhere it can be changed.

None of these guidelines are suggested to “crimp one’s style” but only to protect one’s welfare.

There are more “MONSTERS” in real life just waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting victim that have ever been dreamed up in fiction.

For twenty‑three mullion students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. The greatest risk is not riding the bus, but approaching or leaving the bus. Before children go back to school or start school for the first time. it is essential

that adults and children know traffic safety rules.

When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children wanting or bicycling to school. When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.

	Slow down Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
	Slow down. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
	Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
	Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state.
	Learn the "flashing spa light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions.
	Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to unload or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
	Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

	Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
	Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
	If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver. Use the handrails to avoid falls.
	When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings, and book bags with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors.
	Never walk behind the bus. Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
	If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.

Always TAKE A FRIEND when walking to and from school. It's safer and more fun to be with your friends. Walk and ride in well‑lit areas, and never take shortcuts. Follow all the bicycle rules, especially the one about riding on the right side of the street.

Stay with a group while, waiting at the bus stop. If anyone bothers you while going to or from school, get away from that person, and TELL a trusted adult like your parents or teacher. If an adult approaches you for help or directions, remember grownups needing help should not ask children for help; they should ask other adults.

If someone you don't know offers you a ride, say NO. Never hitchhike and only accept a ride from someone if your parents have told you it is okay.

If someone follows you on foot, get away from him or her as quickly as you can. If someone follows you in a car, turn around and go in the other direction. Always be sure to TELL your parents of a trusted adult what happened.

If someone tries to take you somewhere, quickly get away and yell, "This person is trying to take me away!" or "This person is not my father (mother)!"

Never leave school with someone you don't feel comfortable with or know. Always. CHECK FIRST with your parents or another trusted adult. If someone you don't know or feel comfortable With tells you that there is an emergency and they want you to go with them, always CHECK FIRST before anything. Make sure you TELL a trusted adult if you notice someone you don't known hanging around.

Leave items and clothing with your name on them at home. If someone you don't know calls out your name, don't be fooled or confused.

If you want to change your plans after school, always CHECK FIRST with your parents, Never play in parks, malls, or video arcades by yourself. Make sure you have your parents' permission, and they know where you are going to be. Never accept money or gifts from anyone until you CHECK FIRST with your parents.

If you go home alone after school, check to see that everything is okay before you go in. Once inside, call your parents to let them know that you are okay. Make sure you follow your "Home Alone" rules of keeping the door locked; not opening the door for or talking to anyone who stops by unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative, you feel .