| As summer comes to an end and families prepare for another school year, itβs a great time to talk about safety. From the fire and EMS perspective, back-to-school season brings new routines, more activity around schools, and increased traffic on our roads.
A few simple precautions can help keep students, parents, teachers, and first responders safe throughout the school year.
πΈ Slow Down Around School Zones
One of the biggest safety concerns during the school year is traffic.
Drivers should:
Slow down and obey posted school-zone speed limits.
Stop for school buses when required by law.
Watch carefully for children crossing streets and walking near roadways.
Avoid distractions, including texting or using a phone while driving.
Expect increased traffic around schools during arrival and dismissal.
Never block fire lanes, emergency access roads, or fire department connections.
Remember: A few extra seconds of caution could prevent a serious injury.
π Give School Buses Plenty of Room
School buses make frequent stops, and children may unexpectedly enter the roadway.
Never pass a stopped school bus when its red warning lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, unless your state law specifically provides an exception.
Keep your distance and remain alert. Children don't always behave predictably around traffic.
π Keep Emergency Access Clear
During school drop-off and pickup, congestion can make it difficult for emergency vehicles to get where they need to go.
Parents and caregivers should avoid parking or stopping:
In front of fire hydrants
In designated fire lanes
In front of school entrances used by emergency responders
In areas that block emergency vehicle access
In a way that prevents other vehicles from safely passing
When an emergency happens, seconds matter. A blocked access point can delay firefighters and EMS from reaching someone who needs help.
π§― Know Your School's Emergency Procedures
Schools regularly practice emergency drills, including fire evacuations and other emergency scenarios.
Students and staff should take these drills seriously. Know:
Where the exits are located.
Where your designated assembly area is.
What to do when an alarm sounds.
How to follow instructions from teachers and school staff.
Where to go if your class is relocated during an emergency.
Parents should also become familiar with their child's school's emergency notification and reunification procedures.
π₯ Fire Safety Starts at Home
Back-to-school season is a good reminder to review fire safety with the entire family.
Make sure everyone in your home knows two ways out of every sleeping area and every level of the home, when possible. Test smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries or alarms according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Don't forget about carbon monoxide alarms, especially near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances.
And make sure everyone knows:
Get out. Stay out. Call 911.
Never go back inside a burning building.
π Backpack and School Supply Safety
Backpacks should be appropriate for a child's size and shouldn't be overloaded.
When possible, use both shoulder straps and adjust the backpack so it fits properly. An improperly worn or excessively heavy backpack can contribute to falls, trips, and other injuries.
Parents should also follow age-appropriate safety recommendations for school supplies, art materials, and other items children may use during the school year.
π² Walking and Biking to School
Children walking or riding bicycles should know the rules of the road.
Encourage children to:
Use sidewalks and designated crossings whenever available.
Look both ways before crossing.
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of vehicles.
Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.
Use lights and reflective gear when traveling in low-light conditions.
Stay alert and avoid distractions.
Younger children may need an adult to accompany them until they develop the skills and judgment necessary to travel safely on their own.
β€οΈ Know When to Call 911
From an EMS perspective, knowing when and how to call 911 is an important part of being prepared.
Teach children that 911 is for emergencies and that they should tell the dispatcher:
What happened.
Where they are.
Who needs help.
What injuries or symptoms are present.
Their name and phone number, if they know it.
Most importantly, teach children to stay calm, answer the dispatcher's questions, and follow instructions.
π A Safe School Year Is a Community Effort
Firefighters and EMS providers see firsthand how quickly an ordinary day can become an emergency. The good news is that many emergencies can be prevented through awareness, preparation, and good decision-making.
As students head back to school, let's all do our part:
Slow down. Stay alert. Keep emergency access clear. Know your exits. And look out for one another.
From all of us in fire and EMS, have a safe, healthy, and successful school year! |
