Safety Tips

Household Fire Safety Tips

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Furniture, curtains, dish towels, and anything that could catch fire should be at least three feet from any type of heat source.
• Do not overload extension cords or outlets.
• Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high traffic areas.
• Install smoke alarms, test and clean smoke alarms once a month, and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Have an escape plan, review and practice with all family members at least twice a year.

When Riding in a Bus/Car

• Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses, however, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out!
• Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street.
• Keep a safe distance between you and the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are back away from the bus.
• Safety belts are the best form of protection passengers have in the event of a crash. They can lower your risk of injury by 45%.  You are four times more likely to be seriously injured or killed if ejected from the vehicle in a crash.
• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.
• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
• When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk 10 giant steps away from the bus.
• You might have heard before that most traffic crashes occur close to home - they do.

When Walking to School 

• Be aware of the street traffic around you.
• Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard - never cross the street against a light, even if you don't see any traffic coming.
• Walk with a buddy.
• Walk your bike through intersections.
• Wear reflective material - it makes you more visible to street traffic.