American Red Cross of Oklahoma shares back to school safety checklist

OKLAHOMA — The American Red Cross of Oklahoma shared a checklist you can follow to make sure your student is safe as they head back to the classroom.

If your student is going to school for the first time, teach them:

• Their phone number, address and how to get in touch with parents
• How to dial 911
• Not to talk to or accept ride from strangers

If your student walks to school, teach them to:

• Walk on the sidewalk and toward facing traffic
• Stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming
• Cross the street at the corner and obey traffic signals
• Never run into the street or cross between parked cars

If your student takes the bus to school, teach them to:

• Get to the bus stop early and stand away from the curb
• Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop
• Only board the bus assigned to them
• Stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus

If your student rides their bike to school, teach them to:

• Always wear a helmet
• Ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going

If you drive your child to school, teach them to:

• Always wear a seatbelt
• Younger children should use car seats until the seat belt fits properly

If you have a teenager driving to school, make sure they:

• Use seat belts
• Do not text, make calls, eat or drink while driving

If you are considering getting your student a cell phone:

• The Red Cross First Aid and Emergency app gives access to first aid tips for common emergencies.

If your student is joining a sports team, make sure they:

• Wear protective gear such as helmets or protective pads
• Warm up and cool down
• Watch out for others
• Know the location of the closest first aid kit

The American Red Cross of Oklahoma also reminds drivers to slow down as children head back to school. Remember that yellow flashing lights mean the bus is getting ready to stop and red flashing lights with a stop sign show children are getting on or off.

Drivers must stop while behind a bus or when approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. The American Red Cross says if physical barriers such as grass medians, guide rails or concrete barriers separate drivers from the bus, they do not have to stop.

You can find more information on the American Red Cross of Oklahoma by clicking here .