Police - News

August 7, 2007
CONTACT: Matt Barnett
Public Information Officer
623-930-3276

Back to School Safety Tips

As Arizona kids head back to school this month, families are busy buying the right supplies, learning the latest fashion trends and enjoying the last few lazy days of summer. However, it is important to remember that now is the time to do your homework on how to keep your child safe.

To help parents, the Glendale Police Department is offering these tips to make getting back to school a little safer:

Personal Safety:

• Complete an annual ID kit for each of your children.
• Don’t put your child’s name on backpacks or on their clothing.
• Give your child the names of two “safety persons” who can be trusted for rides, help, etc.
• Know what your child is wearing everyday.
• When age appropriate, be sure your child knows the name of their parents and their phone number and address.

Getting to and from school safely:

• Use the buddy system
• Choose the safest route and talk with children about avoiding alleys, vacant fields and busy streets. Many schools have already identified the safest way for children to get to school. Contact your school for recommended routes.
• For kids who ride bikes, make sure they are always wearing a bike helmet. Always make sure your child is wearing a seat belt. When crossing streets, always use a crosswalk and when possible, utilize the route with a crossing guard.
• Slow down in school zones.

Staying home after school

• Encourage kids not to answer the phone or the door unless it is someone they know and expect. Remind kids not to tell callers that they are home alone.
• In addition to your child knowing and understanding 9-1-1, parent’s work numbers, neighbors’ phone numbers and other key contact information should be listed by every phone.
• For younger kids, supply fun and health snacks that do not need to be cooked. For older children, be sure they understand how to cook safely and have a fire extinguisher available.
• Talk with children about how to respond in different types of emergencies. Make sure that everyone in the household knows where a first-aid kit is and how to use it.
• Identify activities that will keep the kids busy. Whether it is homework, a craft project or a chore, busy kids are less likely to get into trouble.