Nellis prepares for the new school year with safety tips

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles
  • 99Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (ACCNS) --  Now is the time to review safety measures as a way to prevent unintended mishaps and injuries as local students gear up for the upcoming school year. 

Research shows that school-age kids are nine times more likely to get an unintentional injury. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, even though a majority of these accidents happen during extracurricular activities, more than 2.2 million children ages 14 and younger are injured in school-related accidents each year. 

Most military dependents will be returning to school the last week of August.. It is important for parents to be vigilant of potential safety concerns and talk to their kids about safety practices in and out of school before the school year begins. 

Below are tips for safety practices provided by SAFE KIDS, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Academy of Pediatrics that may prevent unintentional injuries to children attending school: 

· Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and, if possible, with intersections that have crossing guards. 

· When driving kids, deliver and pick them up as close to the school as possible. Don't leave until they are in the schoolyard or building. 

· Teach children to arrive at the bus stop early, stay out of the street, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the street, watch for cars and avoid the driver's blind spot. 

· Remind your children to stay seated at all times and keep their heads and arms inside the bus while riding. When exiting the bus, children should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, exit from the front using the handrail to avoid falls and cross the street at least 10 feet (or 10 giant steps) in front of the bus. 

· Be sure that your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult and how to call 911 for emergencies. 

· Teach children proper playground behavior: no pushing, shoving, or crowding. 

For any safety questions or concerns please contact your local school or district office.