Sunday, 4 August 2013

Back-to-School Safety Advice from Lifeline—A Hawaii-Based Fire and Security Company

Lifeline is a fire and security company dedicated to ensuring your family’s safety by installing and monitoring alarm systems. While a security alarm in Hawaii homes is no guarantee of safety, there is no question that having these systems can help prevent injuries and damages due to fire, burglary and deadly carbon monoxide levels.

As the new school year begins, we would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and children about a few safety precautions that can help kids stay safe on the way to and from school as well as during the school day.

Each year, more than 2 million children are injured in accidents related to school, due in part to poor precautionary measures. Whether your child walks, takes the bus or bikes to school, here are a few simple safety tips that should always be observed when getting to and from school.

When walking:
  • Identify a safe route to and from school, and do not stray from it.
  • Use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, always walk facing traffic, so you can see when a car is approaching.
  • Do not cross the street unless there is a marked crosswalk.
  • Never run out in front of a car, even if it appears to be parked.
  • Always look both ways before crossing the street.
Parents: Walk with your child to and from school at least once to ensure he or she observes these precautions and does not get lost. If possible, have your child walk with friends or siblings to and from school.

When riding a bike:
  • Wear a helmet at all times.
  • Always ride on the right side of the road, and come to a full stop to check for traffic before crossing the street.
When taking the bus:
  • Never stand in the street while waiting at the bus stop. Instead, stand six feet away from the curb.
  • After boarding the bus, quickly find a seat.
  • Do not stop or kneel directly in front of a bus for any reason. When you are too close in front of a bus, the driver will not be able to see you.
  • If you must cross the street in front of a bus, walk at least 12 feet ahead of it and make sure the driver is visible.
Safe commuting is very important, but as a fire and security company, we know accidents can occur away from home if children aren't careful throughout the day. Here are a few precautions to help ensure your child is safe during the school day:
  • Parents should help their children choose a comfortable backpack with enough support. In order to prevent backpack-related injuries, do not overload a backpack. A backpack should be about 15 percent of a child's body weight. If it is still heavy, make sure your child wears both straps so that each shoulder carries an equal amount of weight.
  • Only play on playgrounds with soft surfaces. Grass, dirt and concrete are too hard and unsafe.
  • Do not leave a classroom without first asking a teacher for permission.
  • Never leave school grounds without a teacher present.
  • Do not accept a ride to or from school with a stranger, unless a parent has made it clear that they approve.

While we can’t be with our children 24 hours a day, teaching them a few safety rules can help them stay safe in the upcoming school year. If you’re looking for a little added peace of mind, contact Lifeline to install your home’s state-of-the-art security alarm in Hawaii. As a fire and security company, we specialize in keeping your family safe and are happy to help with all of your security needs.​

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