As students head back to school across the country, here are five areas with tips for parents to keep in mind.  Special thanks to our friend Retro Bill who teaches kids the importance of safety and self-esteem across the country and is visiting us this week in Bakersfield, California.  We’ll be sure to post pictures from his visit here at House2House very soon. 

In the meantime, Retro Bill asked us to share the following tips to keep your kids safe:    

HOME SAFETY
- Parents and Guardians should post Emergency Contact numbers.
- A Safety Action Plan should be discussed prior to any possible Emergency.
- A trusted neighbor should be established.
- Smoke detectors should be tested regularly and have batteries replaced as directed.
- Children should be instructed to Dial 911 in an Emergency.

SCHOOL SAFETY
- Children and their school should have Emergency Contact numbers.
- Be sure your child knows that bullying is never acceptable. It’s okay to tell adults.
- It is never okay to talk to strangers, or accept a ride from one.
- Children should be instructed to use cross walks, and obey Crossing Guards.
- Children should be told to follow directions and rules at school and on a bus.

AUTOMOBILE SAFETY
- Children should be instructed to wear safety belt if of appropriate age.
- Automobile doors should be locked when children are safely in the vehicle.
- Child Safety & Booster seats should be used for younger children as directed.
- Cellular Phone Texting should be avoided at all times while driving.
- Speed limits should be obeyed as posted.

INTERNET SAFETY
- Parents should utilize Internet online safety filtering to protect children.
- Parents should know websites children are visiting (including Social Networking).
- Children’s computer should be where Parents have access to it at all times.
- Children should be instructed to never go into chat rooms online.
- Children should be instructed to never give out any personal information online.

STAYING SAFE AT PLAY
- “Get Permission First.” Parents must always know where children are going.
- “Buddy System.” Children must always take a Friend or Adult Guardian along.
- Bullying is never tolerable. Parents should instruct Children to tell an adult.
- Children should be instructed not to talk to Strangers, or accept a ride from one.
- Children should carry Emergency Contact numbers with them (including 911).

What are some other safety tips to keep in mind?