How to keep your child safe walking to and from school

Let your teacher and teacher aids and even principal know that your child will be walking to and from school. If they see anything out of the ordinary, like your child talking to an adult stranger, they will know that it does not fit your child's circumstances.

Ask what the school rules are if your child does not show up for school. See if they will call you if your child does not show up.

Talk to other parents that have children that walk the same route and tell them your child is walking home from school and ask if they can use their house as a safe haven, in emergencies and consider starting a buddy system for your child, by talking to other parents that have children walking and have them go in a group.

Consider a walkie-talkie. Some can reach up to a 3-mile radius, and it can be turned on on the walk to and school and then turned off when the child gets there.

Walk the route with your child before the first day of school. It will also give you a chance to look for dangers you may have not thought of and to help your child choose the most direct route.

Remind your child to not take short cuts, because how are you going to know where they are. Remind them to not cross the street between parked cars, or go against the lite or jaywalk.

Go over what to do if they are approached by a stranger, and explain what a stranger is. Also, remind your child to not approach a car that pulls up alongside them, even if they are asking for directions or needing help to find their lost dog.

Make sure your child knows their address and phone number including the area code. Do they know how to call the police?

Does your child know what back-up lights mean on a car. Many times a car will back out in a drive way and not see a child walking behind them on the sidewalk. Teach your child about the back up lights on a car.