Back-to-school safety: Do it by the book

Whether it’s just walking across the street to the school bus or young adults experimenting with alcohol for the first time at college, parents need to talk with their children about the dangers that lie ahead during the school year.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has compiled a list of issues and advice that will help guide parents to develop some common-sense principles for their children.
Emergencies in a digital world
Cell phones, tablets, laptops and other wireless devices can play an important role in an emergency.
Most families get their information while on the go these days. That’s why it’s important for parents and children alike to stay informed about emergencies by putting our technology to work. Take these steps to be “in the know” at all times.
•Program health information (illnesses, allergies, blood type, donor information and medications) into your child’s cellphone. Include emergency contact phone numbers. Follow local law enforcement and other agencies on social media.
•Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Authorized agencies send the cellphone messages to let families know about dangerous weather conditions, emergencies and other hazards. Know how to read the alerts, follow directions and take action.
•During emergencies and disasters, text, don’t talk, unless it’s an immediate need. It may be easier to text family members in a chaotic environment. Making calls will tie up phone lines and overwhelm signals for emergency workers in the moments after an incident. Make sure children know how to call 911.
See something strange? Speak up!
Students may notice something out of place at their school or on the way to school. It may even make them feel uneasy or afraid. They may be unsure about how to take action. HSEM, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, encourages anyone, including children, to “See Something, Say Something.”
•Report suspicious behavior. Do you see a stranger taking pictures of buildings or entering or exiting a restricted area? They may not have your best interests in mind. Tell a trusted adult or call 911.
•Do not touch suspicious objects. Unattended packages may contain dangerous items. Do not let curiosity get the best of you. Move a safe distance away and report it immediately.
•Do not wait for someone else to say something. An immediate call to law enforcement could be the one that makes the difference.
“As parents we can’t be at every corner telling our children to watch out for cars or always be sitting next to our teen driver, reminding them not to text while driving,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman.
“But we can set the table for good habits before they walk out the door for school by providing our children some guidance and understanding of real world dangers. It’s not only important to give them the advice, but as parents we must model those behaviors and set good examples. Together we can keep our children safe.”