Can you believe it’s that time again? Children throughout Milwaukee, New Berlin, and Brookfield are gearing up for another year of school, while parents are giving a cheer or shedding a tear (or maybe both) that summer is winding down. Our caring staff at Krause Funeral Home knows these emotions firsthand! We also know the importance of reviewing a few key safety tips as families start new routines and get back into the swing of things.
Here’s why: According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, an estimated 2.2 million children ages 14 and under are injured in school-related accidents each year. There is an increased risk of transportation-related injuries at the beginning of the school year, with an uptick in pedestrian, bicycle, school bus, and motor vehicle crashes. To prevent accidents and help keep your kids from harm, run through these reminders with your children before they throw on their backpacks and head out the door.
- Make sure your children know their address and phone number and how to call 911 for emergencies.
- Always wear a helmet when riding a bike. Research shows a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent.
- If your children ride the school bus, teach them to stay out of the street, watch for cars, avoid the driver’s blind spot and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching it.
- Do a walk-through, reviewing how to obey all traffic signals and signs. And remember to be especially cautious during wet, foggy, or snowy weather.
- Road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the United States, and car accidents often take place close to home. It’s hard to believe, but 75% of car seats are not used or installed properly, so click to review how to install a child safety seat in this article from the DMV.
- Whether walking to school or through the school parking lot, never dart out in front of a parked car.
- Practice hand signals with bike riders.
- School drop-off and pick-up is a chaotic time, with its busy mix of cars, busses, bikes, and pedestrians. Practice your family’s before and after-school routines before the first day arrives.
- Parents and grandparents, remember: Your children are watching you! Are you buckling up in the car, wearing your bike helmet, crossing at crosswalks, and setting down your phone while driving? As easy as it may be to think your actions aren’t important, being a good role model speaks volumes.
This is one of the most beautiful times of year here in Milwaukee County, and all of us at Krause wish you a happy and safe school year! You can always contact us with questions, and find out about upcoming events at Krause Funeral Home by liking our Facebook page or visiting our events page. Happy autumn!