With students heading back to school this month, it's a great time to think about safety and preparing for emergencies.

First Aid

Every household - even every car - should be equipped with a first aid kit. Will your child know how to handle a minor medial emergency?

If your child is injured, would you be able to respond quickly?

This month, the Red Cross is offering its Family First Aid Kit for $25. To order, call (918) 831-1197.

A variety of CPR and first aid classes are scheduled weekly so that everyone can be trained to save a life.

School Emergency Plan

Some emergencies, such as a chemical release, require sheltering in place instead of leaving the place you are and exposing yourself even more. Others, such as a fire, require evacuation.

Each parent should find out the emergency plan for your child's school.

Will the school keep children in the building until a parent can pick them up or send them home on their own? Where do the children go in case of an evacuation?

Be sure to give the school updated information about how to reach you.

Bicycle Safety

• Always wear a correctly fitting helmet when riding. Even children using tricycles or bikes with training wheels should wear helmets. Adults should also wear helmets at all times, including when riding with children.
• Wear closed-toed shoes when riding a bike.
• Make sure your child's bike has good brakes, a front light and effective reflecting material.
• Ride only in safe areas and at safe times.
• Make sure bikes are the correct size for the rider.

For Bus Riders

• Line up facing the school bus door, not along the side of the school bus.
• Don't play in the street while waiting for the school bus.
• Carry your belongings in a backpack or book bag, not loose in your arms.
• Never reach under a school bus to get anything that has rolled or fallen underneath.
• After getting off the school bus, move immediately onto the sidewalk or road shoulder, out of traffic.
• Wait for a signal from the bus driver before you cross the street. Walk at least 10 steps away from the front of the bus so that the bus driver can see you.
• Never cross the street behind the school bus.

For Walkers

• Never walk alone. Always walk with a buddy.
• Pay attention to all traffic signals and instructions from crossing guards. Never cross the street against the light, even if there are no cars coming.
• Stay on the sidewalk, not on the side of the street.