It’s that time of year again: the kiddos are heading back to school! As you restock supplies and shop for new clothes, we are here to let you know safety is always in fashion! With a few steps, you can ensure your little ones are prepared to have a safe year.
Classroom and Playground Safety
Make sure younger kids know how to safely handle scissors and other sharp objects – no running with scissors! When it comes to recess, teach kids to ask for help if any balls go beyond fences or into roads, and make sure they know how to properly use all playground equipment (no jumping off the top of the slide!). When shopping for new school shoes, look for sturdy sneakers that fit well and avoid sandals, which can fall off easily.
Sports Safety
With the start of the school year, your children’s favorite fall sports are also starting. Regardless of how your kids participate in fall sports, you still need to focus on keeping them safe. Make sure your young athletes wear all of the appropriate protective gear for their sport, have shoes that offer adequate support and fit properly, and know how to safely use gym equipment. Also, impress upon them the importance of staying hydrated and stretching often.
School Bus Safety
If your children take a bus to school, they probably already know the rules. But for first time school bus travelers, you should prepare them for what to expect. Let them know that staying seated is important (even if the other kids aren’t!) and that they have to be very careful to stay within the line of sight for the bus driver when getting off the bus. If you drive the kids to school, have specific plans for safely dropping them off and picking them up. Make sure everyone knows to look both ways when crossing a street, use crosswalks, and obey crossing guards.
Update Emergency Information
Check in with your child’s school at the beginning of each year to make sure they have the most up-to-date emergency contact information as well as info on any allergies or medications. If your child has severe allergies, your pediatrician may have tips to help plan to keep them safe at school.
Have a Safe School Year!
The team at Dr. STITCH wishes you and your family a smooth transition from summer to back-to-school. We hope all your little ones stay safe, but in case accidents happen be sure to Download our Dr.STITCH contact card to your phone. We provide 24 hour on call service for immediate and urgent treatment of lacerations, burns, complex wounds, facial trauma, and hand injuries. If you get a call from the school about an injury, contact us and one of our plastic surgeons can meet you at the emergency room or at one of our convenient office locations to provide expert care.