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As the new school year begins, the safety of our children is our top priority. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and successful school year:

Fire Safety at Home

1. Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Test them monthly.
2. Fire Drills: Practice fire drills at home. Make sure everyone knows two ways out of every room and a designated meeting place outside.
3. Cooking Safety: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items away from the stove and teach children about kitchen safety.

School Bus Safety

1. Waiting for the Bus: Stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb. Wait until the bus stops completely before approaching.
2. Getting On and Off the Bus: Use the handrail to avoid falls. Make sure the driver can see you at all times.
3. Crossing the Street: Always cross in front of the bus, never behind. Look both ways before crossing.

Walking and Biking to School

1. Use Sidewalks: Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
2. Crosswalks: Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look left, right, and left again before crossing.
3. Bike Safety: Wear a helmet every time you ride. Follow traffic signs and signals, and use bike lanes when available.

In the Classroom

1. Know the Exits: Familiarize yourself with the school’s fire evacuation plan. Know all of the ways out of your classrooms. Teachers and staff will be practicing fire drills over the next few weeks to assist.
2. Fire Drills: Participate in all school fire drills. Stay calm and follow the teacher’s instructions.
3. Emergency Contacts: Ensure the school has up-to-date emergency contact information for your child.

General Safety Tips

1. Stranger Danger: Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from people they don’t know.
2. Buddy System: Encourage children to walk or bike to school with a friend or in a group.
3. Emergency Numbers: Make sure your child knows how to dial 911 and when it’s appropriate to do so.

By following these tips, we can help ensure that our children have a safe and enjoyable school year. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact your local fire department.

Stay safe and have a great school year!

Sunday May 5th marks the beginning of Emergency Preparedness Week, a themed week long national event supported by Public Safety Canada with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of being prepared for the worst. Everyone has a role to play in times of emergency, and with the awareness and support tools provided during this week our hope is that you will be prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community.

This years provincial theme provided by Ontario’s Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan is “Plan for every season!” This theme reflects the unique challenges facing Ontario on a seasonal basis and the opportunities to practice emergency preparedness throughout the year. Ontario’s theme complements the national theme released by Public Safety Canada: “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks!” It is important to ensure you have a plan in place BEFORE an emergency happens, so that everyone in your household will know what to do:

• Develop a plan
• Build an emergency kit that can sustain everyone in your household for at least 72 hours
• Make sure you stay informed should an emergency occur

Check out some of the activities available under the “Emergency Preparedness” drop down above. There is a link to view and download 2024’s Emergency Preparedness Guide provided by the County of Hastings, brochures and flyers which you can read, and even activity booklets, colouring books and games for kids which you can download and print! Take the opportunity this week to have a sit down with your family and do some of the activities together, and check your 72 hour emergency kit to ensure your supplies are good to go. It’s always better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it!