Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog
As families prepare for their children to head back to school in classrooms, often for the first time in a very long time, it’s a good idea to consider some school safety tips to follow.
COVID -19 Tips
As we’ve all learned, formally and informally, over the last year or so, in-person learning really matters. So, finding safe ways to return to the classroom is a high priority for your children. Since children under 12 can’t yet get vaccinated, it’s vital that they follow their state’s mask guidelines. The CDC says that anyone over the age of 2 who isn’t fully vaccinated should wear a mask indoors. Likewise, the CDC recommends at least 3 feet of physical distance between children in classrooms. Work with your children to make sure that they understand how critical it is to follow these rules. Consider getting masks for your children that feature characters, bright colors, or other endearing aspects. Some experts say that masks can upset children, so it’s important for you as a parent to provide reassurance. Finally, if your children feel sick or are exhibiting any symptoms of illness, be sure to keep them home – for their own good and that of their classmates.
Traffic Safety
Drivers and kids will come back into frequent contact as the school year begins. Many safety rules that we haven’t perhaps paid too much attention to recently need to come back into focus. Drivers need to remember to drive more slowly, especially in school zones that haven’t mattered for many months. Keep an eye out for automated traffic zone devices and obey the speed limits. Parents driving children to school need to be sure they know and follow any drop-off and pickup rules at their school.
Personal Safety
Kids who have spent much of the last year and more indoors and with family need to recall personal safety rules. When they play sports or games at school, they should be sure to use whatever protective gear a particular activity requires. They should also be aware of the possibility of emergencies – at home and at school – and learn the plans to deal with problems in both places.
Know What Is Safe and What Isn’t
All the temptations that you could usually control at home are even more present in schools. Make sure your kids understand the dangers of playing with fire and with dangerous objects. Fire can break out anywhere or anytime. Sharp objects like scissors and knives should be treated with respect and not used as toys.
Know Who Is Safe and Who Isn’t
Finally, kids should be reminded to consider who is safe and who isn’t. Encounters with strangers clearly require caution, but any adult or older child can be a threat. Without making your child cringe at the sight of every unknown person, you should make sure that they understand the importance of letting someone know if something uncomfortable happens. Since these kinds of things often occur when a child is alone, you should also remind your kids to stay in the school and to always walk about with someone else, especially an adult, if possible.
If Tragedy Strikes, Call A Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer First
The economic impact of the pandemic has been substantial for virtually everyone. Don’t allow an accident or problem at school to make your emotional and financial situation worse. If something happens, contact an experienced personal injury law firm to help you recover any losses you suffer.