Back to School Safety Tips for Wheaton

Takoma Park Police are anticipating the start of Montgomery County Public Schools on Aug. 27 and have offered these tips for staying safe before, during and after school.

Children:

• Always let your parents know where you are.
• Always try to play or walk with friends.
• Say NO if a stranger offers you gifts or asks you to help find something, like a lost dog.
• If anyone, even someone you know, tries to do something that makes you feel “funny” or unsafe, say NO.  And always tell someone you trust about it, like your parents or a teacher.
• Never get into a car with a stranger or with someone you don’t trust.
• Never go anywhere with a stranger or with someone you don’t trust.
• Never believe a stranger until you have checked what he or she has said with someone you trust.
• Never open the door to a stranger when you are home alone or to someone you don’t trust.
• Never give any information to a stranger over the Internet or telephone.

Parents:

• Please drive carefully around school buses and children.  Please be extra vigilant to ensure the continued safety of our school children and school crossing guards during this time of the year.

• Our Crossing Guards’ primary responsibility is to facilitate the safe crossing of students to and from school each day in all weather conditions. These crossing guards are trained and certified in traffic and pedestrian safety. Each one wears a highly visible bright yellow reflective safety vest.

• Takoma Park Police remind drivers that it is very important to obey the posted speed limit and pay close attention to their surroundings at all times. Within a school zone, it is especially important to be alert, drive carefully, and follow the directions of the crossing guards. 

• Expect delays near schools. Know your route, start early, and drive the posted speed limit. 

• Motorists not involved in dropping off or picking up students should consider adjusting their route or schedule in order to avoid arrival and dismissal traffic in front of schools.