ELIZABETHTOWN — Only one school is left to resume classes from the summer break, but it includes the largest population.
Bladen County Schools begin the new year Monday.
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office has issued the following tips for safety:
• While walking, remember to always travel with a friend. Two heads are better than one, especially if there’s an emergency.
• A stranger is anyone you or your parents don’t know well.
• You or your friend must never take candy, money, medicine or anything else from a stranger.
• If a stranger in a car asks you questions, don’t get close to the car (you could get pulled in) – and never get in the car.
• Strangers can be very tricky – they can ask you to walk with them to “show” them something; they can offer to pay for your video game, or ask you to help them find a lost dog or cat. Don’t be fooled!
• Don’t tell anyone your name or address when you’re walking and don’t think that because someone knows your name that they know you – they may just be looking at your name printed on your lunch box, school bag or T-shirt.
• If you think you’re in any danger, yell, and run to the nearest store or “safe house” or back to school.
• Always tell your parents or teacher if a stranger has approached you.
With regard to the bus stop, the Sheriff’s Office offered these tips for students:
• Always arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.
• While the bus is approaching make sure to stand at least three giant steps away from the curb, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the bus driver says that it’s OK to board.
• Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus. Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.
• Use the handrail when entering and exiting the bus. Take extra precautions to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the hand rail or door.
• Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped. Tell the bus driver or wait until the bus has driven off to avoid not being seen by the driver.
With regard to the bus stop, the Sheriff’s Office offered these tips for motorists:
• Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions. Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.
• If there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously. Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.
• Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.
• Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended. This is a sign that children are getting on or off the bus. Motorists must wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.
• Learn and obey the school bus laws in North Carolina.
With regard to bicycles, the Sheriff’s Office offered these tips:
• Only one person belongs on your bike. Never let a second person ride with you.
• Allow plenty of room for a safe stop. Never follow bikes or cars too closely.
• Keep both hands on the handle bars for safe steering.
• Always give proper signals. Keep a firm grip on the handle bars with your right hand and use your left arm and hand to signal turns and stops. Arm straight out is a left turn; arm bent up at the elbow is a right turn; and arm bent down at the elbow is a stop.
• Avoid riding your bike at night. If you must ride at night, equip your bike with a good headlight and rear reflectors. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing so others can see you easily.
• Make sure you obey all traffic signs and signals. Stop completely at stop signs and always look both ways before starting out again.”
With regard to college campus safety, the Sheriff’s Office offered these tips:
• Never post information as to your whereabouts on your dorm room door, or on social media. If an intruder knows that you are away – it’s an open invitation for them to break in.
• Even if leaving your room for only a few minutes – lock your door.
• When studying in out-of-the way places, inform campus security as to your whereabouts.
• When meeting a study partner for the first time, make arrangements to meet in a public place.
• Encourage campus security to establish a photo identification program to deter outsiders from entering school buildings.
• Work with your local law enforcement to organize a safety education program to teach incoming students the do’s and don’ts of campus safety.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency call box locations.
• Learn to trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, get out of it. Don’t allow anyone to violate your comfort zone.