back to school

Rockport Police Offer Back to School Road Safety Tips

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Rockport Police Department
John Horvath, Police Chief
168 Main St.
Rockport, MA 01834

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rockport Police Offer Back to School Road Safety Tips

ROCKPORT — As the school year approaches, Chief John Horvath and the Rockport Police Department would like to offer road safety tips for motorists, children, parents and guardians.

“The school year is upon us, and we’re reminding drivers to remember the law when it comes to stopping for school buses when they are picking up and dropping off children and teens,” Chief Horvath said. “It’s also essential that drivers watch for students who may be walking, bicycling or waiting at a bus stop, especially in the morning when students are headed to school and in the afternoon when they’re on their way home.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has several tips for motorists as the school year begins:

  • Look for children walking or bicycling when backing out of a driveway or garage.
  • Be vigilant and watch for children who may be walking or bicycling to school in neighborhoods with school zones.
  • Watch out for children who may be crossing the street.
  • Be mindful of children who may be standing in a group or playing near a bus stop.
  • Slow down.
  • Remember: yellow flashing lights signify that a bus is slowing down to either pick up or drop off children. Prepare to stop your vehicle.
  • Remember: red flashing lights and extended stop arms signify that a bus has stopped to pick up or drop off children. Drivers traveling in both directions are required to stop their vehicles and wait until the lights stop flashing, the extended stop arm is withdrawn and the bus continues driving.

The Rockport Police Department also wishes to remind drivers to stay off of all electronic devises while driving, as even a moment of distraction can cause a deadly accident. Drivers are also reminded to keep the windows of their vehicle clean and clear.

The NHTSA also has several tips for children and parents at bus stops:

  • Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early, and wait approximately six feet away from the curb.
  • Do not allow children to run or play at a bus stop.
  • Wait until the bus stops completely, the door opens and the driver says it is safe to board the bus before getting on.
  • Use the handrails on the bus while boarding.
  • Do not walk behind a school bus.
  • If a child drops an item near a school bus, he or she should first tell the bus driver about the dropped item.
  • If a child needs to cross the street to board the bus, he or she should make eye contact with the driver, use the sidewalk until crossing, and walk approximately 10 feet in front of the bus.

Anyone with questions about road safety is encouraged to contact the Rockport Police Department at 978-546-1212.

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Whitman and Hanson Police Departments Offer Back to School Safety Tips

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For Immediate Release

Monday, Aug. 26, 2019

Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Whitman and Hanson Police Departments Offer Back to School Safety Tips

As students prepare to return to school, Whitman Police Chief Scott Benton and Hanson Police Chief Michael Miksch would like to remind residents to follow several important safety tips.

“We encourage parents to have safety conversations with their kids before they go back to school,” Chief Benton said. “This includes how to safely cross the street and how to be careful when getting on and off the bus.”

Whitman-Hanson Regional School District students return to class Wednesday, Aug. 28.

With students often on their phones texting, browsing the internet or playing games, the Whitman and Hanson Police Departments recommend that parents talk to their children about the following safety tips provided by the National Safety Council (NSC) when headed to and from school:

  • Never walk while texting. If you need to respond to a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk.
  • Never cross the street while using an electronic device.
  • Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street.
  • Cross only at crosswalks.
  • Do not wear earbuds while walking across the street and stay alert

Drivers should be on increased alert when traveling through school zones and should NEVER text and drive. Additionally, the NSC reminds operators to:

  • Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk or intersection.
  • Never go around a school bus that has its lights activated and stop sign out.
  • Always stop for a crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
  • Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.
  • Do not honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

To ensure that children who travel to school by bus get there safely, the Whitman and Hanson Police Departments advise that students follow these tips from the NSC:

Getting on the bus:

  • When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness.
  • Line up away from the street as the bus approaches.
  • Wait until the bus has stopped completely and the doors open before approaching.

Behavior on the bus:

  • If available, always wear your seat belt.
  • Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window.
  • Always wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

Getting off the bus:

  • If you have to cross in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the driver. Make sure the driver can see you too.
  • Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing. When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again. Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
  • If your vision is blocked, move to an area where you can see other drivers and they can see you.

The return of classes also means that there will be many new teen drivers operating on the roads going to and from school.

According to the NSC, teen crashes occur most often because they are inexperienced. They may misjudge gaps in traffic, the right speed for road conditions and turning safely, among other things.

The Whitman and Hanson Police Departments, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminds parents to set rules before their kids hit the road with “5 to Drive”:

  • NO cell phones while driving
  • NO extra passengers
  • NO speeding
  • NO alcohol or drugs
  • NO driving or riding without a seat belt

Statistically, half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating from high school. Car crashes are the number one cause of death among teens, yet many crashes are preventable. Teens who continue to practice driving with their parents after obtaining their license increase their chances of avoiding a crash.

“A major part of driving safely in general is to not be a distracted driver. This is especially important during the school year,” Chief Miksch said. “Drivers need to be able to give their full attention to school zones, buses and crosswalks. Anything that takes away from your attention on the road puts kids in danger.”

Chiefs Benton and Miksch and the members of the Whitman and Hanson Police Departments would like to wish all students and faculty a fun and safe school year!

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Bedford Police Offer Back to School Road Safety Tips

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Bedford Police Department
Robert Bongiorno, Chief of Police
2 Mudge Way
Bedford, MA 01730

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Bedford Police Offer Back to School Road Safety Tips

BEDFORD — As the start of the school year approaches, Chief Robert Bongiorno and the Bedford Police Department would like to offer road safety tips for motorists, children, parents and guardians.

“As kids head back to class, school buses will be on the roads again and children will be waiting at bus stops to be picked up,” said Traffic Enforcement Officer Thomas Devine. “There will also be children and teens walking and biking to school in the mornings and afternoons. This means drivers need to be more vigilant than ever. Watch out for kids on the roads, slow down, and never, ever use your cell phone while driving.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has several tips for motorists as the school year begins:

  • Look for children walking or bicycling when backing out of a driveway or garage.
  • Be vigilant and watch for children who may be walking or bicycling to school in neighborhoods with school zones.
  • Watch out for children who may be crossing the street.
  • Be mindful of children who may be standing in a group or playing near a bus stop.
  • Slow down.
  • Remember: yellow flashing lights signify that a bus is slowing down to either pick up or drop off children. Prepare to stop your vehicle.
  • Remember: red flashing lights and extended stop arms signify that a bus has stopped to pick up or drop off children. Drivers traveling in both directions are required to stop their vehicles and wait until the lights stop flashing, the extended stop arm is withdrawn and the bus continues driving.

The Bedford Police Department also wishes to remind drivers to stay off of all electronic devises while driving, as even a moment of distraction can cause a deadly accident. Drivers are also reminded to keep the windows of their vehicle clean and clear.

The NHTSA also has several tips for children and parents at bus stops:

  • Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early, and wait approximately six feet away from the curb.
  • Do not allow children to run or play at a bus stop.
  • Wait until the bus stops completely, the door opens and the driver says it is safe to board the bus before getting on.
  • Use the handrails on the bus while boarding.
  • Do not walk behind a school bus.
  • If a child drops an item near a school bus, he or she should first tell the bus driver about the dropped item.
  • If a child needs to cross the street to board the bus, he or she should make eye contact with the driver, use the sidewalk until crossing, and walk approximately 10 feet in front of the bus.

Anyone with questions about road safety is encouraged to contact Bedford Police Department Traffic Enforcement Officer Thomas Devine at 781-275-1212 or [email protected].

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North Haven Fire Department Offers Campus Fire Safety Tips Ahead of College Move-in

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North Haven Fire Department
Paul Januszewski, Fire Chief
11 Broadway
North Haven, CT 06473

For Immediate Release

Monday, Aug. 19, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

North Haven Fire Department Offers Campus Fire Safety Tips Ahead of College Move-in

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. – As college students start to head back to campus, Chief Paul Januszewski would like to remind students how to avoid fire dangers in their dorms and apartments.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), close to 4,000 fires occur each year in university housing across the nation. The leading causes of campus housing fires include cooking, arson, careless smoking, unattended candles and overloaded extension cords, power strips or outlets.

The most effective fire prevention measure is the use of fire alarms and sprinklers. Fire alarms keep residents safe by warning them of a potential fire. Sprinkler systems can help to control the fire immediately, often extinguishing the fire or greatly limiting a fire’s ability to spread.

“We encourage college students to learn about the dangers of campus fires in order to determine how they can do their part to both prevent fires and protect themselves and their roommates in the event of a fire,” Chief Januszewski said.

To prevent accidents and injuries, the North Haven Fire Department recommends the following safety tips from the USFA:

Escape Plans

  • Always know two ways out, no matter where you are. Plan and practice your escape routes.
  • Keep escape routes clear of clutter.
  • Determine an outside meeting place with roommates or neighbors.
  • Get low to the ground and go under the smoke to escape to your safe exit. Keep your mouth covered.
  • Feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, use your second way out.
  • Use the stairs. Never use an elevator during a fire.
  • Leave immediately, closing doors behind you, and knock on roommates’ and neighbors’ doors as you exit.
  • Once you’re out, stay out! Never go back inside a building until it is cleared and determined safe.

Fire Sprinklers and Smoke Alarms

  • Never disable or remove batteries from smoke alarms.
  • Don’t hang things on or cover fire sprinklers. This can affect their ability to work properly.
  • When the smoke alarm sounds, immediately evacuate the building. Don’t assume it’s a false alarm.
  • When looking at a prospective building for housing, ensure it has working smoke alarms and sprinkler systems.

Cooking

Cooking is the cause of 83 percent of campus housing fires.

  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Cook only where it is permitted.
  • Stand by your pan — if you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
  • If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.
  • Frying poses the greatest risk. Never put water on a grease fire — put a lid on it.

Smoking

  • Smoke outside of the building and always put it all the way out before you discard it.
  • Soak smoking materials in water before throwing them away.
  • Use deep, wide and sturdy ashtrays. Place ashtrays on something sturdy and difficult to ignite.
  • After a party, check under cushions for smoking materials —
    furniture burns fast.
  • It is risky to smoke when you have been drinking or are drowsy.

Candles

Candles are one of the leading causes of fires in both on and off campus housing, despite the fact that most colleges and universities do not allow candles in residence halls. Twenty percent of fires in dorm rooms are started by candles.

  • Make sure candles are in sturdy holders and put out after each use.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended.
  • Use a flashlight — not a candle — for emergency lighting.
  • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
  • It is better to use flameless candles, which are both safe and decorative.

The North Haven Fire Department also reminds students that alcohol or drugs and fires don’t mix. These substances increase your chance of falling asleep while cooking or while a candle is lit and limit your ability to respond to a fire alarm. According to the USFA, approximately 25 percent of all campus fire fatalities occur following a party.

As always, the North Haven Fire Department wishes all college students a safe and fun return to campus!

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