SALEM, Ore. – As students across Oregon return to the classroom, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds families to make safety and preparedness part of their back-to-school routine. Whether your child is walking to school, riding the bus, or logging on for virtual learning, a few simple steps can help keep them safe and ready for the school year ahead.

School Route & Transportation Safety

• Walkers: Teach children to use sidewalks when available, cross at crosswalks, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.

• Bicyclists: Always wear a properly fitted helmet and follow traffic laws.

• Bus Riders: Stand at least three giant steps from the curb and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding.

• Drivers: Slow down in school zones and be alert for children crossing streets.

Emergency Contact & Communication Plans

• Update your child’s school with current emergency contacts, medical information, and pick-up authorizations.

• Make sure your child knows how to reach you and another trusted adult in case of an emergency.

• Teach your child how to call 9-1-1, when it is appropriate to do so, and why it is important to memorize their home address and their parents’ or guardians’ phone numbers so they can provide this information to emergency responders.

Preparedness for Emergencies

• Pack an emergency comfort kit in your child’s backpack with items like a small flashlight, family contact list, water, snacks, and a note of reassurance.

• Review your family’s emergency plan, including where to meet if you cannot get to the school right away.

• Sign up for local alerts through OR-Alert to stay informed of weather, road closures, and emergency situations that may impact your child’s school day.

Online Safety

• Remind children never to share personal information online.

• Encourage open communication about online activity and report any cyberbullying to school officials.

“Back-to-school season is the perfect time to refresh safety habits and make sure our children know what to do before, during, and after an emergency,” said Erin McMahon, Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. “Preparedness is a lifelong skill, and starting young helps keep our communities safe.”

For more back-to-school safety and preparedness tips, visit Back to School Safety Checklist - National Safety Council.