The sounds of school bells will soon resonate across the Bayou City as our students gear up to return to their classrooms. For those Houston kiddos step- ping into school halls for the first time, it’s especially poignant. To ensure a smooth and safe transition, the American Red Cross, Texas Gulf Coast Region, is sharing top safety tips tailored for our Houston Style Magazine readers.

Vanessa Valdez, the voice at the helm of Communications for the Texas Gulf Coast Region, Red Cross, had a special message for parents of younger scholars. “For those youngsters making their debut at school, there are essential safety points. Ensure they know their contact details, the route to get in touch with you during work hours and familiarize them with another trusted adult. Plus, the critical 911 knowledge. Just as paramount is teaching them the age-old advice of not speaking to strangers or accepting rides from unfamiliar faces.”

Here’s the Red Cross’s safety guide for our Bayou City students:

1. Bus-Riding Students: Arrive a tad early at the bus stop and always

2. Visibility Matters: Always ensure the bus driver has a clear line of sight to you. Never linger behind the bus.

3. Pedestrian Safety: Stick to cross- walks, obey the signals, and never make unpredictable moves like darting across the road or navigating between parked vehicles.

4. Car Travels: Seat belts are non-negotiable! Younger kids, typically between 8-12 or shorter than 4’9”, should rely on car or booster seats. And let’s keep them in the backseat until they hit 13.

5. Teen Drivers: Parents, it’s a two-way street here. While granting them the privilege to drive, ensure they buckle up, keep distractions at bay, and maintain a no-phone zone while driving.

6. Biking Scholars: Helmets are cool! Besides, always bike on the right, flowing with the traffic.

7. On Foot: If walking is the mode du jour, then always cross streets at intersections, ideally where school crossing guards are present.

8. Parents, Lead the Way: Especially for the tiny tots or those adjusting to new schools or paths, accom- pany them for the initial days or set up buddy systems for safety in numbers.

Stay safe and stylish, Houston! We’re wishing all our young readers a fantastic and secure school year ahead.

www.RedCross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast.htmlm