Back-to-School Safety Guide
Every parent wants to know their child is safe at school. While no checklist can eliminate every risk, asking the right questions and practicing safe habits can help create a safer school community. Use this checklist as a starting point for the new school year.
Before School Starts
Confirm your emergency contact information is up to date, including backup contacts.
Double-check the school has current records of your child’s allergies or medical conditions.
Stay informed about illness and safety protocols, including when to keep your child home and reporting procedures.
Talk With Your Child
Help your child identify a “trusted adult” at school they can turn to if they need help or feel unsafe.
Talk to your child about recognizing and reporting bullying, whether they are a witness or a victim.
If your child walks or bikes to school, encourage them to travel with a group of trusted friends.
Ensure your child knows not to talk to strangers or accept rides from anyone they don’t know.
Help your child memorize important information like their home address and your phone number.
Partner With Your School
Learn about the school’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and emergency reunification procedures.
Ask when the school last conducted a comprehensive safety assessment and how often they are done.
Why ask about comprehensive safety assessments?
Comprehensive safety assessments can help identify hidden hazards—from playgrounds and gates to traffic flow, facilities, and emergency preparedness—before someone gets hurt.
Understand the school’s pick-up and drop-off procedures to help keep students safe.
Want to learn more?
Visit ReadySetSafe.org/SchoolToolkit to learn about comprehensive school safety assessments and download free resources to help start the conversation at your child’s school.
This resource provides general guidance only and is not intended to be comprehensive or to replace professional, legal, safety, engineering, or facility-management advice.
About Ready, Set, Safe!
Ready, Set, Safe! is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping ensure children are safe everywhere they learn and play. Founded after seven-year-old Alex Quanbeck was killed when a gate fell on him during recess at his elementary school, the organization works with families, schools, safety experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to identify hidden hazards, promote regular, comprehensive school safety assessments, strengthen safety standards, and advance policies and practices that help prevent injuries before they occur. Its work includes ongoing advocacy to improve gate safety nationwide.
