School safety tips for kids and parents

The start of a new school year is an exciting and busy time for families. It is up to all of us to be safe and watch out for kids.  Here are some safety tips we can all follow.

When Driving

• Use caution near schools, there will be increased traffic and pedestrians *WATCH FOR KIDS*

•Know your school’s traffic flow plan and follow it.

• Do not drive around school buses when the overhead lights are flashing red and the “STOP” sign is out.

• Please OBEY crossing guards

Kids

• Cross at corners or cross walks

• Obey crossing guard instructions

• When possible, walk with friends as there is strength in numbers

• Stay on sidewalks, do not cut through yards or alleys

• NEVER accept rides or get into the car with people you do not know.

Parents

• Walk the approved route to school with your child before school starts, this way you know where to look for your child if there is a problem

• Cover where safe places are to go for help like trusted adult’s houses, school, and businesses

• Discuss what you child should do if an unknown adult tries to get them to come to their car, in their house, or grabs them

•         Tell them “No”

•         Scream for help

• Fight back if grabbed

• Know who your kids’ friends are and where they live and keep a list of addresses and phone numbers handy

Neighbors

• Keep an eye out for suspicious people or cars that seem to be paying attention to children walking or playing

• Keep sidewalks clear of debris or obstacles for pedestrians

Let’s all do our part to keep our kids SAFE!

Tips to stop porch pirates from making off with your loot

Online shopping makes holiday gift buying convenient especially with delivery to your front door. This front door service is also convenient for thieves commonly referred to as “porch pirates.”

Last holiday season, the Sioux City Police Department saw an increase of packages stolen from porches and expects the trend to continue.

With that in mind, here are some tips to reduce the chances of a porch pirate making off with your online order.

Pay attention to tracking information and if possible, be home or have someone you trust pick up your package after it is delivered.

Have your orders sent to your place of employment if they will allow it or have the delivery company hold on to it for you.

Choose the ‘sign for release’ option of delivery. That way, the delivery service has to hand your delivery to a person.

If you are a victim of a theft, report it to law enforcement. If you have surveillance cameras, share that footage with law enforcement also. Check with your neighbors to see if they have surveillance cameras and if they would have any footage around the time of theft.

Keep your porch well lit. It is getting dark earlier and it may be dark before you get home. A well-lit porch may help your neighbor keep an eye out for thieves.

One of the biggest things to emphasis is be a good neighbor and watch out for each other. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity such as cars following delivery trucks or casing neighborhoods. If you see people taking packages or any suspicious activity, report it to police.