Back-to-School Safety in Oregon: What Families Need to Know for a Safe Start

As kids across Oregon head back to school, it's the perfect time for families, drivers, and communities to refresh their safety routines. Whether your child walks, bikes, rides the bus, or logs on virtually, being prepared and safety-aware can help ensure a smooth and secure school year.

At Full Code CPR, we care about community safety and believe that emergency preparedness for families is more important than ever—especially during the busy back-to-school season.

Here are essential safety tips and reminders for families in Oregon:

 School Route and Transportation Safety

When it comes to school safety in Oregon, getting to and from the classroom safely is the first step.

For Drivers:

• Slow down in school zones and watch for children near crosswalks and intersections.

• Never pass a school bus with its stop arm extended.

• Stay alert — especially during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups.

For Walkers:

• Always use sidewalks or designated walking paths.

• Cross streets at marked crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially on dark mornings.

For Bicyclists:

• Wear a properly fitted helmet every ride.

• Obey traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.

• Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay visible.

For Bus Riders:

• Stand at least three giant steps away from the curb while waiting.

• Wait for the bus to come to a full stop before approaching.

• Use handrails when boarding and exiting the bus.

 Emergency Contacts and Communication

Safety starts at home. Before the school year gets too busy, take time to review your family’s emergency communication plan:

• Make sure your child’s school has up-to-date emergency contacts, allergy or medical info, and authorized pick-up people.

• Teach kids how to call 9-1-1 and when it’s appropriate.

• Help your child memorize key information: your phone number, address, and names of trusted adults.

 Emergency Preparedness for Families

Every child should carry a simple emergency comfort kit in their backpack. Include:

• A small flashlight

• A list of family contacts

• A water bottle and snack

• A note of reassurance

Also, don’t forget to review your family’s emergency plan — including where to meet if you're unable to reach the school right away.

 Sign up for OR-Alert, Oregon’s emergency alert system, to stay updated on weather alerts, road closures, and school emergencies.

 Online Safety for Digital Learners

Whether your child is learning in-person or virtually, cyber safety is crucial:

• Remind children never to share personal info online (like addresses, passwords, or school names).

• Encourage open conversations about their online experiences.

• Report any signs of cyberbullying to school officials or trusted adults.

 Why Safety and Preparedness Matter

"Preparedness is a lifelong skill, and starting young helps keep our communities safe,” says Erin McMahon, Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

We couldn’t agree more. Back-to-school season is an opportunity to build life-saving habits and strengthen community resilience—and it starts with YOU.

 Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep Oregon Kids Safe

At Full Code CPR, we’re proud to support local families and schools by promoting back-to-school safety in Oregon. From encouraging drivers to slow down in school zones, to helping parents prepare for emergencies, we’re committed to keeping our communities safe and informed.

If your school, organization, or neighborhood is looking to improve emergency preparedness or safety resources, reach out to us—we’re here to help.