With school back in session, the American Red Cross is offering tips to ensure children are safe as they return to classrooms.

Preparedness is key, and families are encouraged to create an emergency plan for their household, and to know what the emergency plan is at their child’s school. It is important that everyone know who to contact and where to go if something happens during the school day.

“There are a lot of things to think about for the start of a busy new school year, but don’t forget to include safety,” said Guillermo Sanchez, regional preparedness manager for the Red Cross in Los Angeles Region. “We ask parents and guardians to consider familiarizing their children with these measures to help keep them safe as they head back to school.”

The Red Cross offers tips to ensure safety including proper use of cell phones. The National Safety Council reports distractions while walking can be dangerous. Don’t text or talk on phones while walking. If you must text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk. Never cross the street while using an electronic device.

Students should take extra care crossing streets. Obey all traffic signals and stay in crosswalks. Never run out into the street or cross between parked cars. Drivers are also urged to slow, especially in residential areas and school zones.

Make sure children know their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to call 911. The Red Cross First offers a free app with information on handling the most common first aid emergencies.

For information and additional tips, visit redcross.org.