Because your safety is important to us, the IPSO wants you to know some important safety tips

Bicycle Safety Tips
Bike riding is a lot of fun…great exercise and economical transportation. But remember, you’re not alone on the road. Other bike riders, pedestrians and motorists present potential risks for accidents.

Ride With Traffic: Wrong way riders get hit by cars. One out of every five accidents is caused by wrong way riding. The law in all 50 states requires bicyclists to go with the flow of traffic.
Look Before You Ride Out of the Driveway: This is a cold truth: almost half of the young children killed on bicycles die when they ride out of a driveway without first stopping or looking. Stop at the end of the driveway. Look both ways for traffic. Go when it is safe.
Check for Traffic Before You Make a Turn: Many children do not look for traffic before they turn left or right, or turn around. Always look back, signal and check for traffic before you make any turn. Otherwise, you may get hit!
Stop Signs Mean Stop: It is hard for children to judge the speed and distance of an oncoming car. Often adults ignore the law and run stop signs, too. Children will follow the examples of adults, and will not obey the law unless adults do. Please STOP at all signs, and look for traffic before proceeding.

What if I wake up and my house is on fire?
• Work with parents on a fire escape plan before a fire happens.
• The plan should include who helps who get out, and where to meet once outside. Then practice the plan.
• Household members with disabilities may need special help.
• Alert others in the house to the emergency; yell "Fire," and bang on doors if you can.
• Know two ways out of every room; one can be a window if you can open it by yourself.
• Remember; the lights may not work during a fire. Know how to get out in the dark.
• Don’t stop to take anything with you or to help pets.
• Stay low if smoke is present; crawl if you must to stay out of smoke.

What do I do if my clothes catch on fire?
• If your clothes catch on fire, "Stop, Drop, and Roll!"
• If your friend’s clothes catch on fire, don’t let him or her run; yell,
"Stop, Drop, and Roll!"
• Once they are down and rolling, you can use a rug, blanket, towel, or other heavy cloth to help put out the flames on their clothes.
• Get adult help or call 9-1-1. Don’t hang up until you are told to do so; listen for instructions.

I’m lost! Now what?
• Stay calm and alert.
• Stay where you are and think.
• Your parents or your group may be looking for you; give them a chance to find you.
• If no one arrives soon, look for a police officer or other trusted adult.
• Know your address, phone number, and parents’ names.
• Find a telephone and dial 9-1-1 (pay phones are "free" for 9-1-1 calls).

Child Safety Tips
• Do not open the door to any stranger, especially if you’re alone. Do not let anyone know that you are alone.
• Never give a stranger your personal information like your name, phone number, address, etc. Do not give out any personal information on the Internet.
• Before going somewhere, get your parents’ permission. Always tell them where you are going, who you are going with, and how you are getting there.
• Always get permission from your parents before getting into a car or leaving with someone, even if it is someone familiar.
• Never accept money or gifts without first telling your parents.
• If someone offers you an unknown substance or drugs, tell a grown-up immediately.
• Use the "buddy" system whenever possible. This means you should not go places
by yourself.
• If someone touches you in a way that makes you feel uneasy or don’t like, immediately tell a grown-up who you trust. Do not feel guilty. It is not your fault. Do not keep it inside.
• Know an alternative way out of the house, in case a fire or another emergency blocks one entranceway.
• Review emergency numbers with your parents and keep them on the refrigerator.
• Don’t use dangerous equipment or kitchen appliances without an adult.
• Memorize the name and contact information of one family member who does not live at home with you.
• Share with your parents the Internet sites that you visit, and do not surf sites that seem unfamiliar or unsafe.
• Practice home safety rules with your family members.

TIPS FOR PARENTS - TEACHING CHILDREN TO USE 9-1-1
• Never say "nine eleven." There is no eleven on a telephone keypad or dial. Always say "nine one-one."
• Always call from a safe place. If there is a fire in the house, get out first and then call.
• Post your address near the phone.
• Never call 9-1-1 as a prank or a joke. You could get in serious trouble and keep someone who really needs help from getting it on time.
• 9-1-1 is not for animal emergencies. Call your vet or parish department of animal control.
• Call 9-1-1 if you think you have an emergency and explain the situation to
the dispatcher.
• If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, don’t hang up. Explain the mistake to the dispatcher and say there was no emergency.