As students across our community return to school, taking a few simple precautions can help make the school year safer for everyone. Review this Back-To-School Safety Checklist with your student to help them stay alert, protect their belongings, and make smart choices when traveling to and from school.
Back-To-School Safety Checklist
- Keep belongings secure, especially in crowded areas or around unknown individuals.
- Avoid wearing gold or expensive jewelry in public places.
- Leave flashy necklaces at home or in a secure place until you reach your destination.
- Make sure chains and necklaces are not visible – tuck them away or hide them from view.
- Don’t display cash or valuables – keep expensive items like money or electronics out of sight.
- Don’t advertise – limit who you tell about any cash or valuables that you may have.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid being alone in isolated areas.
- Limit distractions – don’t use your phone, listen to loud music, or watch videos while walking.
- Be attentive – watch for individuals approaching quickly from behind, especially those with vehicles, motorcycles, or bikes.
- Be a good witness – focus on the details like license plate numbers, clothing descriptions, and personal characteristics when incidents happen.
If you see suspicious activity, report it to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department by calling the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at (562) 623-3500. We wish all of your students a safe, successful, and enjoyable school year!
