Full Notification

It's August and that means that start of the year for Hamilton County School students is here. The Sheriff's Office would like to remind everyone of important safety tips as well as the start dates for school.

Start Dates
Noblesville Schools- August 1
Carmel Schools - August 9
Westfield Schools– August 9
Hamilton Heights Schools – August 9
Hamilton Southeastern Schools – August 10
Sheridan Schools– August 10
Guerin High School – August 11
St. Maria Goretti School – August 11
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School – August 11
University High School – August 15

Tips
Walk Safety
• Never run into the street; when you come to the curb, STOP; then look both ways. Never run between cars into the street.
• Be sure to cross the street at a marked cross walk or where the crossing guard is. Only walk when the signal flashes the walk sign or when a crossing guard says it’s okay.
• Walk on the sidewalk, not in the street.
• Wear clothing that allows drivers and people to see you. That means no dark clothes after dark or early in the morning. If you have to be out in the dark, be sure to put reflective tape on your coat.
• Don’t talk to strangers, take anything from them, or go anywhere with them.
• If a stranger approaches you, RUN! Scream! Tell an adult.
• Never take a short cut through the woods or alleys.
• Walk to school with a partner.
• If you see a gun or drugs, stop. Don’t touch it. Tell an adult!

Bus Stop Safety
• Always walk to the bus stop. Never run.
• Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic.
• Always go to the bus stop about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• While at the bus stop, wait in a safe place away from the road. Do not run and play while waiting.
• Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell you parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.
• Wait for the bus to arrive, watch for red flashing lights and the stop sign to be extended, and cross only when all traffic has stopped. Look left, right, and left again before crossing.

Home Safety
• Teach children not to let anyone know they are home alone. They should never answer the door for strangers.
• Be sure your kids know how to dial 9-1-1 and report a problem. Know their name, address, and phone number.
• Make sure kids have a list of mom and dad’s work and cell phone numbers and at least one other adult they can call in case of an emergency.
• Explain how to lock and unlock all the doors and windows so that no one can get in and so they can leave if necessary.
• Teach your kids to pay attention to the way things look. If something doesn’t look right (such as a broken front door), tell them not to go inside, but to go to a safe place and ask for help.

Drive Safety
• Follow the Speed Limit – Slow down! All schools have reduced speed zones around them. Following the speed limit reduces the chances of you being in a crash and improves the chances for survival if a crash does occur.
• Allow More Time. As a new school year begins allow yourself more time to get where you are going until you can figure out the effects of increased traffic.
• Stay Alert! Make a mental note of any new/existing bus stops or students walking to and from school. This way you won’t be surprised and will be prepared if you need to stop.
• Learn the Rules. Schools usually have places for parents to drop off and pick up children. If you are driving your child to school, learn where these areas are and follow the procedures
• Stop for School Buses. It is against the law to pass a school bus when the lights are on except when on a divided highway.
• Yield to Pedestrians. Remember to yield to children/parents in crosswalks. When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk they have the right-of-way.
• Buses Make Frequent Stops. Children may unexpectedly run into traffic or out from the bus. When a bus stops, assume children are in the immediate area and be especially attentive.

Remember: Slow Down. Stay Alert!