Top Ten School Bus Safety Tips for Students and Parents
As 31,000 public school buses begin to roll, daily transporting more than 1.5 million Pennsylvania students, parents and caregivers are encouraged to turn to the School Bus Safety Activity Book offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Top ten safety tips for students traveling to and from school by bus include:
- Be on time.
- Never run to or from the bus.
- Stand back from the curb.
- Don’t push or shove.
- Stay in your seat.
- Don’t yell or shout.
- Always obey the driver.
- If you must cross the street, always do so at least 10 feet in front of the bus.
- Never crawl under a school bus and never try to pick up a dropped article near the bus.
- Wait until the bus and all traffic has stopped before entering and exiting the bus.
Parents and caregivers are reminded to secure drawstrings and other loose objects that may get caught on a handrail or door.
40 Money Management Tips Every Young Adult Should Know
Spending, saving, credit, and debt are concepts every young adult needs to know when heading out into the job market, vocational school, or college, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities.
The useful publication “40 Money Management Tips Every College Student Should Know” can alleviate the challenges of navigating financial goal setting. The numerous choices and decisions explored range from selecting housing to managing tech expenses, while being vigilant to avoid identity fraud schemes.
The money management tips publication’s interactive table of contents (p. 3) allows the reader to easily locate the desired topic. Parents and guardians are encouraged to engage with their student in discussing expectations and responsibilities.
Weatherproofing for Winter Months Ahead
Early fall temperatures offer perfect conditions for weather-proofing your home, according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
The heat loss due to a quarter inch gap at the base of a three-foot wide exterior door is equal to the loss through a three inch hole in the wall of your home. Prepare Now to conserve energy and money later with the following resources:
Utilities are required by the PUC to offer programs and protections that help low-income customers maintain utility service.
Autumn Gardening Guide
Don’t let the chill in the air and the fading summer flowers curtail your gardening just yet. According to the Penn State Extension, trees, shrubs, and hardy perennials should be planted at least six weeks before the first frost allowing the root system to establish itself in the new soil.
When cool fall temperatures arrive, planting hyacinth, narcissus, and tulip bulbs will brighten your landscape next spring. Planting should occur during cool autumn temperatures but before the first hard frost.
Warm-season vegetable growers are encouraged to improve soil quality by growing grain or legumes as cover crops during the off-season. Cover crops help with erosion, soil compaction, and organic soil enrichment.
Filling in bare patches, over-seeding, or planting a new lawn are recommended for late summer to early fall to escape hot summer days.
Fall Flooding Facts
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 2019 hurricane season update predicting an above normal level of activity in the Atlantic for the peak months of September and October, provides a good backdrop to consider flood facts for driving.
Key considerations for driving during heavy rainfall include:
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.
- A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups.
- Do not drive around road closure barriers erected by emergency responders to protect motorists and their passengers.
Before traveling in questionable weather, consult 511PA for conditions on 40,000 roadway miles including more than 860 traffic cameras. The app, available for iPhone or Android devices, is free and available 24 hours a day, details traffic delays, issues weather forecasts, and more.
Safe Tailgating Makes Everyone a Winner
Preparing, packing, grilling, and serving are each a part of the tailgating experience requiring safe handling of the food, according to the Penn State Extension.
Observe time and temperature recommendations to avoid contamination. Equally important during food handling is to be sure to wash hands often and thoroughly. Use disposable antiseptic wet wipes and wipe hands for 20 seconds as recommended when soap and water are not available.
It is critical to remember to safely handle food on the go to avoid foodborne illness whether headed out for an elaborate tailgate party or a simple picnic.