With school back in full swing, the local chapter of the Red Cross wants kids and parents alike to remember basic safety tips.

After a couple months of summer, families should remind themselves of ways to be safe during the school year. Carl Baker, Executive Director of the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross, says smaller kids need to remember important phone numbers before going off to school. Parents also should make sure their children are safe around buses and school crossings.

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Baker stresses that drivers give themselves stopping distance behind school buses. It's against the law to pass a stopped school bus and could very likely put kids in danger. He notes any kids riding bikes need to wear helmets and ride alongside the traffic flow.

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Baker also encourages parents to monitor what their children do after school and to know the emergency plans for the various school buildings.