10/15/2026
🚒 CHAPMAN FIRE DEPARTMENT 🚒
🚨 PUBLIC SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
As mornings get darker during the fall and winter months, our local kids are heading out to school before the sun comes up. Reduced visibility puts young pedestrians at a much higher risk on the road.
We want to make sure every child gets to school and back home safely! Here are the critical safety rules every parent and student should follow for walking in the dark:
✨ Be Bright and "Be Seen" 🔦
👕 Dark jackets and backpacks disappear completely in headlights and early morning shadows.
Wear high-visibility gear: Choose bright or neon-colored jackets, and add reflective tape or stickers to backpacks and shoes so drivers can spot kids from a distance. 🦺
🛣️ Stick to Safe Routes and Sidewalks 🚶♂️
Use Sidewalks: Always walk on established sidewalks and well-lit paths. Never cut through unlit parks, alleys, or yards. 🏡
Walk Facing Traffic: If your route has sections without sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic. This lets your child see approaching vehicles and step aside if needed. 🚘
Cross at Safe Crosswalks: Only cross streets at marked intersections, crosswalks, or where crossing guards are stationed. Avoid crossing between parked cars where drivers cannot see a child stepping into the street. 🛑
👀 Keep Heads Up and Distraction-Free 🎧📱
Ditch the Headphones: Quiet hybrid and electric vehicles can sneak up quickly. Children need to hear traffic, backing vehicles, and warning signals. 🎶❌
Put Screens Away: No texting, gaming, or looking down at phones while walking. Full attention must be on driveways, intersections, and the path ahead. 📵
Let’s work together to keep our community safe all season long! 🤝
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