Family
Get Smart About School Bus Safety
(Family Features) Every day, 1.3 million children ride to school in 22,000 propane school buses across the country, making school bus safety a matter that affects thousands upon thousands of families.
About school bus safety
One important facet of safe student transportation is the type of bus they ride to and from school. Diesel buses emit harmful emissions that can contribute to respiratory health issues, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Propane buses offer a safe, affordable and clean energy alternative.
These buses reduce harmful emissions by 96% compared to diesel, according to the Propane Education & Research Council. They can also meet school districts’ needs with a range of up to 400 miles and the resiliency to continue operating across all terrains and in any weather. As an affordable energy source, propane buses allow school districts to put money back into what matters most: student education. It’s for these reasons more than 1,000 school districts across the country have already made the switch to propane.
Speaking to your school district officials about the benefits of propane buses is one step you can take toward protecting your kids’ safety going to and from school. You can also share these safety tips with your child to help ensure a safe trip every time.
While Waiting for the Bus
- Wait calmly at the bus stop. Avoid rowdy behavior or playing with toys that may roll into oncoming traffic.
- Passengers should stand where the driver can see them clearly. Avoid letting kids wait inside a house or car, which may prevent the driver from seeing them approach.
- Seal backpacks so papers and other items remain secure.
- Stand patiently and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop. Watch for the driver to indicate it’s safe to board.
- Never reach under the bus for fallen items. If you drop something, alert the driver and ask for help.
On the Bus
- Remain seated at all times. Even small bumps can create jostling that results in injuries, so it’s important to sit flat and face forward when the bus is moving.
- Use indoor voices when talking with friends. Loud voices and sudden shouts can startle drivers or prevent them from hearing potential danger warnings, such as another driver’s horn or an approaching emergency vehicle.
- If you’re using a phone or electronic device, keep the volume low, on mute or use headphones to avoid unnecessary distractions.
- Keep your possessions in or under your seat at all times. This keeps the aisle clear so others can enter and exit the bus safely and prevents possible injury from kids trying to retrieve lost possessions while the bus is in motion.
- Be respectful of emergency exits and never tamper with or block this important safety equipment.
Exiting the Bus
- Always wait until the bus has fully stopped before leaving your seat.
- Use handrails when exiting the bus and take care to avoid skipping steps. The last step down can be especially big, so be conscious of your footing to avoid falling.
- If you must cross the street after leaving the bus, do so where the driver can see you. Take five giant steps out in front of the bus and wait for the driver to motion that your path is clear before entering the street.
- Talk about the bus ride as part of a recap of each school day. Report any concerning behaviors to bus drivers or school administrators, if necessary.
Find more information about improving school bus safety at BetterOurBuses.com.
SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Last Updated on December 15, 2025 by Rod Washington
(Family Features) If you’ve ever found yourself buying a holiday gift for someone on your list at the last minute, you’re not alone. According to a Walgreens U.S. gift-giving survey, 83% of Americans found themselves getting a gift for someone at the last minute – a trend even more common among Gen Z (90%) and parents (92%). To help keep things merry and bright, consider these tips to help with the last-minute holiday hustle, and visit Walgreens.com or a store near you to find deals and gift inspiration.
SOURCE:
Walgreens
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Consumer Corner
How to Choose and Care for a Live Holiday Tree
Discover how to choose the perfect live holiday tree and keep it fresh all season. Get expert tips on measuring, selecting, caring for, and disposing of your real Christmas tree for a safe and festive home.
How to Choose and Care for a Live Holiday Tree: Expert Tips for a Fresh, Festive Season
(Family Features) Though artificial Christmas trees have come a long way, few things compare to the fresh scent and natural beauty of a live tree. Whether your family picks out a real tree as an annual tradition or this is your first time considering a live tree for the holidays, this guidance can help you choose the right one and care for it throughout the season. 1. Measure Your Space Before you head to your local tree farm, measure the ceiling height where you plan to set up the tree, subtracting the amount of room your star or topper will account for. Similarly, measure the width to ensure the tree doesn’t encroach too much on furniture or traffic flow. 2. Choose the Right Tree While the options can be overwhelming once you’re among the field of available trees, consider what shape would fit best in your space: Do you want a fuller or slimmer tree to fit a tighter space? Is a uniform shape without large gaps in the needles important or do you need stronger branches better equipped for handling heavier ornaments? Don’t forget to also consider trunk size – and consider bringing your stand with you to ensure your preferred tree fits – as trees with short or crooked trunks may be unstable. 3. Inspect for Freshness and Quality To ensure a safe, long-lasting, beautiful tree throughout the holidays, look at it from all angles and inspect the needles and branches. Needles should be green, not dry or brittle, and firmly attached to the branches, which should be flexible and not snap easily. If you run your hand through the branches and they break or needles fall off, it may be wise to look at other trees. Remember, if your tree has been cut too early, it may sit too long and dry out before Christmas arrives, so try and buy your tree as close to setup time as possible. 4. Set Up with Care Before placing your tree in the stand, make a fresh cut about 1 inch from the base of the trunk to open the pores for water absorption. Place it away from heat sources – vents, fireplaces, direct sunlight – as they will dry it out faster. Remember to water daily (or at least check it daily), keeping the water level above the base of the trunk. 5. Plan for Disposal Once your tree has dried out – branches may be brittle and lots of needles may have fallen off – it’s time to remove it. Remove all decorations then check to see if your city offers tree recycling or chipping service. Many offer these services for free for a limited time after the holidays but may require you to drop the tree off or cut it into smaller pieces for pick up. Find more seasonal advice to make the holidays safe and festive at eLivingtoday.com. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockWelcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Last Updated on December 11, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Tips for Parents to Minimize Stress and Maximize Joy During the Holidays
(Family Features) Stress and parenting go hand in hand, but during the holiday season, many parents find their stress levels rising to new heights. Between coordinating schedules, shopping, traveling and managing children’s expectations – plus the disruption to the school routine that everyone had finally settled into – the season can feel more like mayhem than merry. However, by thoughtfully planning and implementing a few practical strategies, parents can protect their well-being and support their families. Early childhood experts from The Goddard School share guidance to help parents stay grounded and make the most of their meaningful family moments this holiday season. Clarify Priorities One of the most empowering steps is to decide in advance what truly matters to your family. Consider:- Which traditions or gatherings are nonnegotiable?
- Are there holiday events you can skip this year without regret?
- What obligations are you taking on out of habit rather than genuine desire?
Set Boundaries Stress often arises when family dynamics, expectations or traditions clash. You can reduce this by setting boundaries and communicating them early. Speak openly with the relatives and friends you’ll see about what’s comfortable for your family and what isn’t (e.g., physical space, travel, topics to avoid). Let your children know what to expect, as the lack of routine during this time can be particularly challenging. Modeling clear boundaries helps your children learn to express their own needs, too. Prioritize Your Physical and Emotional Health Amid the hustle, your own basic care often slips, but your well-being is key to being present for others. Consider establishing routines, such as:- Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours per night whenever possible.
- Nutrition: Keep healthy staples in the mix, even if treats abound.
- Movement: A short walk, stretch breaks or gentle exercise may help reset your nervous system. Stepping outside can be especially helpful.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
