LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - As students across West Texas head back to the classroom, the American Red Cross Panhandle Plains Chapter is encouraging families and community members to help create a safer back-to-school season.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe, from preparing students for their daily commute to watching for school buses on the road.

If your student is younger or going to school for the first time, teach them:Their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 911.