The Roanoke Rapids Fire Department will be reaching out the community, especially the children next week.

It's an event that combines fire safety with a celebration of back to school, said Engineer Michael Butts, who with other members of the fire department is planning the department's first Fire Safety Fair on August 29 at from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 1 on Roanoke Avenue.

It's a two-fold purpose to help educate the children as well as adults. “The educational side for the parents is to let them know where their tax dollars go, how well we are trained, how diverse we are and how well-educated we are. They can talk to us and meet us and we can let the children know this is a safe haven in the community.”

As far as the children, Butts said, “It will give them something to do on the first weekend after they go back to school.”

Helen Reed, Bryan Hollowell and Matt Dube were also in on the planning of the event, Butts said. “We came up with the idea around April and were just trying to find a date for everyone. We felt after the first week of school it wouldn't be so much going on they couldn't enjoy the weekend.”

The event will feature the local first responder characters Andy the Ambulance Red E. Fox. The police department will be fingerprinting and providing ID cards and there will be face painting.

Elle the pit bull is scheduled for an appearance and there will be a stop, drop and roll dance-off led by firefighters Ramah Long and Kyle Horton.

There will be an opportunity to dunk firefighters and firefighters will also do child safety seat inspections.

Chief Stacy Coggins and Deputy Chief Mike Clements will have a table set up where the public can meet with them and ask questions.

The Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad will offer blood pressure checks while firefighters will talk about fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

In addition, they will answer questions about CPR.

Hot dogs and drinks will be served around noon and children will get a free high visibility backpack.

Butts said the event will give other agencies a chance to interact with each other. “This will help strengthen fellowship with other departments.”

Parker talks jokes with a student.

Roanoke Rapids ready

The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District welcomed 36 new teachers and staff members today as part of the 2015-2016 annual convocation.

During opening remarks, Interim Superintendent John Parker reminded staff of the important role they all play in meeting the needs of all students.

From the bus drivers who are the first ones to greet students every day, to the sanitation crews who keep the schools clean, Parker said, “We must have a laser-like focus when it comes to teaching, learning, and caring for students..

Belmont Elementary’s staff took its message to the streets by boarding busses, traveling across town, and greeting students at their homes.

This year Belmont has adopted the theme, “Under the Sea,” to symbolize a culture that is evolving into something entirely new and different.

Principal Terrell Jones said, “We believe our school and our students are not defined by our demographics, our test scores, or our report card grades, but rather by the innovation and excitement of all the leaders (staff, students, and parents) coming together to focus on learning and leading.”

The first day of class for students is Monday.

Several new programs are being offered across the district to prepare students for life after high school including the introduction to public safety curriculum that will allow students to explore careers in law enforcement, firefighting, and other public safety concentrations.

The belmont bus.

Safety

Meanwhile, law enforcement chiefs are offering numerous safety tips for students, parents and motorists.

Both Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp and Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Chuck Hasty sent tips on school bus safety.

In the United States, 23 million students take the bus to and from school each day. The greatest risk involved is not riding the school bus, but getting on and off the bus.

Averages of 24 school-age children die in school transportation-related crashes each year — 11 occupants and 13 pedestrians.

Safety starts at the bus stop and your child should arrive at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

Parents should visit the bus stop with their children to show them where to wait — at least three giant steps or six feet away from the curb.

Remind children the bus stop is not a place to run or play. Get on and off safely.

When the school bus arrives, children should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s OK before approaching. Use the handrails to avoid falling.

Other bus tips

• Your child should never walk behind the school bus.

• If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, tell them to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street, to a place at least five giant steps or 10 feet in front before crossing.

• Your child should make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing, to make sure the driver can see them.

• If your child ever drops something, like a ball or book, near the school bus, the safest thing is for your child to tell the bus driver right away.

• Your child should not try to pick the item up because the driver might not be able to see them.

Tips from Northampton County

Sheriff Jack Smith says, "All too often, children — like adults — become creatures of habit and overlook simple safety precautions. I would like to ask all school children who ride their bicycles to remember a few safety rules.”

Only one person belongs on your bike. Never let a second person ride with you.

Allow plenty of room for a safe stop. Never follow bikes or cars too closely.

Keep both hands on the handle bars for safe steering.

Always give proper signals. Keep a firm grip on the handle bars with your right hand and use your left arm and hand to signal turns and stops. Arm straight out is a left turn; arm bent up at the elbow is a right turn; and arm bent down at the elbow is a stop.

Avoid riding your bike at night. If you must ride at night, equip your bike with a good headlight and rear reflectors. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing so others can see you easily.

Make sure you obey all traffic signs and signals. Stop completely at stop signs and always look both ways before starting out again.

Drivers should be cautious of children walking back and forth to school.

While walking, remember to always travel with a friend. Two heads are better than one, especially if there's an emergency.

A stranger is anyone you or your parents don't know well.

You or your friend must never take candy, money, medicine or anything else from a stranger.

If a stranger in a car asks you questions, don't get close to the car and never get in the car.

Don't tell anyone your name or address when you're walking and don't think that because someone knows your name that they know you — they may just be looking at your name printed on your lunch box, school bag or T -shirt.

If you think you're in any danger, yell, and run to the nearest store or safe house or back to school.

Always tell your parents or teacher if a stranger has approached you.