School starts soon. Do you know how your child will get there? More importantly, does your child know how to get there?

"Don't wait until the first day of school to be sure your child knows the best route to school, whether he's walking or riding a bus or a bike," said Don Bower, a family and consumer science specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service.

"The first day of school has plenty of excitement," Bower said. "Don't add to it by sending your child out of the house unprepared for how to get there."

Bower said generally children under age 9 shouldn't ride bikes in the street. And children under age 8 shouldn't walk to school without an adult or older child.

"If your child is walking or riding to school, select the safest route," he said. "Choose the one with the fewest street crossings. Then walk or cycle it with your child to be sure she understands the route and how to stay safe."

Your cyclist must have an approved bicycle helmet required by law.

If your child is under 8, plan to walk him to and from the bus stop. Or arrange for an adult or an older child to be there.

"If your child will ride the bus, teach her to stay a safe distance from the bus until it comes to a complete stop," Bower said. "After she gets off, she should stay on the sidewalk until the bus pulls away. Or watch for traffic while the bus waits for her to cross the street."

If your child will ride in a car pool, check to be sure each car has safety belts for each child. Find out if any drivers intend to smoke, exposing your child to secondhand smoke, Bower said.

Consider what supervision your child will need after school if an adult is not present. Many younger children enjoy after-school programs right at their school.

You may decide that an older child may be responsible enough to spend some time at home alone after school. If so, consider some questions about self- care:

* Have you chosen a dependable, nearby adult who can help your child?

* Does your child know how and when to dial 911 for help?

* Have you developed a fire escape plan and practiced it with your child?

* Does your child know the family rules on whether and how to answer the phone or the door if she's home alone?

* Have you discussed what your child should do if severe weather hits?

* Have you taught your child how to prepare safe snacks that don't require cooking or a knife?

* Are important emergency numbers posted by the phone?

* Have you collected items for a first-aid kit, a power outage (flashlight, radio and batteries) or boredom (coloring books with crayons)?