Awareness crucial for children's safety Published Sept. 10, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Matthew Splichal 341st Wing Safety MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Along with the onset of autumn comes the school year and many concerns surrounding the comings and goings of base residents to and from school. These concerns must be addressed to ensure the safety of our Little Warriors as they trek back and forth each day. The safety of the school-aged youth on Malmstrom is very important. It is everyone's responsibility to maintain awareness of the rules and regulations surrounding the travel of these children. Guidelines for unattended children on base are defined in Malmstrom Instruction 31-202, Attachment 1 Youth Supervision Guidelines. Although there are certain levels of personal responsibility for youth on base, children between 5 and 9 years of age are only allowed to be unattended when walking or riding to and from school. Children who participate in the Youth Programs Center between 7 and 9years old are also allowed to be unattended walking or riding to and from the YPC. The location of Loy Elementary School is convenient and allows for secure passage of children traveling alone before and after the school bell rings. The convenience and security depends on the awareness of the people who travel throughout the base and, moreover, the parents of legal guardians who claim immediate responsibility of the children. It is crucial for drivers to remain aware of youngsters walking or peddling (making sure they're wearing a properly fastened and approved bicycle helmet) to school, as well as for those who oversee these children. The base community must understand how to recognize and avoid the potential hazards of getting children to and from school safely. Anyone with questions can contact the wing safety office at 731-6719.