DMV Area Students Prepare to Head Back to School This Month
As students gear up for another school year, safety becomes a top priority—for families, school systems, and communities alike. While excitement fills the air, it’s the little things—like keeping sidewalks clear or watching for cyclists—that can make a big difference. And when disaster strikes, the last thing parents need is added stress—that’s where we step in.
Key Back-to-School Safety Tips
- Slow down, especially near school buses
Always stop for school buses loading or unloading. Children can appear suddenly, and reduced speeds mean reaction time is in your favor. - Watch for kids walking or playing near streets
Be vigilant, especially in neighborhoods and near schools. Kids can dash out unexpectedly. - Mind bicycle riders
Look twice for cyclists—whether students riding to school or families commuting together. - Keep paths safe and debris-clear
Trim overgrown grass near sidewalks, pick up loose debris, and report any hazards that might trip up children or obstruct visibility. - Be alert around intersections and crossing guards
Crossing guards play a critical role. Pause, follow their directions, and watch nearby traffic—even after school hours. - Know your surroundings
Be aware of temporary school zones, changing traffic patterns, and neighborhood drop-off points.
Local Safety Resources and Non-Emergency Contacts
Montgomery County, MD
- Police Non-Emergency: 301-279-8000
- Fire/Rescue Non-Emergency: 240-683-6520
- Safe Schools Maryland Hotline: 1-833-632-7233
- General Reporting: 311 during business hours
Howard County, MD
- Police/Fire Non-Emergency: Available through county communications centers
- CARE Line (family resources): 410-313-CARE (2273)
- Safe Schools Resources: hcpss.org/safety
- School supply distribution & support programs: Provided annually through Howard County CRS
Frederick County, MD
- Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Dispatch: 301-600-2071
- Community Crisis Hotline: 301-662-2255
- Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009
- Phone Friend Line (youth support): 301-694-8255
- Safe Schools Tip Line: 1-833-632-7233
District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)
- Police Non-Emergency: 311
- MPD Command Information Center: 202-727-9099
- Fire/EMS Non-Emergency: Routed via 311
Alexandria, VA
- Safe Place Youth Crisis Hotline: 703-746-5400
- Child Protective Services (CPS): 703-746-5800 (or 1-800-552-7096 after hours)
- Department of Emergency & Customer Communications (DECC): Handles non-emergency and emergency public safety calls
- ACPS Family Information Line: 703-866-5300
Fairfax County, VA
- Police/Fire/EMS Non-Emergency: 703-691-2131 (TTY 711)
- Outside County Access: 703-691-2233
- Community Reporting System (CRS): For filing non-emergency incidents online
- Victim Services: Through the same non-emergency number
Loudoun County, VA
- Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Dispatch: 703-777-1021
- Alternate Line: 703-777-0445
- Online Reporting: Available through Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
Arlington County, VA
- Police Non-Emergency: 703-558-2222
- “Report a Problem” Online Tool: For non-urgent municipal concerns
- AI-Assisted Dispatch: Enhances triage for non-emergency 911 calls
Quick Reference Table
| Jurisdiction | Non-Emergency Police/Service Number | Additional Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County, MD | 301-279-8000 | Fire Non-Emergency: 240-683-6520; Safe Schools: 1-833-632-7233 |
| Howard County, MD | County lines vary | CARE Line: 410-313-CARE; school & supply resources |
| Frederick County, MD | 301-600-2071 | Youth Crisis: 1-800-422-0009; Phone Friend: 301-694-8255 |
| Washington, D.C. | 311 | MPD Info: 202-727-9099 |
| Alexandria, VA | 703-746-5400 | CPS: 703-746-5800; ACPS Family Line: 703-866-5300 |
| Fairfax County, VA | 703-691-2131 | CRS online reporting; Victim Services |
| Loudoun County, VA | 703-777-1021 (alt: 703-777-0445) | LCSO online reporting |
| Arlington County, VA | 703-558-2222 | Report a Problem tool; AI-assisted dispatch |
Why These Resources Matter—and How We Step In
With students returning to school and families navigating busy streets, non-emergency lines help keep 911 clear for critical situations. When minor incidents—like debris in walkways or traffic disruptions—occur, families can get help efficiently without overloading emergency communicators.
Yet, when things go beyond minor disruptions—such as storm damage, floods, or unexpected disaster—we’re here 24/7 to help shoulder the burden. Our team provides the reliable response families need so they don’t have to face disaster alone.
📞 Keep our number handy: 866-818-1949
Because while we hope you’ll never need us, we’re always ready when you do.
