With a week of school under their belts, the homework may have already started piling up for students.  When it comes to carrying all those books, supplies and lunches on your back, it’s important to make sure the bag doesn’t get overloaded.

Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds says it’s easy to get injured if you’re not using a backpack properly.

“It should not weigh more than 15-20 percent of the child’s body weight.  You should never carry a backpack over one shoulder, using only one strap.  Always wear the backpack on your back as it’s properly designed to do because that evenly distributes the weight over your back.”

Chief Hinds also recommends wearing the waist strap if your backpack is equipped with one because your hips are better suited to carry the extra weight.  Additionally, Hinds says backpacks with thick, padded straps and a padded back are always preferred to help add comfort and stability.