Safety Tips for Parents and Children:
Tip for parents:
- Set up rules about where children can go, and with whom.
- Teach children to be wary of strangers and to follow their instincts if they are uncomfortable or afraid of people, even some relatives.
- Teach kids to say "No!" and to get away from scary people and situations.
- Teach children to immediately check with a caregiver if an unfamiliar adult approaches them.
- Play "what if" games with your children so they will know what to do if strangers approach them with typical ploys such as " I am looking for my puppy" or "i need directions".
- Teach children to dial 911 and be sure they know their addresses and home / parent phone numbers.
- Do not leave small children alone. Never ever!
- Create a secret password in case someone other than a family member has to pick up your child.
- Teach children to go to security or the police if they are lost or get separated from you in public places.
- Carry a recent picture of your child with height, weight and other important identifying information.
Tips for kids:
- When you go places or play outside, go with friends, not by yourself; it is safer.
- Before going out, always tell a parent or person in charge where you are going, who you will be with, and when you will be home.
- If no one is home and you must leave, always leave a note telling where you will be and a contact phone number.
- Tell a parent, teacher or couselor if someone makes you uncomfortable or afraid.
- Do NOT get into a car with a stranger or even with someone you do know when you do not have your parents' perrmission. Walk away or even run!
- Do NOT let anyone touch you or treat you in ways that make you scared or uncomfortable.
- Do NOT accept gifts, even small things like candy, from anyone without a parent or trusted adult there to say it is o.k.
- Practice things you should do in case of an emergency, like calling 911.
- Do not be polite to a stranger if you feel you are in danger. Make noise and try to run away.
- Go to security or the police if you get lost or separated from your parent while at a shopping mall or other public place.
