Safety Reminders

SAFETY REMINDERS FOR PARENTS TO SHARE WITH CHILDREN

1. Remind children that danger sometimes isn’t in the form of a stranger or a “bad man.” Danger doesn’t have a gender, age, kind of car, or dark scary uniform.
2. Adults don’t need help from children, and should never get close to a vehicle. Remind your children that if an adult lost his/her puppy or needs directions, to go get another adult to help. This is the most common ploy to entice children to get into a car. Another ploy is, “Your mom (or dad) was in a car accident and wanted me to take you to the hospital.” Discuss this with your kids and devise an action plan. Consider a code word that will let them know if it is safe to accept a ride from a neighbor. For example, you’re stuck in traffic and the kids are due to get home any minute. You call a neighbor and ask them to pick up the kids. Send a code word so that the kids will know it’s safe.
3. Children should travel in packs. There is safety in numbers. Have your children walk home together and never play outside alone. If they are riding their bike to a friend’s house, have them call as soon as they arrive.
4. Have designated safe houses. If your child is playing on the block away from the house, have him/her be aware of houses that they can go to that you trust will be safe. These houses would be where they can go for help.
5. Get to know your neighbors, their kids and their cars. If you’re familiar with your surroundings, it is easy to identify when something is out of place.
6. Report everything. Call your local police department as soon as possible.