SAFETY FOR CHILDREN

- Most children are naturally trusting and friendly, but where strangers are concerned that friendliness and trust could be deadly. Teach them to never talk to strangers.

- Inform your children that you would never send a stranger to pick them up. Let them help you choose a "code word" that persons picking them up must have. Teach them to never get into a car with someone they don't know.

- Tell them the many lures used by child abusers and kidnappers. For example'... looking for a lost puppy....' or '...mommy was hurt in accident...'etc...and that children should never accept candy or a ride from a stranger. If they feel threatened, teach them to run away as fast as they can.

- Children must be aware that it is not only permissible, but also when it is necessary, to refuse adult request and authority.

- Children should go to and from school and play outside with other children. There is safety in numbers.

- Establish neighborhood boundaries in which they may play.

- On Halloween candy should not be consumed until you have inspected it thoroughly.

- Parents should know where their children are at all times.

- Teach them to always look both ways and watch for cars before entering or crossing the street.

- Teach them to never open the door to a stranger when home alone.

- Teach them that, when answering the telephone, never give out any personal information or let the person who calls know if they are alone.

- Teach them to be sure to let their parents know exactly where they will be and for how long, and to always call and let them know if they decide to go somewhere else.

- If they should see a gun, teach them to stop, don't touch, call an adult.

- Teach them never to ride their bikes alone; always ride with a buddy and always wear their helmet.

- Teach them to never play in the street.

- If they come home and something about their house doesn't look right, teach them to go immediately to a neighbor's for help.

- Parents should never let anyone touch them unnecessarily. If someone tries, the child should attempt to get away and report it to you or the police.

- Children old enough for school should know the telephone number to reach their parents during the day, and should know how to dial the operator and 911. Teach your children how to use 911. Visit our 911 Information Page for tips.

- Never accompany other's into their living quarters without prior parental permission.

- Children should not go to the movies alone. If anyone tries to touch the child in a theater, they should tell the manager right away. Children should be accompanied by an adult when using public rest rooms.

- Children should not play in abandoned buildings or deserted alleys. They should not take shortcuts through alleys, dark streets or empty lots with lots of shrubbery.

- Children should be instructed never to allow friends into the house when home alone.

- Children should never allow anyone, including friends or relatives, to touch or caress private parts of their body. If someone tries, they should not be afraid to inform their parents. They should know the circumstances under which they can refuse adult authority.

- A child should always be accompanied by an adult when selling candy, cookies, subscriptions, etc...

- If a stranger ask a child for directions, they should be careful to maintain a safe distance from the car.