Keep Your Kids Safe - Tips for Parents

Learn a few child safety and abduction prevention tips, simple ways to protect and educate your children.

• Make sure your child knows his or her complete name, address and telephone number with area code. It seems like a lot to remember, but this is one of the most important child safety tips.
  
  
• Show your child how to dial 911. Most cities send the police whether or not a request is made, so let your child know this is for emergencies only, and not a game.
  
  
• Establish a code word for situations when your child is to be picked up by someone other than a parent or regular caregiver. Predators have tricked kids into telling the code word, so remind your child never to tell anyone.
  
  
• Teach your child that if it feels weird it probably is, and regularly remind the child that he or she can talk to you about anything.
  
  
• Don't lose sight of your child in public places, especially when very crowded.
  
  
• Remind your child that if he or she is lost to find a store clerk or police officer and wait with that person until you or the police arrive. The child shouldn't go with someone who offers to take him or her to you unless it is a uniformed officer.
  
  
• Your child should know to never approach a car for any reason unless you have given your permission.
  
  
• Don't forget that child predators look like regular folks, so anyone that you don't know is a stranger.
  
  
• If you must leave your child at home alone, remind the child to never open the door for anyone that you have not approved.
  
  
• Teach your child to always walk with someone.
  
  
• If your child is in a dangerous situation, he or she should yell for help("this is not my Mom/Dad") and run to a trusted adult. The child should know to never to run into an uninhabited area.
  
  
• Don't put nametags on the outside of your children's clothing, books, book bags, etc. A child abductor will use this to his/her advantage.
  
  
• It is important for families to talk about child safety. Keep an open dialogue, and take advantage of the many resources available for keeping your child safe.