Personal Safety & Security
Safety Tips For Children
Raising children can be the greatest achievement of a couplers life together. One of the pleasures derived from having a family is seeing that children are imbued with the natural tendencies to trust and love. Without teaching paranoia and cynicism, it's important that children learn to develop a system of dealing with strangers that will allow them to enjoy the world without paranoia.
Children are quick learners and will easily pick up good habits to make the whole family's daily life considerably safer from outside aggression.
* Teach your children their address and phone numbers at an early age. Many children simply cannot tell you where they live even if they need to.
* Teach your children to pretend not to be alone when someone calls your home. Have them tell callers who wish to speak to parents that the parent is busy.
* Tell your children not to talk to people doing telephone surveys. It could be someone trying to learn your schedule, or the value of the contents of your home.
* Tell your children to move away from any car that stops near them. Instruct them not to talk with any adult asking them for instructions.
* Ask your children to stay away from dark alleys or short cuts. Kids love to find the shortest way home because it makes them feel smart and independent. Tell them smart kids take the well-traveled and well-lighted routes.
* Make sure your kids know that hitchhiking is very dangerous!
* Even young children have good instincts about what might be a potentially dangerous situation. Reinforce those instincts. Tell them it's ok to say "NO!" or to simply run in the opposite direction.
* Don't single out your child. Personalized clothing or bags can make it easy for a stranger to pretend he knows your child. Don't give him the chance. Kids in groups without distinctive clothes are always safer.
* Many police departments are suggesting the "secret code" system. Decide on a word that your child will remember, maybe even one they have thought of themselves. Make this your secret password. If you need a friend to pick your child up from school, tell the friend what the word is, but most of all tell your child never to accept a ride from anyone that doesn't know the password!
* Teach your children how to use a fire extinguisher, should an emergency occur when home alone.
