Abduction: A parent’s worst nightmare! We need to equip our children with skills that will build their self-confidence in dealing with dangerous situations. Make child safety part of your everyday life by practicing and reviewing basic safety skills.

For Children:
• Know your name, address and phone number.
• Learn how and why to call 911.
• If you are scared of someone, RUN to safety.
• It’s OK to be RUDE to a grown-up if you feel you are unsafe.
• Have a “CALL LIST” and know how to use it.
• Don’t let anyone on the phone or at the door know that you are home alone.
• If you ever get lost in a mall or a store, stay where you are until you are found.
• Beware of an adult that asks you to keep a secret from your parents.
• Avoid shortcuts when you are walking from one place to another.
• If you are ever “SCOOPED,” scream, kick, bite, and fight as hard as you can to get away! Never EVER trust what the “Scooper” tells you.
• Tell your parents or a grown up that you can trust if someone is asking you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Listen to your “Uh Oh” voice.
• Review and practice these rules often.

For Parents:
• Don’t ever leave children unattended in a vehicle whether it is running or not.
• Make sure you know how to find or contact your children at all times.
• Take an active role in your children’s activities
• As tired as you may be, take the time to listen intently to your children when they tell you they have had a bad dream. There could be a reason…trust your instincts.
• Talk to your children about inappropriate incidences that you hear on the news and get their perspective.
• Question and monitor anyone who takes an unusual interest in your child.
• Teach you children that it is OK to be rude to an adult if they feel threatened. This needs to come directly from you because this message often contradicts everything they have heard before.
• Have your child practice their most annoying scream. They may need to use it someday.
• Check websites for registered offenders in your area. Talk to your children and explain why these people should be avoided.
• Practice and reinforce the safety rules at all times. Role-play and rehearse “what if” scenarios.