Safety Tips For Children

Safety on the Streets: The Stranger Danger Theory
A stranger is someone we have never seen, or it may be someone we see every day but do not know. For example, we may see the ice cream truck in our neighborhood every day, but we don't really know the driver. Therefore, that person should be considered a stranger.
Remember, strangers are not always scary or mean looking. As a matter of fact, they may have a smile on their face and talk in a soft, friendly voice. But remember, they are still a stranger.
Dealing with strangers:

• If a stranger approaches either on foot or in a vehicle, take a giant step backwards.
• If they attempt to talk to you or ask for help for any reason, yell "NO" as loud as you can.
• Run away as fast as you can, while yelling "NO".
• Tell someone (a teacher, a parent or police officer or any other trusted adult) about what happened immediately.
  

Safety in the Home: At Home Alone
There may be a time when a child will be home alone, even if for a very short period.
The following rules should be learned and followed:

• Never tell anyone that you are home alone.
• All exterior doors and windows should be closed and locked. Don't forget the sliding glass doors.
• If anyone comes to the door, don't open the door. Look through the viewer in the door or a window to make sure you know the person.
• Talk to that person without opening the door by asking, "Who is it?" If it is a stranger, tell them your mom and dad are busy and can't come to the door right now. If they do not leave promptly, call 9-1-1 for help.
• The same rule above applies when the phone rings. Tell them your Parents are busy and ask them to call back later.
• If you have an answering machine, let it answer for you. Listen to the message.
• Never touch anything in the medicine cabinet or any cleaning products anywhere in the house.
• Never take medicine, including vitamins, without approval of your parents.
• Do not handle matches or appliances including the stove and microwave.
  

Weapon Safety:

• Treat a weapon like a stranger.
• Take a step back from it.
• Do not touch it.
• Tell an adult about the weapon.
• If you are at someone else's home, tell an adult. If there is no adult present, leave and tell your parents.
  

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Federal Bureau of Investigation's Kid Page
http://www.fbi.gov/fbikids.htm/

Milstein Child Safety Page
http://www.mcgruff.org/

Yahooligans! Parent's Guide
http://www.yahooligans.com/parents/

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Use the Buddy System. That means, wherever you walk, walk with someone — a friend from school, a brother or sister, a parent or grandparent. Remember, there is safety in numbers. When walking to and from school, store or play ground, always use the same route. Stay away from areas such as empty fields and creek beds. Parks are a fun place to play, but you should never be there unless you are accompanied by an adult.
VEHICLE SAFETY

• Always wear a seat belt when riding in any vehicle.
• If you are under 12 years of age you should ride in the rear seat of any vehicle equipped with a passenger side "air bag ".
• Children under 6 years of age or under 60 pounds must ride in a child safety seat in the rear seat of the vehicle, this is applicable in 48 of the 50 States.
  

BICYCLE SAFETY

• Before you get on that bicycle, make sure your helmet is on and fastened properly.
• Several State laws requires that anyone under 18 must wear a helmet.
• Small children should ride their bicycle on the sidewalk because it is safer for their age group than on the street.
• Remember to watch for pedestrians and cars backing out of driveways. It is your responsibility to avoid them with your bicycle.

SKATEBOARD/ROLLERBLADE SAFETY

• Make sure you are wearing safety equipment:
  helmet, wrist guards, gloves, elbow and knee pads.
• Do not attempt "stunts" or "tricks" on public streets or sidewalks.