Helpful Tips for Child Safety

    YOUNG CHILDREN:

  • Children should know their full name, phone number and home address
  • Children should have a trusted adult to contact if parent or guardian is not available
  • Babysitters should be chosen with care, check references.  Listen to children as they talk about babysitters.
  • Set boundaries for neighborhood play
  • Know your neighbors
  • Do not leave your children alone at a mall, movie theater, etc., always keep them in groups.
  • Teach them that adults do not approach them for help or directions and this might be a trick to lure them elsewhere
  • Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle
  • Always know where your children are or are intending to go
  • Keep identification hidden on children, possible abductors look for names to lure a child.
  • Know your child's route to school and play areas, identify possible threat areas and instruct your children to avoid them

    CHILDREN:

  • Always take a friend
  • A stranger approaches, leave the area, search for secure area
  • Never accept a ride from a stranger or person you feel uncomfortable with
  • Always inform your parents / guardians if a stranger has approached or followed you
  • If a person attempts to grab you, try to run and yell - 'HELP-This person is trying to take me - HELP'
  • If you change your plans, always get permission from parents and let them know the change
  • If you go home alone, check to see that everything is normal before entering house, then call your parent / guardian to let them know you are there
  • Trust your feelings, if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, leave the area immediately

    HOME ALONE TIPS:

  • Check to see that everything is normal before entering house
  • Lock the doors and windows
  • Call your parents, let them know you are home alone.
  • Never tell persons on the telephone that you are alone.
  • Never answer the door, unless the person is approved by your parents or guardians.

    TEENS:

  • Teens should never go out alone
  • Teens should always keep their parents / guardians aware of schedules and where they are going
  • Teens should learn to say 'no' when feeling threatened or uncomfortable in a situation

    EMERGENCY TIPS:

  • Keep a complete description of your children, including medical records
  • Keep a current color photograph of your children, copy of fingerprints and DNA sample
  • Have your dentist maintain current dental records of your children
  • Register children with Missing Hearts Foundation