PERSONAL SAFETY
FOR YOUR CHILD

1. Your child should never tell the caller they are home alone.
a. Have your child tell the caller, "My parents can't come to the phone right now." or let the answering machine come on.
b. Have your child ask the caller for their telephone number and name so parents can call back later. This should be done in a polite manner.
c. The message should be given to the parents right away.
d. Let your child know who they can give information to.

Step 1- Know --- Know who it is
Step 2- Say no --- Tell the person, "No!" Child should yell, "Stranger!" "This is not my mom or dad!" Or yell, "Fire!"
Step 3- Go --- Go, get away.
Step 4- Tell --- Tell a trusted adult.

1. Have a family code word.
2. Never go with anyone who doesn't know the code word.
a. This may not always be fail safe.
3. Never send someone your child does not know to pick them up.
4. Let your child know who they can let in the house.
5. Who they should get into a car with.
6. Strangers can get your child's name from the outside of their backpack or school work. Make sure your child's name can't be seen in plain view.

1. Report any person who hangs around the house.
2. Report any strange vehicles in the area.
3. Make sure emergency numbers are by the telephone 911 always works.
4. If your child walks home, you should discuss "Safe Houses".

1. Never let a stranger join in your child's play.
2. Always have a responsible adult with your child.
3. Never let your children play in deserted buildings, vacant lots, alleyways, or construction areas.
4. If possible use the "Buddy System", child with a friend / plays with a friend.

1. Always make sure your child stays close to the person they are shopping with and in sight.
2. If your child does become separated, make sure they know who to report to the store security guard, clerk or manager.
3. Make sure your child knows the full name of the adult(s) they are shopping with so they can give that information to store security, clerk or manager if your child gets lost.

1. Only swim in areas that are supervised and never swim alone.
2. Don't mark your belongings with your name on the outside (You don't want strangers knowing your name).
3. If a stranger bothers your child, let your child know to report it to a lifeguard or another adult in charge.
4. Make sure that if your child uses a public restroom, he or she is accompanied by a trusted adult.

EMERGENCY --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 911

SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT ----------------------------------------------- _____-_______

POLICE DEPARTMENT -------------------------------------------------- _____-_______

__________________ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ---------------- _____-_______

SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE ------------------------------------------ _____-_______

1. Have you taught your child to recite his or her name, address and phone number? Sometimes putting the information in a simple song may help a child remember.
2. Have you explained to your child that, if lost or in danger, he or she can locate a pay phone and dial 911? Children should know that they do not need money to call 911.
3. Does your child know to be as loud as possible if he or she is in danger?
4. Does your child know that it's okay to use physical violence, such as kicking, if he or she needs to protect himself or herself from harm?
5. Does your child know to never exit an area (such as a store, the mall, or a zoo), even if the person helping asks him or her to step outside?
6. Does your child know to approach a police officer if he or she has a problem?
7. Does your child know to approach uniformed personnel if he or she is in danger? Can your child identify employee uniforms?
8. Does your child know the body parts that are unacceptable for others to touch?
9. Does your child know that you trust his or her instincts, and that even if your child makes a bad choice with an innocent stranger, you will support him or her?
10. Does your child understand that even trusted people shouldn't ask him or her to do something that makes him or her uncomfortable? Only 1.4 percent of abductions are by total strangers!

1. Are you careful to never leave your child unattended in a public place or in a car?
2. Do you know your child's friends and their parents? You should have a list with their phone numbers and addresses.
3. Do you know the route your child takes from school to home?
4. Have you designated "safe" houses in your neighborhood where your child may go if he or she is being harassed or followed?
5. Are you involved in your child's after-school activities?
6. Do you have a current photo and video of your child?
7. Do you observe what your child is wearing on a daily basis?
8. Do you have your child's fingerprints?
9. Do you remember to never print a child's name on his clothes, or use nametags in public?
10. If your child doesn't want to be with someone, do you ask why he or she is uncomfortable with this person -- and pursue until you find the reason?
11. Have you told your child that if he or she gets lost, you will look for your child for as long as it takes?
12. Do you always perform a reference and background check on a new caregiver?
13. Do you know that Megan's Law allows you to check for sex offenders in your area? You can do a check at the Sheriff's Department.

1. Welcome trick-or-treaters with your porch lights and any exterior lights on.
2. Immediately report any suspicious or criminal activity to your local Police Department or Sheriff's Office by calling 911.
3. Do not give homemade or unwrapped treats to children.

1. Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle. Be alert to trick-or- treaters, whose vision and hearing may be obscured by masks, and who may dart out into the street.

1. Never trick-or-treat alone. It is best to have a trusted adult go with the children for the entire evening.
2. Carry a flashlight and use it so drivers can see you and you can see hazards in the street as well as other people.
3. Set a time limit for your children to trick-or-treat. Together, designate a specific route for them to take. An adult should always accompany younger children on Halloween night.
4. Cross only at street corners, never between parked cars and never diagonally across an intersection.
5. Look in all directions before crossing the street, and obey all traffic signals. Walk, never run, across the street, and use sidewalks, not the street, for walking.
6. Never talk to or accept rides from strangers.
7. Do not take short cuts through backyards, alleys, empty lots, or parks. Walk in well-lighted areas only.
8. Do not go inside anyone's home. Remain on the porch at all times.
9. Only approach homes that have a front porch light on.
10. Keep away from open fires and candles.
11. Be cautious of animals and strangers.
12. Do not eat treats until your parents have inspected them.
13. Discard any homemade or unwrapped treats.

1. Make sure your children's costumes are not flammable.
2. Do not permit your children to wear cumbersome, floor length, or vision-impairing costumes.
3. Light colored or reflective type clothing makes trick-or-treaters more visible to motorists.
4. In lieu of vision-impairing masks, use makeup or face paint.
5. Have your children wear comfortable, safe shoes.
6. Call the police if you suspect any tainted candy.
7. Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.
8. Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

Remember, these are only a few ideas to think about, there are many others. If you have any questions or would like to add any ideas you have concerning the safety of children, please feel free to call Officer Tom Reinhart 876-6371 or Officer Bob Beck 876-6372