How to keep your kids safe this summer
St. Louis Post Dispatch, Aisha Sultan, June 1, 2009
It's easy to relax our parental vigilance over the summer months,
but this list is a commonsense reminder of things we need to talk to
our children about — early and often.
PeopleFinders.com
and Safety Center Inc.
have released a list of key guidelines to help families keep their kids safe over
the summer months:
- Tell your children not to answer the phone or door while you are away - and
never admit to being alone.
- Always keep a list of emergency contacts where it can be accessed quickly, including
the best number to reach you, 911, and the numbers for family, friends and trusted
neighbors.
- Draft an "escape plan" in case your kids need to leave your home quickly and safely.
- Create a list of approved activities for your children to play while you are away.
This can prevent them from wandering outside or away from safe areas.
- Show your kids the best routes to walk/ride to school, to a friend's house, or to any
other location they frequently visit.
- Allocate "safe houses” within your neighborhood where your kids can go if they feel
they are in danger.
- Reinforce the motto, "safety in numbers."
- Teach your children the danger of strangers. Reinforce that they should never leave
with someone they do not know.
- Never leave children alone in the car - even if you plan for a quick return.
- "Show and tell" your children what to do in different emergency situations. If
danger does occur, this will help them know how to react and what to do
|