Summer Safety
Asbury Park Press, Patti Martin, June 16, 2009
PeopleFinders.com and Safety Center Incorporated have teamed up to remind parents
that safety shouldn't take a summer vacation. In recognition of June as National
Safety Month, the companies 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.
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