safety

1	Never say they are alone if they answer the phone. They can offer to take a message or say their parents are home, but cannot come to the phone.
2	Never answer the door if they are alone. If someone does not leave and attempts to get into the home, your child should go to any phone that is in a bedroom where they can lock themselves in and call ‘911’, or the operator. Teach your children to use a pay phone without money.
3	Never invite anyone into the home without the knowledge and permission of a parent or babysitter.
4	Never go into another home without letting anyone know where you are.
5	Never get into anyone’s car without permission. Never get into the car of a stranger.
6	Never take candy or any gift from strangers or anyone else without asking a parent first.
7	Never play in, or take shortcuts through deserted buildings, or isolated areas, such as alleys, school playgrounds after hours, fields, woods and around creeks, rivers or lakes, and always return home before dark.
8	Immediately move away from any car or truck that pulls up beside them if they do not know the driver, and always walk against traffic.
9	Scream and scatter books and belongings if they are forced towards any building, or car.
10	Be taught that it’s all right to say no to any adult, if that person wants them to do something you’ve taught them is wrong.
11	Know that no one has the right to touch any part of their bodies that a bathing suit would cover.
12	Tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you.
13	Go the nearest cashier if lost or separated from you in a store or mall.
14	Teach your child their full phone number including the area code.

1	Tell their parents where they are at all times, or leave a written or recorded message at home.
2	Never hitchhike.
3	Run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help if they are being followed.
4	Learn to recognize suspicious behavior and remember a description of the person, or vehicle to give to you or the police. Write the license number of the vehicle in the dirt or snow if nothing else is available.
5	If attacked for money, jewelry or clothing, give it up rather than risking injury.
6	Feel that they can talk to you and call you to pick them up at any time, any place.

1	Avoid putting children's name on clothing, backpacks, school supplies and toys. A child is less likely to fear someone who knows his/her name. Don’t make it easy for the abductor.
2	Never leave your children alone, even for a minute in your car, or a public place.
3	Always keep all doors and windows locked, especially if your children’s bedroom windows face the rear of the home on a lower level.
4	Never let your children go to a public restroom facility alone, and advise them never to play in or around the restroom area.
5	Never allow your children to participate in any door-to-door activities, i.e. fundraising, Halloween, etc. without adult escort.
6	Teach your children that the police are their friends and that they can always trust and rely on them if they are in trouble.
7	Keep a current color photograph or even better a recent video tape of your children, medical and dental history, and fingerprints. Be a role model to your children. Always listen patently and settle arguments with words, not violence. Do not raise your voice.
8	Always try to promote your children’s self-esteem. Let them know that you love and respect who they are. This will improve their self-confidence, which they need to help them avoid drugs and crime.
9	Volunteer, when possible, at your children’s school. Get involved and participate with your children in their school projects.
10	Help to organize a program that will establish safe houses on every block of your neighborhood. If there is a Watch Program in your area, contact the coordinator and ask for help.

(Partial Content From a Public Service Announcement from the Canadian edition of Times Magazine)