|
| |
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR
CHILDREN
Always CHECK FIRST with
your parents or the person in charge before you go anywhere or
do anything. Be sure to CHECK IN regularly with your parents or a
trusted adult when you’re not with them.
Always TAKE A FRIEND when
you play or go somewhere. It’s safer and more fun.
Don’t be tricked by
people who offer you special treats or gifts. Never accept anything from anyone without your parents’ permission.
Stay SAFE when you’re
home alone by keeping the door locked; not opening the door for or
talking to anyone who stops by unless the person is a trusted family friend
or relative, you feel comfortable being alone
with that person, and the visit has been pre-approved by your
parents; and never telling anyone who calls that you’re home by yourself.
Have a neighbor or trusted adult you can call
if you’re scared or there’s an emergency.
Never go into a public restroom
by yourself.
Never go alone to malls, movies,
video arcades, or parks. Take a friend with you, and always
CHECK FIRST with your parents to make sure its okay.
Don’t panic if you feel lost.
Identify the safest place to go or person to ask for help in reuniting
you with your family. Never search for them on your own, and never go off
alone with anyone who is
trying to reunite you with your family.
Be careful when you play. Stay
away from pools, canals, and other bodies of water unless you
are with an adult. Don’t play near busy streets or deserted areas, and
never take shortcuts unless
you have your parents’ permission.
Don’t wear clothes or carry
items with your name on the outside, and don’t be confused just because
someone you don’t know calls out your name.
Don’t get into a car or go
near a car with someone in it unless you are with your parents or a trusted
adult. Never take a ride from someone without CHECKING FIRST with
your parents.
Be careful playing or riding
your bicycle as it gets dark. Sometimes it is difficult for people driving
cars to see you. Wear reflectors and protective clothing if your parents say
you can play outside after
dark.
Don’t be afraid to say NO and
GET AWAY from any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable
or confused. TRUST YOUR FEELINGS, and be sure to TELL a
trusted adult if something
happens that makes you feel this way.
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR
PARENTS
- Be sure to go
over the rules with your children about whose homes they can visit when you’re
not there and discuss the boundaries of
where they can and can’t go in the neighborhood.
- Make sure
children know their names, address, and telephone numbers and how to use the
telephone. Be sure they know what to do
in case of an emergency and how to reach you using
cellular
or pager numbers. Children should have a neighbor or trusted adult they can
call if they’re scared or there’s
an emergency.
- Caution children
to keep the door locked and not to open the door or talk to anyone who
comes to the door when they are home
alone. If you have arranged for a family friend or
relative
to stop by, make sure your child feels comfortable being alone with that
person. Make certain that they
understand not to tell anyone who calls that they are home alone.
- Don’t drop your
children off at malls, movies, video arcades, or parks. These are not safe
places for children to be alone. Make
certain that a responsible adult supervises your younger
children
at all times when they are outside and away from home.
- Teach your
children in whose car they may ride. Children should be cautioned never to
approach any vehicle, occupied or not,
unless accompanied by a parent or trusted adult.
- Make sure your
children know to stay away from pools, canals, or other bodies of water
without adult supervision.
- Since daylight
lasts longer, be sure your children know their curfew and know to check in
with you if they are going to be late. If
you allow your children to play outside after dark,
make
sure they have reflective clothing on and that they stay close to home.
- Choose
babysitters with care. Obtain references from family, friends, and
neighbors. Many
states now have
registries for public access to check criminal history or sex-offender
status. Observe the babysitter’s
interaction with your children, and ask your children how they feel
about
the babysitter.
- Check out camp
and other summer programs before enrolling your child. See if a background
screening check is completed on the
individuals working with the children. Make sure that
there
will be adult supervision of your children at all times, and make sure you
are made aware of all activities
and field trips offered by the camp or program.
- Investigate
daycare settings thoroughly before placing your child. Make certain that the
center or family daycare home is licensed
and that parents are free to come and go as they
wish.
Observe the personnel and activities several times before making your
decision and
visit unannounced
after placement.
- Be sure all
custody documents are in order and certified copies are available in case
your child is not returned from
summer visitation.
- Always listen to
your children and keep the lines of communication open. Your children are
your best source for determining if
everything is okay. Teach your children to get out of
dangerous
or uncomfortable situations right away and practice basic safety skills with
them. Make sure they know they can
tell you about anything that happens to them that makes them
feel
uncomfortable.
HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE SUMMER!
| |
|
