Playing is a regular part of any child's life. Often, children play in areas that are out sight or away from the supervision of parents and families. The best way to keep trouble away from hampering your children is to learn to avoid areas and situations where trouble might lurk.
Tips on how to ensure Safety at School and Play
Teach your children:
- The safest routes to schools and friends houses. Avoid danger spots such as alleys, new construction and wooded areas.
- To walk and play with friends in well-lighted, open areas where others can see them
- To walk confidently and stay alert to what is on around them
- To look out for the safety of other children. This means reporting anything they see that doesn't seem right.
- To stay away from strangers who hang around playgrounds, public restrooms, and empty buildings
- To write down and report to you the license numbers of people who offer rides, loiter around playgrounds or appear to follow them
At Home Alone
If your children will be home alone after school, it is important to teach them some basic safety guidelines for their security. When at home, children should:
- Be able to reach you by telephone at work. Post your work number, along with numbers for a neighbour, the police and fire departments and the poison control center near all of your home phones.
- Check in with you at work or with a neighbor when they get home. Agree on rules for having friends over and going to someone else's house when no adult is present.
- Be taught to never open the door to a stranger when they are alone in the house or apartment. Caution them about answering the phone and accidentally letting a stranger know they are alone. They should always say their parents are busy and take a message.
- Be taught an escape plan, in case of fire or other emergencies
- Be taught how to work the door and window locks. Make sure that they use them when they are inside alone.