Below are some simple tips and a starting point to educate your children:

• Never talk to strangers
• Never accept anything from strangers
• Never open the door for anyone, under any circumstances if they are alone in the house.
• Instruct them how to answer the telephone without giving out any personal information or divulging any information that would put them or your family in potential danger.
• Teach them a simple word or phrase that can be used in the event someone other then you must pick them up. Explain to them that this word is a secret between you and them and they should never tell it to anybody. Then inform their teacher of this special word or phrase so they can use it for identification purposes when this other individual comes to pick them up. It is also a good idea for the teacher or authority in charge to have a full description of the individual who will pick up your child.
• If approached by a stranger, whether on foot or in a vehicle instruct them to run as fast as they can to the nearest safe place, then define “safe place” to them.
• Explain the “buddy” system to them and when to use it.
• As a parent, it is your responsibility to keep track of your kids, whether playing in or outside of your home. Make sure the children understand the importance of keeping you informed of their whereabouts with definitive time frames.
• Give them landmark boundaries within your neighborhood or property in which they must stay.
• Teach your children what to do in case of a fire.
• Teach your children how to dial “911” in case of an emergency.
• Explain to your children that they should not wander away from you when out shopping together, and if they should happen to get separated, go to the security guard, policeman or other authority.
• Teach your children what to do in case they are chased or attacked by an unfriendly dog. Be sure you know effective procedures for handling dog attacks. If you do not, be sure to learn them as your child’s or even your own life may depend on it.
• Teach them safety rules when riding a bicycle, and make sure they know they must wear a helmet at all times.
• Instruct your children how to cross a street, when walking or with their bicycles.
• Teach them the significance of traffic signs and lights.
• Be sure they understand they are not allowed to play in the streets. Teach them why they are not permitted to play in the streets.
• Write an emergency plan that details what they should do in different types of situations. Gather the family together every so often and rehearse these situations with the kids. Clearly make them aware of the importance of these “games”, while interjecting some family fun at the same time.

ATAC TV SURVIVAL, MARK FLINN, GLENN JUSTICE, LENNY BOLTON, JEFF HALL, TOM CLARKE, CHILDREN, TRAINING, EXPOSED TO DANGER, PLANNING,

Source: Tom Clarke News & Information© Used with permission only.