Safety Tips

Prevention Tips to Keep Children from Becoming Victims

• Never allow your child to use a public restroom unattended.
• As you always want to know where your child is; let your child know where you are or will be.
• Be sure that any babysitter is a responsible person, capable of handling any emergency.
• Don't " personalize" your child's clothing or accessories with his/her name.
• If an incident does occur, your child should know what to do:
  • Say "No"
  • Get Away
  • Tell Someone
• Instruct your child on how to contact the Police Department, Fire Department or Ambulance by dialing 911.
• If your child is missing, call 911. Do not wait. Have a recent picture of your child. Know his/her friends and hangouts. Have a good description of your child, including his/her clothing.
• If your child has been sexually abused, call 911. Do not wait. Do not bathe the child or change his/her clothes. If the suspect is a relative contact the Department of Social Services, in addition to the Police.

Child Safety Tips for Parents

• Teach your child your phone number, including area code and your full address.
• Teach your child how to use the telephone to call home, a law enforcement officer or dial "O" for an operator in an emergency.
• Make a mental note of the clothes your child wears EVERY DAY. Avoid putting your child's name on clothes or books. Children may respond to a stranger who calls them by name.
• Instruct your child's school to notify you immediately if your child is absent. Inform the principal who is authorized to pick your child up from school. Try to have the same person to pick your child up every day when possible.
• Check your child's route to and from school. Call attention to any dangerous spots such as vacant lots, alleyways, etc. Advise them what to do if a strange person follows or approaches them.
• Choose a secret code word to use with your child in case of an emergency. Tell your child never to go with anyone who does not know this code word.

The following are seven things parents can do to prevent gun violence:

• Explain to children that gun violence in the movies, on TV shows and video games are not real.
• For added safety, ammunition should be stored in a separate secured area.
• Make sure that all handguns, rifles, and shotguns are securely stored in a locked area and out of reach of children.
• Support community safety by supporting efforts to keep weapons out of schools.
• Teach children how to resolve conflict without using words and action that hurt by setting a good example in how you handle anger, disagreements, and sadness.
• Teach children that guns can hurt and kill.
• Tell children not to touch a weapon.

• Avoid get-rich-quick schemes. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• No honest person will ever ask you to take money out of your account or ask for the secret code to your computer card. If anyone asks you to do so, talk to the bank manager or to a police officer that you know.
• Never allow someone to look over your shoulder while you use your computer card or your secret code.
• Read and understand any contract before you sign it.
• If you consider buying from a door to door salesperson, ask for credentials.
• It is best to deal with local business people that you know.
• Do not be afraid of or intimidated by a salesperson. Do not be pushed into anything. Any genuine deal or moneymaking plan can wait a few days for you to check it out.
• Do not enter a contest or accept free gifts or prizes unless you clearly understand your obligations.
• Never pay for something you did not order or do not want. If anyone says that a deceased loved one has ordered something, check it out, or simply say that you will not accept delivery or make payment.
• Buy insurance from someone you trust. Buy only what you really want, need and can afford.
• Never carry large sums of money. Have retirement, social security or other checks automatically deposited into your bank account. Pay your bills by check.
• When you carry a purse, keep it firmly in your hand with the clasp nearest your body. Do not dangle it as a target.
• Travel, walk or park in well-lit areas with a companion if possible.
• Keep your car in good repair and always lock your doors. Store packages or valuables in the trunk or out of sight.
• Protect your home with good doors and window locks. Use deadbolt locks and install a peephole.
• Trim shrubbery that blocks the view of your doors and windows.
• Always leave your home so that it looks occupied. Leave some lights or a radio on. When away, have a friend pick up your mail or paper and cut your grass.
• If you or an elderly or disabled person that you know are being abused, neglected, or exploited, report it to the county department of social services. In an emergency, you may need to call 911. Be a "nosey neighbor." Report all suspicious activities in your community.

• Never tell anyone your home address, telephone number or school name without asking a parent, and never share personal information publicly online (like in a chat room or newsgroup/message board post.
• Don't give your password to anyone but your parents-not even your best friend.
• Never say you'll meet someone in person without asking your parent first.
• Always tell a parent, librarian or teacher about any threatening or bad language you see online.
• Don't accept things from strangers (emails, files, links or URLs).
• If someone says something that makes you feel unsafe or funny, notify your parents, librarian or teacher and leave the chat room or website.

Have a safe shopping spree by following these steps:

• Walk and park only in well-lighted areas. Walk confidently and be aware of people around you.
• Always lock your car doors after entering or leaving your car.
• Have your car keys in hand so you don't have to linger before entering your car. Check the back seat and under the car before you get in.
• Never leave your children alone at home, in a car, or in any public place.
• Teach your children if they get separated from you in a shopping mall, they should go to a cashier and say they are lost.
• Pay with checks or credit cards.

Put a stop to phony telemarketing schemes by:

• Asking questions
• Educating yourself
• Listening carefully
• Refusing to be pressured
• Telling the authorities

What You Should Ask All Telemarketers Before Making a Purchase

• Ask for the name, address and phone number of the company represented by the caller, as well as the caller's name.
• Ask for written information on the product or service and its price.
• Ask how they got your name.
• Ask about the offer's expiration date.

Reputable Telemarketer

A reputable telemarketer will answer your questions patiently and be willing to send you written information. An illegitimate telemarketer probably will hang up or call back later.

Persistent Scam Artists

Persistent scam artists will pressure you to send money or provide your credit card number or other personal information immediately. Don't do it.

Once you've fallen for a telemarketing scam, you will gain a reputation as an easy target and, chances are, you'll be called again and again.