Monday, July 11, 2011

Check out these tips to keep our children safe this summer.


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From a kid's point of view, summer is the best season of all. School is out, and it is a time for young people to be care free and have fun. Unfortunately, parents will still have to work and can not supervise their children as much as they might like to - and there are a variety of dangers any child can encounter.

Outdoor Play
Kids are usually encouraged to go outside and be active. It gives them time to play in the sun, explore the world around them and make new friends. There are, however, some areas that are not safe for children to spend time in.
Talk to your kids. Tell them that it is best to avoid certain areas, because they can be hazardous. Places such as local canals, lakes and rivers will seem like a great place to spend the day and cool off in the water, but they can also be deadly. Young children should never get into a body of water unsupervised, especially if that water is moving. Other locations such as alleys, underneath bridges and abandoned buildings may also be dangerous. Assure them that your only concern is their safety and you would never want anything bad to happen.

Most importantly, discuss with your children why they should avoid strangers. Talk to them about being polite to adults, but keeping their distance from people they do not know. Stress that they should never take any item from a stranger, and under no circumstances should they get into an unfamiliar vehicle. Let them know that if they feel frightened or threatened by someone they don't know, they have permission to run away.
Encourage your kids to stay with a group of friends anywhere they go. A predator will be far less likely to approach several kids at once than a child who is alone, and if something does go wrong another member of the group can run away to find help. Give your children a list of important contact numbers including your direct line at work, 911 and other emergency services. Supply them with change to use a public telephone if they are not old enough to own a cell phone.

Stay Safe While At Home
During the summer young children may be home alone for a few hours while parents are working. Before this happens, make sure they know how to call you and the police in case they need help. Leave a copy of the emergency numbers list by your primary phone, and show each child exactly where it is.
Tell your children not to answer the phone if no one else is home, but if they do they should know that it is never okay to tell a stranger that they are home alone. The same holds true when someone knocks on the door. Children should not answer at all, but if they do they must never admit that no adults are present.
In case an emergency does occur, your children should be aware of every exit in the house. That way they have options in case a fire is started or someone breaks in. Show them all the ways to get out, including windows on the first floor. Let them know if you have any nearby neighbors you trust, and tell them to go to their home if something happens.

Personal Alarm
Teach your kid to avoid dangerous areas, strangers and letting anyone know they are home alone and you will help keep them safe all summer long. Having a backup plan for dire circumstances will put you more at ease and give them another option during an emergency. A personal alarm is small, lightweight and easy to use. With just the flip of a switch the security device will emit a high decibel shriek that will be heard by everyone in the vicinity. The alarm can be activated if your child is approached by a stranger, in trouble at home or hurt, lost or alone. When people hear the alarm sound they know someone is in trouble, and the police can be called immediately.



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