Child Safety Tips

With school already in session, children will be walking to and from school. Parents will have to remind their children some important safety tips:

• Remind your child never to talk to strangers and never get close to a stranger’s vehicle. Strangers will always have some story to get near a child, e.g., lost dog, directions, etc.

• Never accept rides from a stranger.

• Walk with friends to/from school, never alone.

• Know routes to school and consider having a “Safe House” to go in an emergency. This can be a store or a friend/relative’s house.

• Never give name/address to a stranger.

• If a stranger follows you, walk in the opposite direction and have your child return to school, or go to the nearest store and call the police.

• Have your child yell and scream should a stranger attempt to grab them and run away.

• Know where the nearest “Emergency Call Boxes” are located. These are easily identifiable by their blue light at the top of a red pole. These emergency phones connect directly to the police department and located at certain intersections throughout the city.

• 911 is a free call from any pay phone.

• If your child has a cell phone, have the police department phone number stored on it. The number to call from a cell phone is 626-403-7297. This number goes directly to the police dispatcher.

• Carry identification with parent’s name and phone numbers.

• Be cautious of labeling your child’s name on backpacks, or similar items that can be easily seen. Strangers can call out to your child by name pretending to know them.

At Home Alone

• Never open door to strangers.

• Have all emergency phone numbers listed.

• Never have your child say that they are home alone.

• Let answering machines pick up telephone calls.

• Remind your child not to allow anyone in the house without your permission.

• Know whom your child hangs around.

• Remember that children are curious, lock up all medication and especially firearms.

• If they return home and see a window open, or broken, remind them NOT to enter. Go to a neighbor’s house and call the police.