1) Parents…Your Child Should Know:
- Their full name, address and home telephone number including their area code.
- Your full name, where you work and telephone number.
- How to dial 911 from a variety of phones including cellular phones and public phones.
- A law enforcement officer is your child’s friend.
- Scream and run from strangers if someone tries to take them.
- If something seems wrong or feels wrong it’s okay to say “No” to an adult, even adult that you know.
- That they can and should tell you anything that bothers them or seems strange.
2) Parents…You Should Know:
- Your children should never go anywhere unless they have your permission. Stress how important it is that they have permission even if they’re going with a family member, friend of the family, etc.
- Teach your children to never to accept a ride from a stranger, even if the stranger says it is an emergency.
- Your children should avoid playing outside alone and unsupervised.
- Have your children fingerprinted and photographed, and keep this information in a safe place at your home. New photographs should be taken every six months (fingerprints never change).
- Your children should not play or hang around isolated areas such as abandoned buildings, woods, etc.
- Accompany children (especially those 12 and under) to all public restrooms to protect them from sexual offenders. Even older children can be victimized in public restrooms.
- Young children should be directly supervised while at play. Older children who are allowed to play without supervision should still be home before dark.
- Show children where they can go in an emergency, like to a trusted neighbor.
- Know where your children are and whom they are with. Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions. Show that you care.
- Let children know they can tell you anything.
3) If Your Child is Missing: Notify law enforcement and have the following information available:
- Where your child was last seen/was going/was coming from
- Description of clothing worn when last seen
- Current Photo
- Physical description including any special identifying marks
- List of friends’ names, phone numbers and addresses
- List of places your child usually goes
- If child has cell phone, be prepared to provide provider and number.
