Keeping Kids Safe at Home and in the Neighborhood

 By Brian H. Scott

There seems to be no way to completely eliminate crimes against children. We can only hope to lessen there occurrence by taking as many precautions as possible.

Suggestions for Parents

• Make certain that outside doors, windows and screens are securely locked before retiring at night.

• Keep the door to the child's room open so that any unusual noises may be heard.

• Be certain that the child's room is not readily accessible from the outside.

• Never leave young children at home alone or unattended, and be certain they are left in the care of a responsible person.

• Take particular care in selecting a baby-sitter or nursemaid for young children. Both should have excellent references that you have thoroughly checked out and should be hired through reliable employment agencies whenever possible. In all too many instances unstable baby-sitters run off with children or endanger them in other ways.

• Whenever a baby-sitter is used, she should be given instructions about where to call in case of emergencies, and be called at least once during the evening to check things out. If your own older children baby-sit for you, take the same precautions.

• Tell your sitter that there can be no visitors during your absence.

• Know where your children are at all times.

• Try to have at least one parent on your block meet the school bus.

• Immediately notify police of any suspicious strangers in the vicinity of the bus stop or your neighborhood.

• Make sure a responsible member of your family is home when children are expected at your house.

• Teach your children as early as possible how to call the police (dial 911) if strangers or prowlers are loitering around the house or attempt to break in.

• Avoid obvious indications that you are not at home. Open garage doors and newspapers left outside the house are dead giveaways that you aren"t at home and that your children may be inside unprotected.

• Instruct housekeepers never to let strangers in the house.

• Do not advertise family finances or routines. Kidnappers frequently keep victims under surveillance for several days prior to an abduction so that they may acquaint themselves with the family's habits.

• Immediately notify police of any unexplained absence of children.

Suggestions for Children

• Always let your parents know your whereabouts.

• Come straight home from school.

• Travel in groups or pairs.

• Walk along heavily traveled streets and avoid isolated areas whenever possible.

• Do not talk to strangers.

• Do not accept gifts from strangers.

• Regardless of what they say refuse car rides from strangers and refuse to accompany them anywhere on foot.

• Use approved play areas where recreational activities are supervised by responsible adults and where police protection is readily available.

• If you are able to obtain a cell phone carry it with you for emergencies.

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