SCV Sheriff Home | Versión Española | Site Map | Contact

Child Safety:

WHO IS A STRANGER? A stranger is someone that your child does not know. Parents and guardians need to determine who is and isn’t a stranger. Explain that strangers come in many shapes and sizes. They can be a man or a lady, they can wear nice cloths, different clothes or even a uniform. The uniform issue is confusing to children so take the time to explain, not that the mailman is a stranger who will harm children, but children need to know that if they do not know the person in uniform – that person is a stranger.

TELL YOUR CHILD TO FOLLOW THESE RULES ABOUT STRANGERS:

• Never take anything like candy, ice cream or money from a stranger.
• Never talk to strangers.
• Never take a ride from a stranger.
• If a stranger asks for directions, stay away. Strangers should not ask kids for help.
• Never give your name or address to a stranger.
• Never tell anyone that you are home alone if you answer the telephone or door. Tell them that mom or dad is busy and you will take a massage.
• If a stranger bothers you, asks you to help him look for his dog, or cat, turn, scream and run in the opposite direction.
• If a stranger tries to follow you on foot or tries to grab you, RUN AWAY, SCREAM and TELL YOUR PARENTS, YOUR TEACHER or a trusted adult friend. A dangerous stranger doesn't’t want to be the center of attention.
• Never communicate with people on the Internet or through other electronic devices without your parents knowledge and approval. Everyone on the Internet is a stranger until they have been confirmed by your parents.

SAFETY RULES:

• Children should know to use the telephone. How and when to use 9-1-1.
• Children need to memorize and be tested on their area code and telephone number.
• Agree on a FAMILY PASSWORD.
• Always check with your parents first!
• Tell your parents if someone asks you to keep a secret.
• Don’t wear clothes with your name on them.
• Remember adults do not need your help. Ask your parents before helping.
• PARENTS, please allow your child to do whatever it takes to protect themselves.
• Develop an emergency plan. What to do, Where to go IF…….
• Most people are good and would not hurt you. Even so, YOU should still be careful and protect yourself.

PARENTS CHECK OUT THESE WEB SITES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - www.missingkids.com
• Polly Klaas Foundation - www.pollyklass.org                
• Child Watch of North America - www.childwatch.org  

11 Rules Of Safety For Children

                                                                                                        

These tips are provided to help children protect themselves from injury or harm. The following rules are good to learn with your parents:

• Obey your parents in all things, at all times. Their interest is in your welfare and safety. NEVER DISOBEY THEM.
• Do NOT take candy or presents from strangers.
• Do NOT take rides from strangers or people you don’t know very well, even if you have missed your bus or are late for school.
• BEWARE of strangers who are real friendly in the movies. REPORT them at once to the usher or person in charge.
• Take a friend along when you go to the movies, playground, stores, etc.
• NEVER play in alleys or desert buildings at any time.
• Do NOT run or play in the street at any time.
• NEVER play in or around trunks, packing crates, caves, or abandoned ice boxes, as you may get locked inside and die.
• Do NOT cross the streets, except at marked cross-walks or street corners, or where a policeman or crossing guard is on duty. Then WALK, do not RUN, across the street.
• When riding a bicycle obey ALL traffic laws, just like you were driving an automobile. Ride on the right hand side of street, don’t dodge out from behind parked cars. Learn and use all hand signals when turning or stopping. Don’t clown around, you may get hurt, cause an accident, or even be killed.
• NEVER communicate with strangers on the Internet or provide any personal information about you or your family (refer to Internet Safety Rules for additional information).

Always Remember:

• Your parents, teachers, and police officers want to keep you safe and happy. You can help by obeying all the rules.
  All police officers are you friends. Go to them when you are scared, in trouble or need help.
  
• If any stranger tries to make you disobey any of these rules, repot him at once to your parents, your teacher, or a policeman.
• All Parents - Put parental control software on all computers your children have access to, discuss the Internet with them and monitor their on-line use.