eGuide Archives: Rate your child's safety

Rate your child's safety

Take a moment to determine whether or not your child
is able to accomplish the following items.

YES/NO
_________ 1.	Recite his or her full name, address and telephone number including area code, city and state and know not to divulge this information to a stranger or passerby?
_________ 2.	Use a phone to make a long distance call, dial direct or get operator assistance?
_________ 3.	Does your child know to NEVER enter anyone's home without your permission?
_________ 4.	Know of any certain home where they are NOT to enter under any circumstances?
_________ 5.	If separated from you in a store, would your child go to the nearest check-out clerk?
_________ 6.	Could he or she verify that the person is in fact an employee of the store?
_________ 7.	Would he or she know not to go into the parking lot either alone or if encouraged by an adult?
_________ 8.	Know always when playing with others -- to go places on the "buddy-system?"
_________ 9.	Know that adults seldom ask for directions from children and that if approached by a car, they should never go near or get in an automobile with a stranger?
_________10.	Does your child know not to accept rides from a stranger or even acquaintances without your specific permission?
_________11.	If followed by an adult or stranger, would your child know to proceed immediately to a place where there are other people; e.g., a store or a neighbor's house
_________12.	If home alone, knows not to answer the door or tell anyone over the phone that he or she is alone? (Obviously, a young child should never be left alone.)
_________13.	Would your child yell NO or 911 and create a scene in public if he or she were being subjected to bad touches?
_________14.	Would your child report to you if asked by an adult to keep a secret from you?
_________15.	Do you and your child have a code word to exchange if your plans change?
_________16.	Does your child know never to talk or accept gifts of any kind from strangers?

Every "NO" answer indicates an area of risk for your child. It is probably a good idea to ask your child these questions in a modified form as an added precaution.

Reminder of the week:  Experts recommend that parents take pictures of children two and under at least 4 times a year and that they take pictures of older preschoolers twice a year. Once your child starts school, an annual school picture is sufficient. If you havent taken a picture of your child recently, it is time to take one now. Know where to find the pictures in an emergency. Having a digital copy of the photograph would greatly assist law enforcement if your child is ever missing.