Child Safety and Risk Reduction

By Robert Robillard on Home And Personal Safety

Tips on child safety and risk reduction

 

There are no guarantees, by heightening your child’s sense of awareness and teaching sound defensive-strategies, the odds of becoming a victim can be reduced.

Risk Reduction

Risk reduction is the number one self-defense technique for not becoming a victim.  Consider discussing the following child safety and risk reduction ideas with your children. In addition to discussing these Safety-Tips, you should try some simple role-playing scenarios with your child.

  • Your full name.
  • Your parents full names (especially if their last names are different).
  • Your address.
  • Phone number.
  • Your birth date.
  • Safe houses/Places to go to.
  • Safe people (police and firemen, uniformed employees)
  • Emergency phone numbers.

Discuss “STRANGER DANGER”

Bad people do not look a certain way and certainly don’t look like they do in the movies.   Go over the following child safety and risk reduction  pointers and use them as teaching points.

  • Anyone can be a “Bad Person”.
  • People you know can be “Bad People”.
  • Listen to the “Little Voice” inside of you.
  • Never go with a stranger.
  • Never get near or into a stranger’s car.
  • Never accept anything from a stranger (especially money, toys or candy).
  • Don’t help people you don’t know (“lost puppy”).
  • Don’t pose for a stranger who wants to take your picture.
  • Don’t believe a stranger when they tell you that someone is hurt or go with a stranger (unless they use the correct SECURITY WORD).

AT HOME/PLAY-TIME

  • Never play with fire or sharp objects.
  • Always wear a helmet when bike riding or skateboarding.
  • Never play by tying-up a playmate or being tied-up yourself.
  • Never play with guns (leave if anyone wants to show you a gun).
  • Play in safe areas – not near the street, under dark areas, behind cars, in driveways, in secluded
    areas, or in abandoned cars or buildings.
  • Never play in a strangers house.
  • Always let a parent know where you are and what the phone number there is.
  • Lock doors and windows (at night or when home alone).
  • Do not open the door to people you do not know – Use peep-holes or side windows (call the police if you don’t know the person at the door).
  • Close shades and/or curtains.
  • Keep lights at the doors on at night. If a light is out and someone knocks, be aware.
  • Know a few phone numbers of neighbors.
  • Have a written list of Emergency Numbers (Police, Fire, and Ambulance is 911, Doctors, Poison Control, Neighbors).
  • If you have an alarm system learn how to use it.
  • Ask “who’s calling” when you answer the phone – continue to ask or call a grown-up (or hang up).
  • Never tell anyone you are home alone.

WHILE TRAVELING

  • Always wear your seat belt.
  • Keep your door locked while in the car.
  • Never “play” with any control of a car.
  • Look around before getting out of the car (for traffic dangers or suspicious looking people who
    might be next to the car).
  • Never take short-cuts.
  • Let people/parents know where you’re going and what route your taking.
  • Stop, look, and listen before crossing any street.
  • Try to walk in groups (the “Buddy System”).
  • Know where the “Safe Houses/Places” are on your route (Police or Fire Station, Friends of Family, Store).
  • Plan pick-up and Drop-Off places ahead of time (and repeat the information to be sure there is no mis-understandings).
  • Don’t wear clothes or carry items that have your name on the outside.

WHAT TO DO

  • If someone is following you don’t try to hide. Go to a safe place. If you have no other choice don’t be afraid to scream “HELP!”and continue to move away.
  • If someone asks you for directions or help tell them “NO” while you are moving (running) away from them.
  • Tell a parent if someone tells you to keep a secret from them.
  • Tell a parent if someone threatens you or them.
  • If you get lost or separated from your group in a store never go to the parking lot. Go to the cashier and tell them your lost.

FOR PARENTS

  • Know your child’s friends.
  • Never leave a child unattended.
  • Spend some time at the activities your child is involved with – watch for proper supervision.
  • Listen when your child says they don’t like someone (what’s the reason?).
  • Notice anyone who is unusually attracted to your child.
  • Note and write down any scars or birthmarks that your child might have.
  • Have your child fingerprinted.
  • Be aware of any radical changes in your child’s behavior/attitude.
  • Talk to your child every day. Ask what happened (both good and not so good) during the day.
  • Take frequent photographs of your child (4 times a year under the age of 2 years).
  • Set up plans in case your child gets lost, is separated in a mall, finds no one home, and for the
    other circumstances previously mention in the handout. If separated in a store notify an employee IMMEDIATELY. They probably have a store-plan.
  • Be sure of your child’s day care/school policy for releasing students under unusual circumstances.
  • Talk to other parents about this information.

Balance these child safety and risk reduction  “Safety Tips” without creating “Unrealistic Monster Fears” for your child.

 

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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