Kids safety and getting lost

The door to safety swings on the hinges of common sense, Anonymous.

The world is a dangerous place, there is no doubt about it, so it is important to have fun, but always play safe!

“Do not accept rides in the cars of strangers. Do not use recreational drugs or abuse prescription medications. Do not walk alone at night. Do not share personal information about yourself with strangers. Do not open your door to your home or car to strangers”, SAFETY & US LAWS, American Work Adventures.

You may be interested in reading our free ebooks Lost in the zoo, Prevention is better than cure and I fell down a hole for a gentle introduction to this topic.

For instance, getting lost is a frightening and scary experience. It is for both children and their parents alike. Let me offer you some tips about safety, how to avoid getting lost, as well as, what to do if you do.

• Make sure you know your full name, address, home telephone number, your parents’ full name, how to reach your parents at work, your parents’ mobile phones, and the emergency number.

  

• Don’t open the door to anyone when you are at home alone. Don’t accept a lift, sweets, or gifts from anyone. Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t walk or play alone outside. Ask permission before leaving home, take a friend whenever you walk, ride to school, play outside, etc. If anyone tries to grab you, make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting, Missing & Exploited Children.

• If you get lost: Stay calm. Don’t panic. “Stop, stand still, and look around you. Mum or Dad may be able to quickly retrace their steps, and come and find you if you stay where you are” (Netmums, essential Safety for Kids: If a Child Gets Lost).

  

• “If no one arrives soon, look for a police officer or another trusted adult (a safe stranger).” (Florida children’s safety center). “A safe strange is a person who is working at their job which helps people. Safe strangers will usually be wearing a uniform. Safer strangers could be police officers, police community support officers, traffic wardens, shopkeepers, check-out assistants, paramedics, and others” (Child’s eye media).

  

• What should you do if you see a missing child? Call the police immediately and “do not approach the child or attempt to ‘rescue’ the child. Leave that to the police. If ANYTHING about the situation causes you concern that the child is in immediate danger, dial 999 and report the matter to the police,” Missing people.