When kids are out enjoying the summer vacation, they can easily become targets of criminals who prey on children because they are more vulnerable than adults. By following a few important safety tips, you can help keep your children safe during the summer vacation.
Kids Summer SafetyWhile school is out, it is important for them have some basic safety knowledge. With the higher likelihood of them being home, if they are unsupervised, they should never open the door for anyone they do not know. It is also best if they do not answer the phone, so parents should set their answering machine to pick up automatically. If a child does answer the phone, it is essential that they not tell anyone they are home without adult supervision. It may be useful to teach them to say something like ‘I got it, Mom!” before they say hello. Make sure your children know every exit in your house. That way someone does get in, the child can have a plan to get out. Children need to understand that if a stranger enters the house, they need to get out and find a trusted neighbor. Outdoor Safety TipsKids also spend a lot of time outside in the summer, so they should be taught a few guidelines for basic safety. For example, encourage children to travel in groups wherever they go. Criminals and those with bad intentions are more likely to approach an individual than a group. Bike riding is a popular activity for children. Buy your kids helmets and locks so they can protect themselves and their property. Tell them to always chain their bikes up so they will not get stolen. Another great investment for your kid's summer time safety is a personal alarm. Your child can carry the alarm at all times, and use it if they feel they are in danger. There are alarms that when activated, it will flash a bright red light and emit a loud shriek to let anyone around know that someone is in trouble. This will most often scare criminals away because they won't want to be seen by others. Safety Tips For ParentsIt is important for parents to teach their children how to avoid being victims. There have been too many stories of parents thinking it could never happen to them and not taking the time to do even the basics in teaching their children simple techniques for staying safe. Explain the potential hazards to your children such as avoiding canals or other dangerous areas that they may be tempted to explore. Tell them to stay away from dark alleys, empty parking lots or anywhere that criminals may be hiding. If your child has specific locations they frequently go to such as a park or friend's home, walk with them and show them the best route to take every time. If the route passes by the home of a trusted friend, let your child know that it is a safe place they can go to if they ever need help. Create a list of emergency phone numbers for your children that include your cell phone, 911 and the numbers of trusted friends and relatives. Keep a copy of this list at home, near your primary phone, and give a copy of the list to each of your children to carry with them at all times. In the summer, as well as year round, perhaps the most essential outdoor safety rule parents must give their children is to avoid strangers at all costs. Be sure they understand that it is never safe to talk to strangers, take anything from them and most importantly to never get into a stranger's vehicle. Kids should know that if a stranger approaches them, the best thing to do is run away as quickly as possible. Summer safety for kids can be accomplished with a little knowledge and preparation. Understand the issues children face, encourage them how to participate in fun activities, and help them stay happy and safe all summer long. |
