Top Summer Safety Tips for Kids

Top Summer Safety Tips for Kids
By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist

It’s summertime, and kids will be playing longer hours outdoors. Regardless of how much adult supervision is expected, says the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, be sure your children know their home address and phone numbers – and drill into your children these very important summer safety rules:

1. Always check first with parents or another trusted adult before you go anywhere or do anything – and check in regularly when you are away from home.
2. Take a friend with you when you go to a public restroom, a nearby park or mall, or anywhere else away from your home.
3. Be wary of people you do not know who offer you a treat or ask you to help find a pet or run an errand. Say no and go the other way.
4. Say no to a stranger who offers you a ride or to anyone who makes you feel scared, uncomfortable or confused. Trust your feelings, get away, and tell a parent or trusted adult what happened and where it was.
5. Don’t take shortcuts through areas you do not know – and stay away from pools, canals or lakes unless a parent or trusted adult is with you.
6. If you are lost, look for a uniformed officer, security guard, store salesperson, or a mother with children to help you reunite with your parents.
7. Be careful playing outdoors as it gets dark. If you have permission to stay outdoors, wear reflectors or light colored clothing to be sure people who are driving can see you.
8. If you are home alone, keep the doors locked and do not open them for anyone except trusted family relatives or friends unless you have been instructed to do so by your parents. Keep handy the number of a neighbor you can call if something happens you are not sure about.