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Child Safety Tips

There have been incidents in metropolitan Denver and surrounding areas involving children being molested while walking to and from school with friends or while shopping in a store with parents only an aisle away.

It's never too early to start teaching your children the basic safety rules. Rehearse with your child his or her full name, address, and telephone number, including the area code, and practice placing an emergency call by using an unplugged telephone.

Teach your child to seek assistance from a store clerk or security guard if you become separated in a store or shopping mall. Tell them never to go into the parking lot alone or with a stranger who offers to help.

Children should learn to be very aware of anyone else in a public restroom and not to be afraid to scream loudly if someone touches them or approaches them in a suspicious manner.

A child should learn never to accept gifts or rides from someone he or she does not know well. Adopt a family code word to be used if you have to ask a third party to pick up your child. Advise the school personnel or baby-sitter ahead of time who has your permission to pick up your child in the event you cannot. It's a good idea to provide a snapshot photo of the person along with a vehicle description.

Teach children how to answer the telephone without giving the caller any idea that parents are not present. Post important telephone numbers near all your telephones at home, and be certain children know how to call you at work. It's a good idea to enlist the assistance of a trusted neighbor who is in close proximity to your home to provide a "watchful eye" or to lend assistance and provide a safe haven in case of emergency.

Establish rules for having friends over or for going to someone else's house when no adult is present. Agree on some fun ways to be home alone such as reading, watching a movie, playing with a favorite pet, or creating an artistic project. Set limits on kitchen appliances (such as stoves) or items that are not to be used (such as sharp knives or matches) when an adult is not present.

Map out an escape route to be used in case of fire or another emergency and practice that route until even small children can do it by themselves in daylight as well as darkness.

Most importantly, keep communication channels open with your children and help your child understand that it's okay to tell you if someone is doing something to them that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Stranger Safety

• A stranger is someone you and your parents do not know.
• Don't accept anything from a stranger.
• Don't take anything from a stranger.
• If another person makes you feel uncomfortable, walk away and tell an adult.
• NEVER accept a ride or go with a stranger.
• Shout "NO" and get away quickly.

Bicycle Safety

• Always wear a helmet. The helmet should fit snug but not too tight.
• Wear clothes and reflectors motorists can see.
• Ride on marked paths and in safe areas. Ride in the same direction the cars are traveling.
• Use hand signals when turning.
• Ride in single file.

Play areas and parks

• Let your parents know where you are.
• Do not play in the street.
• Fights are not the way to solve a problem. It takes courage to walk away.

Being Home Alone

• Keep the doors and windows locked.
• Do not open the door for anyone you do not know.
• NEVER say you are home alone.
• Call a parent or neighbor if you become afraid.
• Do not allow friends to come over without asking a parent first.

Motorized skateboards and scooters

• The sidewalk is the only place to ride these.
• It is illegal to ride either one on the street unless you are crossing in a crosswalk.
• You must obey all traffic lights.