5. Always accompany your child into a public restroom.

6. Keep an up-to-date color photograph of your child, a Child ID, and medical and dental history, and have your child fingerprinted.

Child abduction is a growing concern and there are simple precautions that you can take to help safeguard your children.

Also, remember wet feet running onto an indoor floor can slip and fall. Keep additional towels at entrances and secure rugs for safety. A dampened paper towel in a little plastic sandwich bag next to each plate provides a welcome way to clean sticky fingers and faces. This also keeps insect pests from landing on small children and biting. Have all chemicals safety put away so inquisitive children or pets are not injured. A portable phone close by is a blessing if an emergency should occur. Also having vital phone numbers such as hospital, fire, police, etc. taped or placed on patio or porch may give extra time needed to avoid a catastrophe. In case of rain or thunderstorm, preplan a place for all to gather and continue having fun. If you have a pool, keep rules simple but mandatory. No rough housing in water, and small children should never be left alone. An adult should always be present. Slip resistant access is vital as well as floatation devices if boating or other water activity includes anyone going out into open water. Your thoughtfulness will be very much appreciated and everyone will relax and have fun knowing that all bases for their personal safety are covered as much as possible.

It doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare a safe environment for all your outdoor fun. Just a few things to insure that everyone has a great time and all go home with great memories. ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June