How do you keep your child ‘stranger safe’ this summer? Now children are out of school, there is more time for families to make life-lasting memories when going out to enjoy fairs, festivals, and amusement parks. Here’s a plan to keep them safe.Parents, you know there is always an increase in anxiety and stress when going on family outings and when
safety security of your family is on your mind. Not sure where to start? Take a few minutes and start with a family safety plan by following some of these easy steps so it’s not just kids having all fun…you can too!
Before going to event, tell your child…
… to have fun while paying attention to where they are and who they are with at all times.
…they should not be alone in park or become isolated with anyone, even characters in costume. Tell them not to accept any prizes, offers, or gifts from anyone until they have checked with you FIRST.
…they should be cautioned not to engage in conversation with or offer assistance to anyone until they have checked with you.
… to tell you if anyone approaches them or makes them feel uncomfortable. Tell you children if they are approached by anyone who tries to take them to yell “This person is not my father (mother)!” and do whatever they need to do (kick, punch, scratch,) to get away from that person.
… if you become separated in park to go to closest “Help/Information Center” to ask people there to “find my parents and bring them to me here at this Center” or, in case of older children, make “Help/Information Center” spot where you can “meet up”. Make sure your child understands they should never search for you on their own or look for you outside park, especially in parking lot.
…these rules also apply when they are taking part in a field trip through their school or youth group. If you are not joining them for trip, they need to check first with and tell responsible adult in charge or a designated chaperone if anything is wrong.
As a parent you should…
… get all information about park prior to you trip, and review park guidelines, particularly those regarding lost children. Discuss information with your family, including what to do if you become separated. As your children what they would do in certain situations, and practice appropriate actions and responses with your children.
