Family

CHILD SAFETY CHECKLIST

As Young As Possible Children Should Know Their...

Full name.
Parent's full name.
Street address, including city and state.
Telephone number, including area code.

As Young As Possible Children Need To Be Taught...

How and when to dial 911
Not to play with guns. If playing at a friend's house and they see a gun (or if their friend wants to show them their parent's gun), they should immediately go to the friend's parent and tell the parent to lock up the gun so no one gets hurt. Make sure your child tells you if they ever see a gun at a friend's house so you can discuss the matter with the parent. Guns should always be locked up and never kept where children could get them.
To hold your hand in crowded places.
To scream "STRANGER" if someone tries to carry him/her away.
Never go anywhere with anyone (including your divorced spouse) without your verbal permission or without the secret password (see next item).
A secret password. Just you and the child should know the password, no one else. The password should be used only in an extreme emergency situation which requires a neighbor to unexpectedly take care of your child. If the password is ever needed and used (it probably won't be), it must then be changed to a new password!
No one should ever touch their "private parts". Children will not be embarrassed if you explain things seriously, simply and openly. Don't make a big issue out of it. Just explain that you must be told if anyone ever talks about, teases them about, or tries to touch their private parts, including chest area or backside. Explain that you should also be told if anyone ever tries to play a rubbing or touching game of any sort. Let your child know you will never be angry with them or dissappointed in them if they talk to you about this subject. And stress the fact that they should never keep any secrets from you concerning this subject, no matter what anyone tells them!

Older Children Must Understand...

To stay together as a group when playing outside with friends.
Not to answer the door when home alone unless a visitor is expected.
Never give out any personal information (name, phone number, address, etc.) over the telephone.
Never let anyone know they are home alone. If someone calls on the phone and asks to speak to an adult your child should say that their mom (or dad) is busy at the moment. The child should ask for the caller's phone number, take a short message and politely hang up. If the person calls back, the child should simply say that their mom (or dad) is still busy and will return the call as soon as possible and then politely hang up.
Who to contact in emergency situations.

Back to the Family Page

Back to East Jefferson's Community Home Page