Keep Your Kids Safe - Tips for Parents

• Learn a few child safety and abduction prevention tips, simple ways to protect and educate your children.
• Make sure your child knows his or her complete name, address and telephone number with area code. It seems like a lot to remember, but this is one of the most important child safety tips.
• Show your child how to dial 911. Most cities send the police whether or not a request is made, so let your child know this is for emergencies only, and not a game.
• Establish a code word for situations when your child is to be picked up by someone other than a parent or regular caregiver. Predators have tricked kids into telling the code word, so remind your child never to tell anyone.
• Teach your child that if it feels weird it probably is, and regularly remind the child that he or she can talk to you about anything.
• Don't lose sight of your child in public places, especially when very crowded.
• Remind your child that if he or she is lost to find a store clerk or police officer and wait with that person until you or the police arrive. The child should not go with someone who offers to take him or her to you unless it is a uniformed officer.
• Your child should know to never approach a car for any reason unless you have given your permission.
• Don't forget that child predators look like regular folks, so anyone that you don't know is a stranger.
• If you must leave your child at home alone, remind the child to never open the door for anyone that you have not approved.
• Teach your child to always walk with someone.
• If your child is in a dangerous situation, he or she should yell for help and run to a trusted adult. The child should know to never to run into an uninhabited area.
• Don't put nametags on the outside of your children's clothing, books, book bags, etc. A child abductor will use this to his/her advantage.
• It is important for families to talk about child safety. Keep an open dialogue, and take advantage of the many resources available for keeping your child safe.

Internet Safety Tips

-Print these rules out and put them up near your computer where you can see them every time you go online.

-Always ask your Parents before you go on the internet.

-Always tell your parents or other adult you trust if you see something online that is scary or that you don't understand.

I-f anyone tries to talk to you over the internet let your parent or a trusted adult know immediately.

-Keep your passwords private, even from your best friend! Your online service will never ask for them, so neither should anyone else.

-Use only your Log-in Name and/or e-mail address when chatting or sending e-mail. Never give out personal information like your name, address, or phone number.

-Always delete unknown e-mail attachments. They can contain destructive viruses.

-Remember that nothing you write on the Web is completely private -- including e-mail. So be careful and think about what you type and who you tell.

-People are not always as nice, cute, or funny as they may sound online. Some actually pretend to be kids when they are actually grownups. Never make plans to meet an online "friend" in person. And TELL your parents immediately if someone tries to meet you or asks for your information.

ATM Security
Security at Walk-up ATM's
-Always OBSERVE your surroundings before conducting a transaction
-If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another ATM
-When possible, take a companion along, especially at night
-Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready to use
-Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the terminal so that others cannot see your code or transaction amount
-If you see anyone or anything suspicious while conducting a transaction, cancel your transaction and leave
-Do not count cash at the machine - wait until you are home or in a safe place
-If you are followed after making an ATM transaction, go immediately to a heavily populated, well-lighted area and call the police.

Security at Drive-Up ATM's
-Keep your engine running, the doors locked and the windows up at all times when waiting in line
-When possible, leave enough room between cars to allow for a quick exit should it become necessary
-Before rolling down the window to use the ATM, check the entire area for anything or anyone suspicious
-Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready to use
-Do not count cash at the machine - wait until you are home or in a safe place

Also:
-Keeping your ATM card secure
-Treat your ATM card like cash
-Keep your "secret code" a secret
-Do not give out any information over the telephone
-Report a lost or stolen card at once
-Check your receipts against your monthly statement to guard against ATM fraud

Auto Safety Tips

Crime statistics show that one vehicle is stolen every 20 seconds in the United States. Stolen cars, vans, trucks, and motorcycles cost victims time and money - and increase everyone's insurance premiums. They're also often used to commit other crimes.

Basic Prevention

-Never leave your keys in the car or ignition.

-Always lock your car, even if it's in front of your home.

-Copy your tag number and vehicle identification number (VIN) on a card and keep them with your driver's license. Keep the registration with you, not in the car.

-Keep the keys to your home and car separate.

-Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there's enough gas to get there and back.

-Avoid parking in isolated areas with little foot or auto traffic and poor lighting. Be especially alert in unstaffed lots and enclosed parking garages.

-When possible back into the parking spot so you can have a better view and make a quick getaway.

-If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest police or fire station, open service station, or other open business to get help.

-Don't pick up hitchhikers. Don't hitchhike yourself.

-If you often drive at night, or alone, consider a CB radio or cellular phone to make it easier to summon help in a emergency.