From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Safety First

By Bob Wilkins
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Tips for parents and kids on staying safe this summer

Well, the time has come; our children have been released from the school system to enjoy an active and fun-filled summer. As parents, we know that summer also means our children may have some idle time on their hands and will seek some form of entertainment.
Although we will try to keep them busy and entertained, we know that we can't always monitor their day-to-day activities. Being a parent and police officer, I not only experience the demands of raising a child in today's society where both parents work, but I also see the dangers and problems our children face when not under the direct supervision of their parents or peers.
We need to take some precautions to ensure our children have a safe and fun summer break. We also must teach our children some basic skills to reduce the risk of injury or becoming a victim of crime.

Here is a list of out-of-school safety tips for our children and for us.

For parents

Be sure to discuss with your children whose homes they can visit when you're not there and where they can and can't go in the neighborhood.
Make sure children know their name, address and phone number and how to use the phone. Be sure they know what to do in case of an emergency.
Caution children not to open the door when they are home alone. Make sure they understand not to tell anyone who calls that they are home alone.
Don't drop your child off at the mall, movies, arcades or parks. These places are easy targets for molesters and abductors. Make sure your children are supervised at all times in these places.
Teach your children in whose car they may ride. Children should be warned never to approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless accompanied by a parent or trusted adult.
Make sure children know to stay away from pools, canals or other bodies of water without adult supervision.
Since daylight hours last longer, be sure your children know their curfew and know to check in with you if they are going to be late. If you allow your children to play outside after dark, make sure they have reflective clothing and stay close to home.
Choose babysitters with care. Obtain references from family, friends and neighbors. Observe the babysitter's interaction with your children, and ask your children how they feel about the babysitter.
Investigate daycare settings thoroughly before placing your child. Make certain the center or family daycare home is licensed and that parents are free to come and go as they wish. Observe the personnel and activities several times before making your decision, and visit unannounced after placement.
Be sure all custody documents are in order and certified copies are available in case your child is not returned from summer visitations.
Always listen to your children, and keep lines of communication open. Your children are your best source for determining if everything is OK. Teach them how to get out of dangerous or uncomfortable situations right away, and make sure they know they can tell you about anything that happens to them.
Remember to call 911 if you or your children observe any suspicious activity or if any stranger attempts to contact your children.

For children

Always check first with your parents or the person in charge before you go anywhere or do anything. Be sure to check in with your parents or a trusted adult when you're not with them.
Always have a buddy when you play or go somewhere. It's safer and more fun.
Don't be tricked by people offering you special treats or gifts. Never accept anything from someone without your parent's permission.
Stay safe when you're home alone by keeping the door locked and never telling anyone who calls that you're home by yourself. Have a neighbor or trusted adult you can call if you're frightened or in an emergency.
Do not go to the malls, movies, video arcades or parks by yourself. These are not places to be alone.
Don't panic if you feel lost. You know the rules, and they'll keep you safe. Never leave the area you're in because your family and friends will be looking for you.
Be careful when you play. Stay away from pools, canals, lakes or any other bodies of water unless you are with an adult. Do not play in busy streets or deserted areas, and never take shortcuts home unless you have your parent's permission.
Don't wear clothes or carry items with your name on the outside, and don't be confused just because someone you don't know calls out your name.
Don't go near or get into a car with someone in it unless you are with your parents or a trusted adult. Never take a ride from someone without checking first with your parents.
Be careful playing or riding your bike after it gets dark. Sometimes it is difficult for people driving cars to see you. Wear protective clothes and reflectors if your parents say it's OK to be out after dark.

Officer Bob Wilkins is a crime prevention practitioner with the Plantation Police Department. Send questions about crime prevention or the police department to bw9630@yahoo.com.