Keeping Your Kids Safe in the Summer

Make sure your kids are safe as they're running around your neighborhood.

Talk To Your Kids About Safety.  Starting at the age of five, make sure you talk to your kids about safety basics: teach them their full name and make sure they know that they should call for an adult (or call 911) in an emergency. 

Scholastic.com recommends teaching your kids the NO-GO-TELL system: If you're uncomfortable in a situation, say "NO", GO away from from the situation, and TELL an adult you trust. 

Define "Strangers." Not every stranger is dangerous - you'll want your kids to turn to police officers and other public officials if needed.  Tell your kids to trust their intuition about a situation - if they feel unsafe, leave and find an adult they can trust.

Set Clear Rules. Let your kids know how far they can go on their own, how late they can be out, where they can/cannot go without an adult, etc.  Set these rules before they venture off to play.

Travel In Groups. Make this one of the aforementioned clear rules and make sure you know who is in the group and what they're doing, when they'll be back, etc. 

Know Your Neighbors/Neighborhood. Invite your neighbors over for a barbeque and get to know the neighborhood kids and their parents.  Keep your eyes and ears tuned to what is normally going on/who you normally see so you'll be  able to spot any suspicious activity.