" It doesn't matter which Organization finds the Children, 

but how fast we find the Children."

Educate your Kids

"Safety Tips"

TEACH YOUR KIDS: His/her full name, address, telephone number, and how to call "911" in an emergency.

TEACH YOUR KIDS: about "safe" houses and "McGruff trucks" to go to for help when you are not with them.

TEACH YOUR KIDS: never to let anyone in the house, even if you are home, and not to give out your address or phone number unless you have given them permission to do so.

TEACH YOUR KIDS: to say NO to offers of gifts, candy, or other valuable objects, even TOYS, PUPPIES or KITTIES.

TEACH YOUR KIDS: to say NO to any adults asking for help to find a pet or other lost objects. (Remember: A responsible Adult should not have to ask a Child for help).

TEACH YOUR KIDS:  If you are in a public place, and they become separated from you, tell them not to wander around looking for you. Teach them to go to a checkout counter, security office, or even the lost and found and quickly tell the person in charge that they are lost and need help.

TEACH YOUR KIDS: A PASSWORD known only to you and your child. The
password is to be used in case anyone tells your child that they are to
pick them up and take them somewhere, perhaps due to an emergency. If
the person asking does not know the password, tell your child to refuse
to go and immediately leave the area and tell a trusted adult, teacher,
or other authority figure about the incident.

TEACH YOUR KIDS:  If someone says that your mother or father is in
trouble and that they will take you to them, RUN STRAIGHT HOME,  yelling
MOM, DAD.

TEACH YOUR KIDS: They should never get into a car or go anywhere with
any person unless your parents said that it is okay. A note from
from Mom and Dad wouldn't be a bad idea either, RIGHT MOM & DAD?

TEACH YOUR KIDS: PAY ATTENTION, or look around while they are
walking around.  KIDS should always use the "buddy system" and never go places
alone. If someone is following them on foot, tell them to RUN and SCREAM.
If someone is in a car, teach them to stay away and run the other way.
SCREAM if necessary!

TEACH YOUR KIDS: If someone tries to take you somewhere, quickly get
away from them and YELL or SCREAM, "This man is NOT MY DAD!" or "This
woman is NOT MY MOM!"

TEACH YOUR KIDS: Always ask for permission to leave the
yard, or play area. If you are going to someone's house, have your
parents call ahead to see if an adult is home, or ask your
parents to walk you over there.

TEACH YOUR KIDS: To communicate freely how they feel. Never belittle or
disregard what your child is telling you, especially if they are trying
to explain that something made them feel uncomfortable.

DO NOT PUT YOUR CHILD'S first name on clothing, bikes, backpacks, or
toys where it is visible.

ALWAYS LEAVE an emergency number and location where you will be when you
are not with your child.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE

Have your child(ren) fingerprinted.

Always maintain a current photograph of your child(ren), including
current height and weight.

Obtain a passport for your child(ren).  Once obtained, it is hard for
someone else to obtain another one.

Know who your child’s friends are, their parents, address and phone
number.

Never leave your child unattended (i.e. shopping malls, a car, home,
etc.)

Teach your child(ren) how to use 911 and 0.

Make sure your child(ren) know their full names (and yours), phone
number and area code, address including city and state.  Make a game of
teaching them to call home long distance.

If you are separated or divorced let your children’s administrators know
about visitation rights, for example, tell them whether or not your
ex-spouse is allowed to pick up the child(ren).

Really listen to anything and everything your child tells you.

Children should know that a stranger is any adult they don’t know well.
Even someone they see every day, like a neighbor or bus driver, can be a
stranger.  This doesn’t mean strangers are bad.  It just means a child
shouldn’t be alone with them.

Discuss scenarios with your child(ren).  Teach them what to do if they
get lost.

Abductors use many lures to attract children: They may ask for help,
like asking for directions or finding a lost pet. Children want to help,
but teach your child(ren) that adults should ask other adults for help.
They shouldn’t ask children. If a stranger asks for help, say no and
stay away from them. They may offer gifts, such as candy, money, jobs,
or lure them with a pet or a toy. Teach your child(ren) to never accept
gifts from a stranger.

Strangers may pretend to be an authority figure, such as a police
officer or a clergyman.  Uniforms are easy to get.  If a person in a
uniform of authority approaches your child, teach them that they should
ask another adult to assist them.

Strangers may create an emergency by saying something like; “your
parents are hurt, I’m supposed to take you to the hospital.”  Tell your
child this would never happen.

A lot of children are abducted on their way to and from school or the
park.  A child alone is an easy target.  Teach children to walk and play
together and to watch out for each other.

Teach your child(ren) that no one has the right to touch them or make
them feel uncomfortable.  Explain to young children that the parts of
their body that their bathing suit covers are their “private parts” and
no one has the right to touch them there.

Teach them that if any of these situations occur, they should tell you.

Assure your child(ren) that if they’re ever lost or abducted, you will
always love them and will look for them until you find them, no matter
what.  This is critical because most abductors tell children that their
parents don’t want them anymore.  If they believe this, they don’t have
anywhere else to go.

Children must know that you want them to come home.

Finally, take your time teaching your child(ren) each of these points
and be sure to reinforce them regularly.  One good way is to turn it
into a quiz game.  Be sure to praise them when they know the right
answer.

As parents, members of the community and as a Nation, we must help the
children who have been entrusted in our care.  On behalf of the children
we seek to protect and serve, we look forward to your support.

Parents should keep an Identification Packet

BIRTH CERTIFICATE FINGERPRINT CARD MEDICAL&DENTAL INFORMATION RECENT PHOTOGRAPH OF YOUR CHILD SOCIAL SECURITY CARD UP-TO DATE PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

MOST IMPORTANT, REMEMBER: There are predators out there who are very
willing to listen to your child in order to gain their trust, and your
child could end up on Banner Kids. How would you feel about that?

For more information please contact us at:

 info@bannerkids.org

1-702-898-4600