Briarwood Trace

Keeping Our Children Safe

Keeping our Children Safe

Back To School Safety

We're all still enjoying summer but school will be starting again before we know it. The Briarwood Trace Crime Watch wants the upcoming school year to be safe for all children. As parents, we must prepare our children for situations they may face and give them instruction and guidance. Never assume your child knows what to do. Talk to your child about the following safety tips and get feedback about his/her concerns.

On the Way to School

If your child will be walking to school or the bus stop, walk the route ahead of time with him/her. Point out safe places (businesses, homes of trusted friends, public buildings) where your child can take refuse if scared, confused, or anxious.
Use the most direct route. Avoid dangerous street crossings. Avoid vacant lots, fields, parks, and other areas that are not well-populated.
Teach your child to cross streets only at designated crosswalks, obeying all traffic signals.
Use the buddy system. Never walk alone.
Never talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers. Make certain your child understands what a "stranger" is.
Tell your child that if he/she is approached by anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable, you want them to scream, kick, punch and poke - anything that will help them get away. Run to a safe place and get help.
Remind your child that adults should never ask children for help or directions. They should ask other adults.
If a car follows beside your child, attempting to get close or talk to the child, he/she should reverse direction and run to the nearest safe place.
Teach your child to report suspicious persons or anything that makes them uncomfortable to you, even if they have told a teacher or other responsible adult.
NEVER leave school with anyone before checking with a parent or teacher.

School Bus Safety

Make certain your child knows his/her school bus number.
Make certain your child knows his/her own phone number and address.
Check out the area around the bus stop. Report any safety concerns you may have to the Police Department.
Tell your child what you want him/her to do if the bus does not arrive on time.
Use the buddy system. Your child should never be alone at the bus stop.

Home Alone

Keep doors and windows locked at all times. Teach your child how to lock and unlock all doors and windows.
Never let anyone know you are alone. Tell your child how you want them to handle someone at the door and incoming phone calls.
If your child is too short to use the peephole in the door, consider installing an additional peephole at a lower level.
Never leave a key hidden outside your home.
Never enter the house if the door is ajar or a window is open or broken.
Post important telephone numbers and your address near all phones. Even if these are familiar numbers, a child may forget them if scared or excited.
Review with your child what to do in case of fire or medical emergency.