Manor Lake Civic Association

Tips for Keeping Kids Safe - from the Rockville Police Dept.

These are good tips regardless of where you live. 

• Teach children about “good strangers” and “bad strangers.”

• Good strangers are people who they don’t know, but who are available to help them, such as a police officer, firefighter, security officer or teacher.
  
  
• Bad strangers are people they don’t know, who want them to disobey a parent, do something without permission or keep a secret, or who makes them feel uncomfortable. This can include accepting gifts from the person, going somewhere with them, posing for pictures or allowing the person to touch them in private places (where a bathing suit covers). 
  
  
• While you are out in your community, point out the good strangers, so that your child can learn to recognize them and show children where safe places are and where they can go for help.
  

• Tell children to trust their instincts and that, if they ever feel scared or uncomfortable, they should get away as fast as the can and tell an adult.
  
  
• Talk with children about what to do in a dangerous situation. Teach them to yell and say “No,” “Go,” or “No, you’re not my parent!” Tell them to run away and to yell as loud as they can.
  
  
• Set time limits and a route for your child. Tell them where they can and cannot go and what time they should be home. Remind children to stay away from vacant buildings, wooded lots and stranger’s houses and vehicles.
  
  
• Know where your child is at all times. Make it a rule that your child must ask permission or check in with you before going anywhere. Make sure your child has your contact information with them at all times.
  
  
• If your child/teen will be alone for a significant amount of time, have them check in if they plan to leave the house and when they return home. 
  
  
• Be proactive. During outings, have a backup plan in case your child gets separated from the group. Set a meeting place and time.

To report a crime, call the Rockville City Police Department at 240-314-8900. In case of an emergency, call 911.

For more crime prevention safety tips, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/police, and select “Crime Prevention,” or visit the National Crime Prevent Council’s website at www.ncpc.org.