Women In Community Service Inc.

May 2001 School will soon be out ....

Dec 04, 2002

....and many of our kids will be on Summer Vacation. It is also a time when Child Predators will be looking for new opportunities to prey on our little loved ones.

Please take heed from some folks who are experts on helping you keep your family safe. The following is taken from information provided by the National Crime Prevention Council published in the McGruff Safe Kids Identification Kit ?– A Fun Way To Family Safety brought to us by the fine folks at Houston Cellular.

?“In a perfect world, our children would be safe from all harm, And although most kids grow up without any negative experiences, we have to do our best to prepare them in case they are ever in danger or threatened in any way?…

When presenting information, sit down and discuss it a little at a time so that it is not so overwhelming. Chances are, it will stimulate other conversation as well. And it will give your child an opportunity to express his or her feelings so that you can put any fears to rest.

A Love Note To Your Child ?– When you came into my life, we were always together, I became your protector because you were too little to take care of yourself. I knew exactly where you were every second of the day. And most days, when I wasn?’t holding you, you were holding on to me.
When you started walking and then running, I ran right along with you ?– to make sure you wouldn?’t get hurt. And if you did fall and get a bump (it happened once in awhile, you know), I wanted to be there to make the hurt go away. Well, most of those bumps and bruises are gone now. And now that you?’re (age), I won?’t always be by your side. You will be off playing with friends or out riding your bike or away at school.
But my job as a protector is even more important now. I must teach you how to handle emergencies when I?’m not around.
It?’s fun growing up. Fun to meet new kids and try lots of new things. And just as I have always made sure you?’ve had warm clothing in case of cold weather and snacks in case you got hungry, I must also have rules to keep you safe.
Remember, you can always come to me with problems or concerns; I will always be on your side no matter who is involved or what has happened.

Rules To Keep You Safe ?–
Remember to always walk or play with a friend or friends. Remember to always walk along streets you know. Never take shortcuts through wooded areas or empty lots.
Remember if someone tries to take you away, fight, kick, scream; ?“Help, this is not my mom or dad!?”
Remember never to talk to strangers no matter how friendly they seem. Always stay at least an arm?’s length away from a stranger.
Remember to always tell your mom or dad with whom you will be, where you will be, and when you will be home.
Remember, if a car stops or slows down beside you, quickly run in the direction from which the car is coming. It takes awhile for a car to turn around after you. Run to where people are ?– to a neighbor?’s house, a McGruff House or to someone working in a yard. Ask them for help.
Remember, never get into a stranger?’s car even if they say someone you love is hurt or that they are supposed to pick you up. Your mom or dad would never send a stranger to get you.
Remember, if you get separated from mom or dad in the store, go to the nearest sales person or store security and ask for help. Never leave the store to go to the car or look for mom or dad in the parking lot.?”

Parents and loved ones, there is so much that you need to do, so much of it is simple common sense that could avert a tragedy. For more information and fun things that translate into important life saving issues for you and your family friends please visit McGruff on the Internet at www.mcgruff-safe-kids.com

WICS