PARENTS

• Listen to your children, trust their feelings (fear of a neighbor)

• Stay with your child at the bus stop, don't let them wait alone

• Have your child call when they get to a destination

• Set specific times to come home/check in while playing

• Set designated meeting spots if get separated (check out lanes etc.)

• Teach your child their phone number, address, full name and parents names

• Teach your child how and when to call 911

• Post family members phone #'s by the phone or on the refrigerator

• Meet your child's friends and parents before allowing them to go to their house

• Know you neighbors

• Designate a safe house in your neighborhood for your child to go if they are locked out

• Develop code words/phrases to use in an emergency (child would know it's safe to go with the person because they knew the code word)

• Avoid putting your child's name on the outside of clothing or backpacks (Label on the inside)

• Never leave your child alone in the car

• Thoroughly check out babysitters / daycares (check in unannounced)

• Check the local Police Department for known sex offenders living in your area, or do a search with the State Police:  Illinois Sex Offenders Registry

CHILDREN

• Stay in groups with an adult, don't go off by yourself

• Trust your feelings, the "butterflies" in your stomach

• Don't ever tell a stranger your name

• Don't ever accept anything from a stranger (ice cream, candy, soda etc.)

• Don't try to help a stranger (looking for lost pet, or needing directions etc.) Adults need help from adults not children

• Never ever get in a car with a stranger

• Tell your parents if a stranger approaches you, tries to talk to you, or tries to hurt you in any way

• Don't play outside after dark

• Know your phone number, address, and parents names

• Know an emergency name and number (Grandparents, neighbor)

• If home alone, don't answer the phone or open the door - keep the doors locked!

• Know how and when to dial 911