Now that Spring is in the air it is the perfect time for children to be outside playing, riding bikes, and walking the dog or going over to a friend’s house. By now most children know not to talk to strangers, and that grown-ups will not ask children for directions. If a car approaches teach children to run in the opposite direction because if the driver is trying to grab him or her then the driver will have to turn the car around. Those few seconds are invaluable in allowing giving a child a running start to safety.

Although cell phones are a wonderful way to stay in touch with friends and family, in reality valuable seconds are lost when a child is trying to use one to call for help while running from a potential abductor. Think about the time it takes to find or dial a number, and then waiting for the call to go through and for someone to answer. Those precious few seconds may make the difference in whether a child is successful in escaping a potential abductor or not.

A better alternative might be a two-way radio or a walkie talkie. Walkie Talkies are easy to use, requiring only a press of a button. The radios are also small enough to carry in a pocket. A walkie talkie is also an inexpensive alternative to a broken, lost or misplaced cell phone.

When a child is going to walk the dog or walk to a friend’s home it is important that parent and child discuss what path he or she will travel to get to his or her destination. By deciding which direction and route a child will travel allows a parent piece of mind in knowing where to look should he or she not arrive at the final destination.

There is a definite safety in numbers and whenever possible children should walk in groups of two or more. Children should know what to do if someone approaches. Teach children how to be observant to their surroundings and to know when to run like the wind and find a safe place or to call for help. Safety comes through education. By discussing with children what to do in an emergency we teach them how to respond quickly and ultimately how to stay safe.