Saint John School

A Pre-Kindergarten Through Eighth Grade Catholic School in Old Saybrook, Connecticut

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                                              from Officer Ryan Walsh


                Teach Your Child....                
 

To recite his/her name, address and phone number.

     Sometimes putting this information in a simple

     song helps a child remember.

 

To never get in a car with anyone unless Mom or

     Dad say it is okay.

 

To use a secret code word (if your child is old

     enough) if someone else is picking him/her up

     (set up the code word with the designated person

     ahead of time). Teach your child to always ask for

     that code word while standing a safe distance from

     the vehicle, before getting into anyone else’s car.

 

Not to get into cars or go into houses of neighbors

     he/she doesn't know very well. Go over a list of

     acceptable neighbors.

 

That, if lost or in danger, he/she can locate a pay

     phone or a public phone and dial 9-1-1 for free.

 

To never use a public restroom alone.

 

That it is okay to say “No” to adults.

 

To be as loud as possible if he/she is in danger.

 

That it’s okay to use physical violence, such as

     kicking or hitting, if he/she needs to protect himself/

     herself from danger.

 

To never exit an area (such as a store, mall

     or zoo), even if the person helping asks him/her

     to step outside.

 

To identify employee uniforms and to approach

     uniformed personnel if he/she is in danger.

 

To approach a police officer if he/she has a problem.

     If a police officer or employee is not in sight,

     the next best person to ask for help is a woman

     with children. (Your child should not go anywhere

     with her; simply ask her to find help.)

 

The correct names for body parts and, which parts

     are unacceptable for others to touch, i.e., anything

     covered by a bathing suit.

 

To shout “No” or “Stop” if someone touches him/

    her inappropriately.

That you trust his/her instincts, and even if your child 
     makes a bad choice with an innocent stranger, 
you will
     support him/her.

 

  That even trusted people shouldn’t ask him/her to do

     something that makes him/her uncomfortable.

 

The difference between “secrets” and “surprises.”

     A secret has no ending. An adult should not ask

     a child to keep a secret. A surprise has an ending

     and is okay.

 

          Parents's Safety Checklist           

 

Never leave your child unattended in a public place

     or in a car, even for a quick errand.

 

Know your child’s friends and their parents. Have a

     list with their phone numbers and addresses.

 

Know the route your child takes from school to

     home.

 

Designate “safe” houses in your neighborhood

     where your child may go if he/she is being

     harassed or followed.

 

Be involved in your child’s after-school activities.

 

Keep a current photo and video of your child.

 

Observe what your child is wearing each day.

 

Keep a current copy of your child’s fingerprints.

 

Never put your child’s name on the outside of his/

     her clothes or use nametags in public.

 

If your child doesn’t want to be with someone, ask

      why he/she is uncomfortable with this person—

      and pursue until you find a reason.

 

Tell your child that if he/she gets lost, you will look

     for your child until you find him/her.

 

Always perform a reference and/or background

     check on a new caregiver.

 

Search for sexual offenders in your neighborhood

     at http://www.familywatchdog.us/ .


For more child safety Information, visit www.imsafe.com 

 

For Old Saybrook Police Department click here....