A media release from the London Block Parent Program:
These are some important reminders so we can all help keep them safe!
- DRIVERS…Slow down & be extra careful on your drive to work on Tuesday morning (especially near school zones), then repeat every day. Remember that kids are kids and they can forget normal traffic safety rules.
- PARENTS… should walk the route to school with younger children to ensure they know the best route to take, the safest place to cross the road and dangerous places to avoid. Help your kids locate Block Parent® homes or businesses and other safe places to go for help in an emergency.
- REMIND…your children frequently of basic safety & street proofing tips:
- Travel in well-populated areas. Avoid isolated areas such as parks and fields.
- Obey all the traffic rules.
- Walk with a buddy or group of children. (There is safety in numbers)
- Never go anywhere with a stranger!! They may tell you a story to try to convince you, such as: to help them look for their lost pet, offer to give you something, tell you a member of your family asked them to pick you up, ask you to get in the car to show them how to get somewhere. Adults should only ask other adults help, not children!
- Stay way more than an arm’s length away from a stranger inside a car
- If you need help, and you are not close to home, you should look for a home displaying a Block Parent sign, a place of business, to a school (if it is open), or look for a Police Officer.
- Let your family know where you are at all times…and be sure to let them know if you are going to be at a friend’s home.
- Know your name, address, phone number and your parents’ work number (or at least where they work).
- Report any suspicious activity to an adult or police. You don’t need money to call 9-1-1.
- BLOCK PARENTS ….…are reminded to dust off the beach sand put those Block Parent® signs in your window when you are home and available. Even just a few hours each day or week increases the odds of someone finding help when they need it!