Recent tragic events have brought the issue of child abduction tothe headlines again, sending a jolt of fear into families everywhere.If it can happen to Danielle Van Dam and Samantha Runnion it can happen to anyone. But instead of causing fear these tragic cases can serve as an opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of abduction and give them important information in case the worst should happen. Many children have survived abduction attemptsbecause they knew what to do to protect themselves. Here’s what you should know:
Kids need to know and be able to spell their full name and address (including city and state)and phone number.
Children should know what to do if they become lost or separated from you. Tailor this information to different circumstances, i.e. what should they do if they become lost at the store, the mall, the beach, amusement park, etc.
They should know how to dial 911 and when the number should be used.
Your child should not walk to and from school alone. There is safety in numbers, even if those numbers are other children.
Teach kids not to get into cars with anyone you have not specifically told them they can go with. Warn them that abductors sometimes try to lure kids into cars by saying they’ve been sent by the child’s parents to pick them up.
Tell your children who you would send to pick them up in an emergency or when you simply can’t be there. Set up a code word that a person legitimately sent to pick up your child can use to prove it’s OK to go with them.
Don’t focus their fear on strangers. Remember, many abductors are known by their victims. Instead, teach them about inappropriate behavior or actions
Give you child permission to say no to an adult if inappropriate touching or other actions occur.
Warn your kids not to answer the door or telephone if they are home alone.
If the unthinkable happens and you discover that your child is missing, here’s what you should do:
Report the disappearance to your local law enforcement immediately. It’s important to get authorities involved quickly.
Ask that your child’s information be entered into the National Crime Information Computer (NCIC).
Search your home including closets and other hiding places.
Call your neighbors, friends and any nearby relatives to make sure your child isn’t with one of them.
Contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for further information and assistance. (1-800-843-5678).
Freelance writer Laura Quarantiello hates crime and those who perpetrate It. That’s why she wrote the personal security/family safety handbook“On Guard – How to Win the War Against the Bad Guys.” More aboutthis informational shield can be found at: http://www.tiare.con/onguard.htm
