Kids Feb, 2014 | Page 2

TOG | Issue 1 2 Tips for KIDS! by TOG  Never talk to a stranger.  Never let a stranger get too close, whether he or she is in a car or walking.  Never accept candy, a present, a ride, or anything else from a stranger.  Know your name, address, and phone number.  Never tell a stranger your name or address or phone number.  Use the buddy system – avoid walking anywhere alone.  Trust your instincts – if you feel you are being followed or something is not right, seek help immediately.       If a stranger approaches you, you do not have to speak to him or her. Never approach a stranger in a motor vehicle. Just keep walking. Do not accept candy or any other items from a stranger. Never walk off with a stranger no matter what he or she tells you. Never go anywhere with a stranger, even if they ask for help. Adults ask adults for help. Never go into deserted places alone. Never keep secrets from your parents about strangers. Always stick to the same safe route in traveling to and from school or a friend’s house. Never open the door for a stranger, if you are home alone. Parents should remind children that yelling “help” may not convey enough information or may not illicit a fast enough response. Children should be taught to yell “this is not my daddy”!, if it is a man. If it is a woman, children should yell “this is not my mommy”!. While yelling, the child should try to fight their way free by punching, kicking, biting, etc. Children should be taught to use any method possible (there is no fair fight in child abduction) to keep from being taken. TIPS FOR PARENTS! If a stranger tries to grab a child, the most effective tool they have is their voice and evasion. A child in most cases cannot physically overpower an adult. A child’s voice is a “force multiplier” that can reach out and alert others to danger. In a typical fear response, children will forget to use their voices. It is imperative that parents talk regularly with their children about the importance of using their voice and let them practice yelling as loud as they can so at the time of crises and fear it is a natural (practiced) response. Child predators count on children to not recognize the threat. Contact us for more information or to schedule a co urse One discussion or two hours of practice will not hard wire itself into a child’s mind so that in a time of crises and fear, the behaviors and tools that may save their life are second nature. Practice with your child using their voice and physically evading. This can be done playfully while still hardwiring the behaviors. Once a child is free they should run as fast as possible towards the closest non-threatening adult and ask for the police to be contacted. Please feel free to contact The Trident Operations Group Staff at any time if you have any questions about this material. We at The Trident Operations Group hope that all parents will engage in regular discussions with their children about potential threats and how to recognize and react to them in various settings. Danger cannot be reacted to until it is recognized. STAY SAFE! Trident Operations Group Trident Operations Group [email protected] (858) 367-0897