Keep Your Children Safe This School Year

School just started, so let’s review once again as we did last year on how to help prepare our children to be safe.
Some involve role-playing for kids 5 to 7. Role-playing is a great technique to use with children because of their preference for the visual.

I hope the following will be helpful to you:
Never place your child’s name on any piece of clothing that is visible to anyone. You do not want to make them a target for a stranger to call out to by name.
Make sure your child knows his or her full name, phone number, parents’ full names, address and a work phone number. It is not helpful when officers find children who do not know their full names or addresses.

Through- out the year talk to your child about drugs, strangers and any weapon that they might see or hear about, a bully or any related concerns. Let the child know that such information should be reported to the teacher and to you immediately.

If your child is going into a new school or going to school for the first time, ask her whether there is anything that frightens or makes her uncomfortable. Share that information with the teacher or schools police; officers are well-trained in safety issues.

As a parent, you should check with your child’s school regarding policies and procedures on emergency situations so you are not frightened if there is a lock-down. If you know the policies and procedures, you can calmly pick up your child when it’s appropriate.
If your child rides the school bus, talk to him about how to behave. If your child has to wait alone at a bus stop, stress to him not to accept rides from strangers.

If older kids ride with a friend, make sure that you speak to them about wearing seat belts. Do not assume that your child knows even the basic facts about safety and other risks.
Set up a regular calling time to know when your child arrives at home.

Another good idea is getting your child involved in school organizations and programs.
Parents should get involved in the school PTA -- this will help they foster good relationships with teachers and administrators.

Let’s all start this school year with safety in mind for the sake of our children but let’s not forget other safety issues that adults must heed such as watching the speed in school zones and wearing seat belts at all times.

Remember, adults are the role models for their children. As always, feel free to contact our office for safety literature on various topics or visit our website: www.citizenscrimewatch.com for safety links.

Until next time be safe, be alert and be involved. RL
Carmen Caldwell is executive director of the Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade. Send feedback and news for this column to her at cmcwatch@citizens
crimewatch.com, or call her, 305-470-1670.


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Pinecrest’s unwelcomed guests

In the last few months Pinecrest and South Miami residents have experienced home invasions. Reports have the culprits invading homes through opened garage doors in broad daylight. In most cases the invaders are not looking for empty homes. The surprising encounter between criminal and resident, results in the use of violence to promote fear. Disregard for the young and elderly has been demonstrated as a tactic to instill cooperation from victims. In some instances, the residents are not aware that the robbers have entered the home. As you are occupied with house chores, thieves are running amuck within your home. Nonetheless, the presence of unwanted guests in your home is a disturbing thought and a confrontation could be a very disturbing incident for your children. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.
In some cases criminals are using the Metro Rail as a quick way to get in and get out. As a result, if you live near a Metro Rail station you need to be aware of this practice. Keep your garage door closed while doing yard work, or any task which requires the access to your garage. If you are cutting the lawn or cleaning the pool, make sure your front door and garage door are closed and locked. If you must have your garage door open for a period of time, make sure the inside door leading into your home is locked.

Reports also have invaders working in teams. This usually puts a team member in "getaway car" detail. Be diligent of strange automobiles strolling up and down your street. Your home may not be the one chosen, but your involvement could save your neighbor from an unwanted experience. Call the police and report such activity. Did you know that Police presence can be increased by the number of calls an area receives? Make sure your home has in place the basic anti-theft measures; alarm, good lighting, physical barriers, pets, surveillance system and supportive landscaping. A thief will always look for homes with the least level of resistance. Therefore, all the aforementioned serve as deterrents.

Make sure your landscaping is working for you and not against you. Avoid creating areas which allow a thief to hide and ambush you. Landscaping should never cover the view of your front door. A clear view looking out and looking at your front door is highly recommended. Install a device which will allow you to see out without having to open the door. This could include a "peep hole" or a window. Install lighting that illuminates all entry points, including backyard doorways. Use motion sensors in driveways and pathways to surprise anyone entering your property. Make lighting fixtures visible, as to show off their presence. This will demonstrate to anyone evaluating your home during the day that you have a well lit home.

Teach your kids to never open the door to strangers, no matter who they say they are. Be weary of people in uniform. For example, if the UPS man is at the door, look for the UPS truck. If the telephone man pays a visit, make sure he has an appointment. If a Police man knocks, look for a police cruiser. If you do not validate a uniformed person do not open the door and request an ID. It is for these reasons that it is recommended you keep a clear path of view.

Mothers with children should take extra steps to protect themselves. If your child uses a car seat you may want to consider the following. While you unfasten or fasten your child keep your purse in the front floor board until you remove or strap-in your child. This will make it more difficult for thieves to use your child’s safety as leverage. When they see you in the fairly vulnerable position of placing or removing your child from the car, they won’t see the purse. If you are unfortunate to be confronted by a robber you can always steer the conflict off to the front seat floor board rather than onto you and your children. Try to shop in groups, it’s more fun and there is power in numbers. Observe all the recommended practices, like parking in well lit areas, locking your doors, etc.

As you can see living in a reputable and generally safe neighborhood will not guarantee your safety. The key is to position you and your home where you are less likely to be selected. The more deterrents you have, the safer you become. Don’t fall victim to apathy, fix that broken door lock, cut those hedges, install that garage door opener, change those burnt bulbs and change those habits of the past. Today we are living in a world that requires "street smarts" and planning. As reported on Resource Living.