Tips for Children

• Street Safety for Children
• Traveling to and from School
• Bus, Subway and Taxi Safety for Children
• At Home Safety for Children

Traveling to and from School

• Be alert. Walk purposefully, as though someone is expecting you. Daydreamers tend to set themselves up as “victims.”

• If you feel you’re in danger, pay attention, walk tall. Trust your instincts. Get help.

• Traveling with a friend or friends is safer.

• Plan your route before you leave and use busy, well-lit streets whenever possible.

• In the vicinity of a park, walk on the other side of the street away from the park.

• Avoid walking near construction sites, empty or closed stores, and deserted buildings.

• Get to know the doormen and shopkeepers on your route so you can ask them for help. Know where and when neighborhood school safety patrols walk. You can turn for help to people who serve the public and wear uniforms or people with children. You can also seek help from a church, temple or any school.

• Know what a SAFE HAVEN sticker means and which merchants display them along your route. These stores have agreed to let you wait until you feel safe or to call home or the police. Speak up so that the storekeeper knows that you need help.

• Always be sure your parents or caregivers know where you are. If your plans change, call and let them know.

• Know how to make a collect call if you have no money: Dial 0 + your area code and phone number. After a long automated answer an operator will ask for your name. Know the phone numbers to reach your parents at work, your school and another responsible adult.

• Know that 911 is the police emergency number; you do not need money to call 911. This number should only be used to report emergencies in progress, including an attack on yourself.

• Report all non-emergencies to your police precinct.

• Do not flash your possessions, such as watches, radios, cell phones and ipods. Ipods prevent you from hearing potential problems and are an item that muggers like.

• Keep your MetroCard in your pocket or backpack until you are on the bus.

• Carry only small amounts of money and divide your money into different pockets. Avoid using large bills when paying for snacks and put money out of sight before leaving the store.

• If you are threatened, always give up your possessions. No possession is worth risking injury.

• Do not accept anything from someone whom you do not know.

• If a car seems to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction. If you feel uncomfortable, move away from the situation.

• If you are threatened you can shout, “Help! Call the police!” or yell “Fire!” A loud yell may summon help. Wrongdoers do not want to attract attention or to be caught.

• If someone approaches you with a story such as “Your mother's in the hospital, come with me. . . .” or “Come with me, there's an injured kitty. . . .,” ignore them. Don't go anywhere with a stranger. Always speak to a school official or your parents if such an incident occurs.

• Do not do favors or run errands for strangers. You do not need to answer any questions from a stranger. It is better to risk insulting a stranger than to risk your safety.

• If you see an accident or a mugging, do not get involved but call 911. Remember all you can about the incident and the people involved and be prepared to give an accurate description of the people involved as well as the location.

• Always share your concerns about your safety with your parents and teachers. There is no reason to feel embarrassed or ashamed if you have been frightened. Sharing knowledge and information and experiences makes everyone smarter and safer.