The Parents League of New York

Safety Tips for Parents

Remember that children learn more by example than by the spoken word. When traveling with your child use every opportunity to reinforce good safety habits. Be sure you and your child are familiar with school dismissal policies. Some schools permit children above a certain age to leave alone.
Fully train any caregiver you employ in all safety rules and check on their safety habits. Give clear instructions for afterschool activities and approved modes of travel.
Report all changes in a child's regular routine to the school.
If you are using a car service, don't get into an unidentified car. Always ask the driver the name of the person he is picking up, rather than assuming the car is for you. All licensed services display their number and company name.
Post emergency numbers near a phone at home, including police, fire, poison control, pediatrician, neighbors, friends, parents' offices and school. Give caregivers the list of emergency numbers to carry with them at all times.
Make sure that your child always has your phone number and the phone number of another responsible adult as well as a school phone number.
Try to give your children an opportunity to express their safety concerns to you. Be alert to changes in your child's behavior that might indicate special fears. Children are sometimes ashamed to tell their parents about an incident, as they fear their freedom may be curtailed.
Don't blame the child who is victimized, but do discuss the incident and together arrive at a procedure for avoiding future occurrences.
As a concerned parent, report any safety problems or incidents to the police, to your school safety committee and to the Parents League (212-737-7385). The more complaints the police receive regarding specific areas, the more closely they will patrol the area. 911 is the number to call for immediate help in an emergency. All other reports should go to the precinct in which the problem occurs. The Crime Victim Hotline is 212-577-7777.
Discuss the preceding and following advice with your children. Repeat it frequently.