Unfortunately no neighborhood is completely
immune to crime. However, there are steps you can take to help keep your family
and your neighborhood safe.
Know
where your children are. Have your children tell you or ask
permission before leaving the house and give them a time to check in or be
home. When possible, have them leave a phone number of where they will be.
Help
children learn important phone numbers. Have your children practice
reciting their home phone number and address, and your work and cell phone
numbers. If they have trouble memorizing these, write them down on a card
and have them carry it at all times. Tell your children where you will be
and the best way to reach you.
Set
limits on where your children can go in your neighborhood. Do you
want them crossing busy roads? Playing in alleys or abandoned buildings? Are
there certain homes in your neighborhood that you don't want your children
to go to?
Get
to know your children's friends. Meet their parents before letting
your children to go to their home and keep a list of their phone numbers. If
you can't meet their parents, call and talk to them. Ask what your children
might do at their house and if they will be supervised.
Choose
a safe house in your neighborhood. Pick a neighbor's house where
your children can go if they need help. Point out other places they can go
for help, like stores, libraries, and police stations.
Teach
children to settle arguments with words, not fists. Role-play
talking out problems, walking away from fist fights, and what to do when
confronted with bullies. Remind them that taunting and teasing can hurt
friends and make enemies.
Encourage
children to get involved. Help your children get involved in what
they like to do, whether it's sports, art, or anything else.
Work
together with your neighbors. Watch out for suspicious and unusual
behavior in your neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors and their children
so you can look out for one another.
