'ESCAPE SCHOOL' SESSIONS TO HELP KEEP KIDS SAFE.

Byline: Daily News

LANCASTER - Assemblywoman Sharon Runner and Sen. William ``Pete'' Knight are encouraging parents of young children to spend one hour with their kids at a potentially life-saving ``Escape School'' Saturday.

Two free sessions are scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon in the Stanley Kleiner Activity Center at Lancaster City Park, 43011 10th Street West; and from 2 to 3 p.m. in Palmdale's Hammack Recreation Center, 815 East Ave. Q-6.

Parents can contact Runner's district office in Lancaster at [phone] to reserve space, as seating is limited.

Escape School is presented by the Southern California Gas Co. and created by Dignity Memorial Funeral and Cemetery Providers, of which Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster is a member. It is hosted by Runner, R-Lancaster, and Knight, R-Palmdale.

``This program is an effective tool in helping to keep our children safe,'' said Runner. ``We need to teach our children how to avoid the devastating effects of abduction by the predators among us.''

During the hour-long sessions, parents and children 5 to 15 years old will learn how to remain safe through written material, a video presentation and demonstrations.

Children will first learn how to recognize and avoid predator confrontations, and, failing that, how to quickly and safely escape from the clutches of an abductor.

Organizers and sponsors of the Escape School sessions include: High Desert Broadcasting; Adelphia Communications; the Palmdale Parks and Recreation Department; the Lancaster Parks, Recreation and Arts Department, and the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Clubs.