COMMUNICATION CAN KEEP KIDS FROM BECOMING VICTIMS.

Byline: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Capt. Don Rodriguez 

Due to the unfortunate circumstances that have recently occurred in Orange County, I would like to take this opportunity to remind both parents and children of some safety issues to remember when dealing with strangers.

One of the most important factors in protecting your children is communication. Have you ever sat down with them and talked about what a stranger is? Are you comfortable with letting your children answer the telephone or front door if you are home or if they are home alone? What about letting them play in front of your house?

Please take a minute to go over the following safety tips with your children; they could prevent your child from becoming a victim of crime.

It is important to give them examples they will understand, and use your home, neighborhood and school areas as settings.

A stranger is someone your child does not know. As parents and guardians, you need to determine who is and isn't a stranger, and relay that information to your children. Explain that strangers come in many shapes and sizes, and can wear nice clothes, different clothes or even a uniform.

The uniform issue can be confusing to children as police officers and postal carriers, for example, wear them every day. You must explain to them that this does not imply that people who wear uniforms will harm children, but children need to know if they do not know the person in uniform - that person is a stranger.

Tell your child to follow these rules about strangers:

Never take anything such as candy, ice cream or money from a stranger.

Never talk to strangers.

Never take a ride from a stranger.

If a stranger asks for directions, stay away.

Strangers should never ask kids for help.

Never give your name or address to a stranger.

Never tell anyone you are home alone if you answer the telephone or the door. Tell them your mom or dad is busy and take a message.

If a stranger in a car bothers you, turn and run in the opposite direction.

If a stranger tries to follow you on foot or tries to grab you, run away, scream and tell your parents or a trusted adult friend. A dangerous stranger does not usually want to be the center of attention, so make lots of noise.

It is also important to instruct your children on how to safely answer the door:

Never open the door to a stranger.

If a stranger knocks on the door or rings the doorbell, tell your child to look out the peephole or call out ``Who's there?''

Instruct your child to tell the visitor to wait and to leave the door locked.

If you are not home or unavailable to come to the door, tell your child to tell the visitor you are busy and to come back later.

Your child can take a message, but they should never open the door.

If the visitor won't go away and your child is scared, tell him or her to call 911.

If your child is allowed to answer the telephone, remind him or her to never give out any information about themselves or any family members.

If your child is alone, he or she should never tell anyone so.

Instruct your child to tell the caller the person can't come to the phone, and they will take a message.

If at any time your child becomes uncomfortable or scared by anything the caller says, tell him or her to hang up.

Make sure they tell you about any and all phone calls.

You also have the option of letting your answering machine answer the telephone and screen the calls when your child is home alone.

Another important safety issue is explaining to your child how to safely walk to and from school.

Always walk with a friend, as there is safety in numbers.

Strangers usually, although not always, pick on kids who are by themselves.

If your child feels he or she is in danger or being followed, tell him or her to yell and run to the nearest store, house or school and to immediately tell an adult what happened.

Always stick to the same, safe route to and from school.

Remind children not to take shortcuts and never to hitchhike.

Ensure that your children understand how important their safety is to you, and use this information to encourage discussion about these safety issues.

Although we can't be with our children 24 hours a day, we can teach them as much as possible about safety and protection.