One of the most important ways to teach our kids to be safe is to teach them 'how' to think. Even very young children can be taught to say 'NO!", loud and clear to anyone they don't know who asks them to come with them, and to scream with all their might if a stranger reaches out to grab them.

Child abductors use many disguises to lure children into their vehicle or away from their friends and family. Some:

• dress as police officers telling children their mother or father have been hurt and they are to go with them;
• ask children for directions, then act confused asking the child to get into their vehicle to show them the way;
• ask children to help them find a lost puppy in a wooded, secluded area of a park;
• offer the child candy if they go for a ride;
• tell children their parents sent them to pick them up from school or the playground because the parents had to go out; and so on.

Teaching children how to react in these situations gives them a weapon to fight back with. You can help your child know what to do using the role play method or by asking "What if?" questions.

Police recommend parents use a password that is simple to remember or means something to the child. Without the correct password the child is not to go with the person.

It is vitally important children know to come to you immediately if they are approached by a stranger. The sooner you get the information out to the police, the better the chances of catching the person.

Children should be taught how to use the telephone correctly, from how to dial their own number, including the area code, to how to dial from a pay phone. They should know how to make an emergency call using the 911. They should know how to correctly write their name and address, including their city and province or state.

There are many ways for parents and child care providers to street-proof their children. These include:

• keeping accurate records of each child's height and weight, including recent photos;
• teaching children what to do if they are lost in a store or shopping mall. Show them where to get help, either from a clerk or at the customer service desk;
• listening. If a child is upset by something, take the time to talk with him or her. Let your child know you trust what he or she is saying and that you will look into the matter;
• going with your child to the local park and other play areas to look for potential trouble spots. Talk with your child about avoiding tall bushes, wooded areas, sheds or other buildings that obstruct a clear view of the surroundings;
• teaching older children to avoid using alleyways as short cuts, and to always use the
• * learning the names and telephone numbers of their child's friends,
• having your child call home upon arrival at their friend's home;
• teaching children to keep a safe distance from strangers, to back off if someone comes too close. If a stranger approaches a child from a vehicle, the child should be taught to run in the opposite direction from they way the vehicle is parked.
• going with your child to the public washroom;
• explaining the dangers of empty lots and vacant buildings;
• teaching children to run to a school, store or Block Parent home if they are being followed lowed by a person or a car;
• walking around your neighbourhood with your child to find those homes displaying the Block Parent sign.