Keep Safety in Mind this Summer

It's May now and that means Summer is almost here.  Kids will be getting out of school and be home more.  Maybe you have a family vacation in the works or your kids will be going away to a summer camp.  Now is a good time to start preparing for your children to have a fun, safe summer with a few tips from our Sexual Assault Center.

For the family vacation, take some time to get familiar with the area.  Use a site like Family Watchdog to be aware of offenders that might be in the area.  Familiarize yourself where local police stations and hospitals are in case you need to find them in an emergency.

Take the time to get to know the people who will be around your kids.  If they are going to a summer camp, ask for a chance to talk with the counselors.  Maybe your children will be staying home or going to a babysitter.  Use the time until Summer Break to reconnect with your neighbors.  It's a chance to get an extra set of eyes looking out for your kids.  Don't forget to check if any new offenders have moved into your neighborhood.  Make sure you get to know the babysitter and daycare workers.

Finally, use this time as a refresher for your kids about safety.  Make sure they know who they can trust, how to react to strangers, and what they can do in an emergency.  Your kids are the last line of defense when it comes to their safety.  Help them be safe by making sure they are prepared.

Have any questions about what more you can do?  Feel free to write a comment!