School is almost over. Kids everywhere in Rockland are looking forward to weeks of play. Parents, you too, are probably looking forward to a change of pace. However before you let your kids barrel out of the front door for bicycle and playground fun, spend a few minutes with them talking about safety.
Safety Tips 1 - 5
1. Drink plenty of water and stay out of the direct sun, as much as possible.
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2. Apply sun screen before spending extended time outdoors.
3. Avoid wearing colors that may attract insects (bright colors and black).
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4. Swim ONLY in pools and lakes where swimming is permitted AND where life guards are present.
5. Wear a helmet if going bike riding or skating.
While these tips will go a long way to keep your loved ones safe from the usual summer mishaps, there are other serious threats that you should discuss with your children. Last Sunday, the media reported an incident at Harriman State Park in which several adult males tried to lure three boys, who were playing basketball, into their van. Luckily, the boys’ grandmother was nearby and shouted to them in time.
The next set of tips will help keep your children safe from predators.
Safety Tips 6 -10
6. Go bike riding or walking around the neighborhood with a buddy. It will be more fun and there is safety in numbers.
7. NEVER assist an adult who approaches and asks for directions or for help looking for a lost pet.
8. Stay away from parked cars with people inside.
9. Scream and run if a stranger tries to grab you.
10. Know how to dial 911 for help in an emergency .
Many Rockland residents don’t realize that there are registered sex offenders living in almost every part of the county. The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office provides community awareness fliers and a presentation on keeping children safe from predators on its web site, www.rocklandcountysheriffoffice.com . There is a link on it, as well, to “Offender Watch,” a national offender management and community notification tool. You can input your zip code and learn where registered offenders live within a radius of five miles. That knowledge will help you make decisions about the amount of supervision that you need to provide when your children are outside, as well as the areas in which you will allow them to play.
These ten tips should help make the job of keeping your children safe a bit easier.
Wishing you a happy and safe summer!
