Anyone you don't know is a stranger.  Even people who look nice are strangers unless your parents say they are safe.  Safe strangers are people you don't know, but can trust to ask for help.  Police officers, fire fighters, and Block Parents are examples of safe strangers.  If you are at a store, you can ask someone who works there for help.

What kids should know to stay safe:

• If approached by a strange car, don't go within arm's reach.  If it feels wrong, say no and run away.  Find someone you trust and tell them.
• Walk to and from school with a friend.  Walk in well lit areas and never take shortcuts.
• Make sure your parents know where you are and what time to expect you home.  If you need to change your plans, check with your parents first.
• Have a secret password with your parents.  If someone else comes to pick you up from school or while walking, ask for the password.  If they don't know it, don't go with them and then tell your parents.
• If you are home alone, never open the door for a stranger or tell someone on the phone you are alone.
• If you are grabbed by a stranger, YELL, kick, drop and roll, run away.
• Never go into the home of someone you don't know.
• If you feel scared or uncomfortable, get away as fast as you can and tell a trusted adult.  Go to a neighbour, friend or Block Parent.

What should you yell to draw attention?

• Stranger, Stranger, Stranger!
• Fire, Fire, Fire!
• Help, Help, Help!
• This is not my mother or father!

What can you as parents do to help keep your kids safe?

• Discuss with your child what to do if lost.  Pre-arrange a meeting place.
• Don't allow your child to go to a public washroom alone.
• Reinforce that not all "bad" people look bad.  Very normal looking people can also be "bad people."
• Teach your child emergency numbers as well as your home and work numbers and addresses.
• Walk your neighbourhood with your child and learn their usual routes.  Point out potential hazards to your child and explain the dangers.
• Know where your child is and what time they will be home.
• Keep a list of their friends' phone numbers and addresses.