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SPRING BREAK WEEK
Spring break for schools is right around the corner. As a parent, are you going to take time off for work to spend with your child, or will the child be unattended during that week?
If you plan on spending some quality time with your child, there are many things to do in Mesa! Visit a museum (Mesa has some great ones!!), see a movie or play, or take advantage of some downtown treasures.
If, however, your child/children will be left alone while you are at work, here are some suggestions that the Mesa Police Department advises people of ANY age (including adults!) to follow:
· Do not open the door to strangers. Yell out “ I’ll get the door” and then have the child proceed to ask THROUGH the door who it is. The child can then reply, “No Thank You,” and walk away. If the person at the door is persistent and continues to knock, your child should be advised to call the police at 644-2211, or 911, if they feel they are in danger.
· Parents should discuss with their child how to answer the telephone when no adult is at home. Never have the child disclose that there is no adult at home over the phone or through the door.
· Have a plan in case there is a fire or someone trying to break into a house.
· Know where your child is at all times. Call in several times a day to check on the child and make sure they are safe.
· For younger children, teach them to memorize their name and address including city and state, phone number with the area code, and how to use the telephone for emergencies. Teach them how to lock doors and windows.
· Review trespass, loitering and curfew laws. Younger children should not be allowed outside unattended without an adult. Older children should be reminded of the curfew laws and how to respect their neighbors, property, etc.
Visit www.mesaaz.gov/police/literature for the most recent curfew laws.
· Remind your children of ANY age that they should not be talking to strangers, not to take any “gifts” from strangers, and never approach a car, even to help someone with directions, etc.
· NEVER leave your child without the opportunity to lock themselves in their house.
· For young children going to a nearby park, make sure they are not alone and have someone older to go with them. Teens are more responsible but review safety tips with your children of all ages.
· Make sure you leave NOTHING of value in your vehicle, such as electronics, purses, wallets, gym bags, etc. Also, if you have a garage door please make sure it’s closed at all times when not in use.
· If you are planning on taking a vacation during this time, only tell a trusted neighbor and if you are comfortable, leave them with a key to the house in case there are any problems. Ask the neighbor to watch your house and pick up any solicitation materials, newspapers, mail, etc. for you.
· Participate in Operation ID, marking your valuables with an engraver (using your driver’s license for the identification markings) or taking photos of items you are unable to engrave (antiques, jewelry, etc.)
· Promote self –care skills with your child, including setting rules and limits.
· Older children who are unattended during the day often find ways outside the home to relieve boredom. Make sure you know who your children socialize with and where they hang out. Know what they are doing during the day and make sure they are safe and staying away from trouble. According to the NCPC, children (including teens) in self care are about 3 times more likely to be involved in accidents, engage in delinquent behavior, or be victimized than those with supervision. And last but not least, please take precautions while driving, as many more children will be playing on the street and in communities during spring break. Also make sure, as always, that your house and doors/windows are securely locked.
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