WHO IS A STRANGER?

A stranger is someone:

You do not know well (school bus driver, neighbor, etc).

You have never seen before.

Whose name you do not know.

Your parents do not know or approve.

A stranger can be young or old, a man or woman, tall or short.

Ask your parents or the adult in charge for permission before going anywhere or taking anything from anyone.

Tell your parents or caregiver if anyone wants to take you away to live in another town, state or country.

Do not believe someone if they say you are not wanted or loved by your family..

WHAT IF A STRANGER APPROACHES YOU.......

Never go with anyone who does not know your family's "Secret Code Word".

A secret code word is usually made up of two words, like "purple rainbow" or "big dog" .

Only the members of your family or people who you are allowed to go with, know your code word.

Never share your code word with anyone.

Change your code word every so often.

PRACTICE REMEMBERING WHAT A STRANGER LOOKS LIKE..........

When you are out in public pick out a stranger. Compare the stranger's looks with someone you know well.

How tall was the stranger (Compare it to a door or a person you know)

How old do you think the stranger was .

What color and length was the stranger's hair. Was it straight or curly.

Did you see any birthmarks, scars , or tattoos.

What was the stranger wearing. 

Report anything unusual to your parents or a trusted adult right away.

WHAT IF A STRANGER ASK YOU FOR HELP...............

Adults who need help should ask other adults, not children. Be aware if a stranger asks for help. 

With directions.

Finding a lost kitten or puppy.

Mailing letters.

Carrying packages to a car or home.

Pretending to be hurt.

Say "No" Then run to a safe place. A safe place is where there are lights and people, like a store, trusted neighbor's home or law enforcement department.

If a stranger asks you for help, take two giant steps backwards and be ready to run in the opposite direction to a safe place.

Stay away from people in cars, vans, or trucks.

Do not be afraid of all strangers, just those who pay extra attention to you or want something from you.  

Report it to your parents or a trusted adult right away. 

WHAT IF A STRANGER OFFERS .............

A stranger may offer you things to earn your trust. Never take anything (including a ride) from anyone until you ask your parent or adult in charge for permission.

Listen to your feelings. If something feels wrong, it probably is. 

If a car, van or truck follows you:

Stay away, even if someone in the car talks to you.

Be ready to run in the opposite direction the car is facing.

Go to a safe place right away.

Try to memorize the vehicle's license plate number , the color , and which way it was going. 

Just say "I won't talk to strangers." Then run away.

WHAT IF A STRANGER COMES TO YOUR DOOR...........

Never tell anyone at the door or on the telephone that you are home alone. Say that your parent can't come to the telephone and take a message.

Lock all doors and windows. Never open the door to anyone but a trusted adult. A stranger may try to trick you into opening the door by dressing as a repair person or saying they nee to use the telephone to report an accident. 

Decide with your parents who to call if the person won't go away, calls again, or if you are scared. Post the number by the phone. Know how to make an emergency phone call. 

Know your full name, your parents full name, your full address including zip code, and your full telephone number including area code.

Know how to give a description of people, cars and locations.

Know how to use a pay phone. 9-11 or 0 for operator, or your local emergency number are free from any pay phone. 

STRANGERS MAY CALL YOU BY YOUR NAME...........

Never be fooled by a stranger who calls you by name.

The stranger bay have seen your name on something.

The stranger may have heard a friend or parent call to you.

The stranger may have just guessed correctly.

Strangers may call you names like "honey. sweetheart, son, or kiddo" to make you think you know them, too.

Never carry backpacks, notebooks, school instruments, or wear clothes or other items with your name on them.

Always check with the adult in charge before going anywhere.

Listen to your feelings, if something feels wrong, it probably is. 

WHAT IF A STRANGER ............

Comes up to you in a store or what if you get lost while shopping.

If you get separated from your parents or group while shopping.

Go to your pre-selected meeting place or get help from a "Low risk" adult in a uniform, wearing a name tag, or working behind a counter.

Ask for help then stay there until your parents or someone from your group comes to get you.

Never leave the store to go to the car or parking lot. 

Never hide in clothes racks or dressing rooms.

Never search for your parents or group by yourself.

If a stranger tries to take you out of the store, attract attention by knocking over a display, or yell and scream. 

"Help" I'm being kidnapped. 

"This is not my (mother or father).

"This (man or woman) is trying to take me away."

"Fire" or anything else that will get the attention of someone who can help.

To help break a grasp or attract attention, wave your arms like a windmill and yell or scream. 

Kick, hit, or do anything else to help you get away as fast as possible.

If a stranger grabs your clothes, slip out of your coat or shirt if you can and get away fast. 

If you are near vehicles, try touching cars and grabbing door handles. This may set off alarms and draw attention.