Stranger Danger
What Does a Stranger Look Like?
Strangers can be men or women, young or old. They can have any color skin. Some are tall and some are short, some are thin some are heavy. Some strangers are pretty and some are not so pretty. Some strangers can speak different languages. Most strangers are nice, but some strangers are mean. Because you don't know if someone is a good stranger or a bad one you should not talk to anyone you don't know.
Stranger Danger Tips
Always tell your parents where you are.
· Try not to walk anywhere alone.
· Don't take shortcuts through a wooded area.
· Bad people do not always look mean or scary.
· Do not get close to strangers.
· Do not tell your name or address to a stranger.
· Never go with a stranger to look for a lost pet.
· Never get into a car with anyone you don't know.
· Never enter someone's home or place of business without a parent.
· If a stranger bothers you, run away.
· Know safe places you can go (such as Police or Fire Stations).
· If a stranger follows you or grabs for you, yell loud and make as much noise as you can.
· If anyone touches you in a bad way, say "NO!"
· Tell your parents about places you don't feel safe.
· Talk with your parents and come up with a secret code word.
· If you have to ask for help from a stranger, if possible seek help from a police officer or teacher.
· Call 911 to report a stranger.
· Never open the door to a stranger.
· Never tell anyone on the phone you are home alone.

Remember,
Bad people
don't always look mean and scary!
Stranger Danger Tips For Parents
Children should always carry some sort of identification including name, address, telephone number and emergency contact information. Have the identification card laminated to last longer. Have this identification in a secure location and not attached to a backpack.
· Map your child's route to and from school with them. Walk with them from time-to-time.
· Make sure your children follow this route with no deviations unless they get your permission FIRST.
· Teach your child how to use the telephone in order to dial 9-1-1.
· Avoid allowing your children to wear clothing with their name clearly displayed.
· Teach your child to tell you if anything happens that makes them feel unsafe.
· If your children are left with a babysitter ask your children to talk about this experience.
· When using a babysitter make sure you check out references.
· Take a look at the registered sex offenders in your neighborhood. Check with your local police or visit the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registration page at http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/
Parents and children
should discuss the following questions.
What is a stranger? [A person that you and your parents do not know.]
· How might a stranger try to fool you into getting into their car? [By telling you that your parents couldn't come so he/she was sent to give you a ride home.]
· How can you protect yourself? [By asking the person to give you the family's secret code word.]
· What should you do if someone brought a package to your house when you're home alone? [Speak to him/her through a closed door, telling them your mom/dad is resting and cannot come to the door. Tell them to leave the package on the porch.]
· Is it safe to accept gifts from strangers? [NO!]
· If a stranger stops their car near you and asks for directions, what should you do? [Stand at a good distance from the car, even if they ask you to come closer.]
· If you become separated from your family at a store or mall, what should you do? [Tell someone who works in the store that you are lost. DO NOT WANDER
· What should you do if someone grabs you and starts taking you out of the store? [Yell, "I don't know you!" and keep it up.]
· In an emergency, how can you call the police or fire? [Dial 9-1-1]
· What is a secret family code word used for? [To let you know that it is safe for someone to pick you up.]
· If you come home to an empty house after school, what is the first thing you should do? [Lock all the doors.]





Download our Stranger Danger flyer for your class or children!