In the wake of recent highly publicized child kidnappings and murders, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office is providing some tips to help keep children safe. These are some basic rules for safety that parents can teach children:
Children should always get permission from their parents before going anywhere or getting in a vehicle with anyone.
Use the “buddy system” if possible and never go place alone.
If someone tries to take you, let people know you need help by yelling and screaming and by trying to get away.
Ask parents for permission to leave the yard or play area or go to anyone’s home.
Tell parents or a trusted adult if anyone asks you to keep a hurtful secret.
Be assertive: you have the right to say no to protect yourself.
Never go anywhere even if they ask you for directions or say they need help finding a lost pet, person or anything else.
Call 911 if you need help. 911 is free from pay phones.
Tell your children specific people they have permission to go with. You should also choose a secret code word to use in case of emergency. They should never go with anyone who does not know the code word. Change the code word any time it is used.
Teach your children to be aware of certain kinds of situations and actions rather than certain kinds of individuals.
Adults should report to law enforcement anyone behaving suspiciously around children. They should be able to give a detailed description of the suspect, vehicle, including the license tag number and any other valuable information.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Division employs certified teachers as education specialists who present these safety lessons in schools and in the community. For further information, please contact Martha Dooley at 215-2461.

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