Basics

• Never tell a stranger your name or address. If a stranger comes to your house and you're alone, do not answer the door. If a stranger calls, never tell them you're home alone. Tell them your parent is busy, or in the shower, or taking a nap and take a message. Never enter a stranger's home without your parent. Never accept anything, including candy or a gift of any kind, from a stranger.
  
  

Outdoor Safety

• Children are most often approached by strangers while outside and alone. For this reason, always use the buddy system when walking somewhere. Always tell your parents exactly where you're going. Never walk through a forested area as a shortcut. If a stranger approaches you, run away from them. Trust your instinct, if you feel like someone is following you, find help right away and tell a trusted grown-up.
  
  

Ploys

• Dangerous strangers often try to trick children into coming with them. They may ask you to help them find their lost puppy or kitten. They may ask you to give them directions somewhere. A dangerous stranger may ask you to help them with a wounded baby animal. Know that an adult should not be asking a child to help them; they should be asking an adult. If a stranger approaches you and asks for help, run away. Another trick is that the stranger may tell you that your parent sent them to pick you up. Never go with the stranger until you have heard from your parent directly that this is true.
  
  

Plan to Stay Safe

• The best way to stay safe from strangers is to have a plan. Talk to your parents and learn who are the safe adults for you to go to should you feel like a stranger is bothering you. Some of these safe adults may be trusted neighbors, teachers or policemen. Practice with your parents how you would yell "No!" and run away if a stranger tried to take you. Make a map with your parents of places where you normally walk, such as to and from school, and always follow that map, so your parents will know where you are. Carry an identification card with you, with your name, address, phone number and parent's cell phone numbers, in case of an emergency.