How to keep your children safe during the festive season
Tips to keep children safe this festive season.
As the festive season kicks in, parents and guardians are advised to keep a close eye on their children.
As thousands of people descend on beaches, parks, malls and other areas, ER24 has urged parents to not get distracted as children could disappear in a matter of seconds.
“Always be aware of your surroundings, the people around you and where your children are,” ER24 said.
Operations director at Missing Children SA Nicky Rheeder, said several children got lost or separated from their parents/guardians during the festive season especially at places like beaches.
“It is vital that parents/guardians familiarise themselves with the possible dangers in areas they plan on visiting and educate their children about safety. One cannot avoid a potentially dangerous situation if they do not know what to look out for. It is important that parents teach their children safety tips to ensure they know what to do should they get lost,” she said.
Below are some tips from ER24 to keep kids safe:
1. Show children police officers, lifeguards, store cashiers and security personnel, for example, so they know who to approach for help. Also show them landmarks in the area you are in. If in a mall, show them the information desk they can go to and wait should they not be able to find you.
2. Children should be taught never to go anywhere alone as well as never to talk to, accept anything from, or go anywhere with a stranger.
3. They should also be informed about what to do should they be approached by a stranger or if they feel unsafe around someone known to them. They can run away, scream and get the attention of other people in the area.
4. Ensure your children know your name, their name and surname as well as their address when they are old enough. They should be informed that these details are only to be given to authorities and lifeguards, for example, and not to strangers who approach them.
5. While on holiday, ensure that you know where the closest police station and hospital are.
6. Pay attention to what your children are wearing and keep a recent photograph of them as this will help in case of an emergency.
Important numbers to remember:
Police – 10111.
Missing Children SA – 072-647-7464 (072 MISSING).
ER24 – 084 124 (in case of a medical emergency).
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