Summer is finally here! Summer brings summer vacations and traveling for many. My family and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Orlando, Florida—a.k.a. theme park central! While visiting one of the crowded theme parks waiting for my little kiddos to get done playing on an attraction, I witnessed a young child in obvious distress because he couldn’t find his parents. While he was quickly reunited with his parents, it got me thinking of what safety measures parents and caregivers can take before they go into a crowded place with their children.
Have a plan and reinforce the plan. Ask your children, “What will you do if you become separated from me?” Where would you go?
Have a meeting place and teach your kids to stay where they are and not to wander.
Ask them, “Who is the safe adult to approach for help?”
In the ideal world this would be a police officer, security guard, or an employee, but children often times panic. Have them look for another mom with children as an option. I have yet to meet another mom who wouldn’t help a child.
Most of us now have the ability to take a picture of our children on our phones so utilize this function! A current photo of your child with an accurate clothing description is invaluable.
Dress your child in easily identifiable clothing that is bright and easy to spot. Add other identifiable accessories (bright hair accessories, fun watch, reflective stripes, etc.) that will help you or law enforcement quickly scan a crowd for a child.
Have identification on your child including their name, your name, immediate contact information, local address, home address, and any other immediate information that would be beneficial to an adult helping your child locate you.
It only takes a moment for a child to become separated. Whether you’re at Ribfest, Centennial Beach or Disney; prepare and plan ahead.
Unit next month… Stay Safe and Stay Aware.
