If at all possible, go with your child to the bus stop and meet them when they return from school. Point out to your child places they could go to should they run into trouble and need the assistance of an adult or the police (convenience store for example).

Encourage your child to use a buddy system instead of walking alone.

Try to have it prearranged so that if an emergency happens, a specific person your child already knows picks them up.

Make sure the school has a list of people your child can be released to; this also applies for swimming lessons, hockey, soccer and so forth.

Avoid having your child’s name visible on his or her clothing, lunch boxes or book bags as it advertises to everyone who they are. A stranger may read their name and call out to them, fooling your child into believing this person knows them.

Know who your child plays with, where they go and what routes they take. Keep a list of their friends’ addresses and phone numbers.

Do not leave your child in unsupervised locations such as cars, parks, public washrooms, arenas, malls and so forth.

Tell your child never to go anywhere with a stranger, take anything from a stranger, or talk to a stranger unless they need the assistance of a “safe stranger” such as a police officer, sales staff working behind a sales counter or a firefighter for example.

Teach your child where and how to get help. Teach them how to use a public payphone. Tell them they can call 9-1-1 on a public payphone, no coin is required.

Develop a "what if" game for the kids to get them thinking of how they would respond if they felt threatened or afraid.

Make an emergency kit for your child that contains information such as emergency numbers, your number at work, medical information and quarters for a payphone.

Keep an up-to-date photograph and other detailed information about your child on file at home, such as height, weight, scars and other specifics (dentist's name for example).

If your child becomes separated or you think they may be lost, DO NOT PANIC. If you are in a store or mall, go to the nearest courtesy desk or ask for security. If you are at home, call their friends and notify the police.

Watch for changes in your child’s behavior as it could indicate something is wrong, i.e.: hesitation to go with certain people, loss of appetite, withdrawal or depression, aggressiveness, etc.

Caring means taking an active part in your children’s lives, teaching them the needed skills that will guide them as they grow.

Street proofing techniques can be used by your children both in your home and while outside at play.