Monthly Archives: October 2012

General Safety Issues

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

From all the gang at Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety:

We wish you a very safe and Happy Halloween.  In the past, we have  encouraged parents to take all safety precautions so their little ghosts and goblins have a great time while scaring their neighbors and friends.  Have an adult or older teen sibling go with them, and be sure their costumes have some reflective bright colors or markings in order for them to be seen!

Go through all the treats to ensure that they are safe to eat.  If you must drive during this time of trick or treating, exercise caution, drive slowly and watch for all the little ones.  They aren’t thinking about watching for cars, so we must all watch for them.

Have fun!

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

FIVE REASONS WHY SAFETY MATTERS ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE (GUEST POST)

1 Comment
By Matt Hornsby
 
Health and safety is very important in all industries, but there are some types of businesses which must take extra care to make safety a priority. One of these is construction.
 
Here are SafetyShop’s top five of the most pressing reasons why construction business owners need to take health and safety seriously. In fact, some of these reasons show you what can happen if you indon’t make safety a priority within your business.
 
1. A worker or visitor could be injured
 
This is the most important reason to invest in health and safety equipment and training on
construction sites – because people could be injured or even die as a result of a construction
accident. As an employer, you have a responsibility to look after the welfare of all your
workers.
 
2. The construction industry is the most dangerous to work in
 
Last year, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report revealed that there were 50 fatal
injuries to construction workers and 36,000 cases of work-related ill health within the
industry. Construction business owners need to develop health and safety policies and
implement measures to tackle the unique challenges faced within the industry, to try to
reduce worker injuries and deaths.
 
3. Working days are lost because of health and safety failings
 
The HSE report from 2010/11 also revealed that around 2.3 million working days were lost
as a result of workplace injury. This is costing the construction industry a lot of money, as
well as hampering progress.
 
4. Businesses can be fined, sued or banned from operating
 
If the HSE finds that unsafe working practices are being carried out on your construction
site, it can issue fines and prohibition notices and it can even prosecute. Similarly, workers
who are injured can file compensation lawsuits against you, which also hurts the business
financially.
 
5. Projects can be compromised
 
If a serious accident takes place on your site, this could halt progress on the project,
angering the client and potentially losing the business the contract.
 
Thank you, Matt, for pointing out the importance of safety on construction sites.  Businesses should provide the correct personal protective equipment for their workers, and have extra construction hardhats for visitors to wear while on site.  Pat
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General Safety Issues

Is Your Business Security System as Strong as it Should Be? (GUEST POST)

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Caméra de vidéo-surveillance

There have been many technological advances in business security that can help keep your business safe, but many business owners don’t know how to go about finding the right system for them. The amount of components and learning to operate them can feel overwhelming, but it is important for owners and managers to know that they’ve covered all their bases when it comes to security and theft prevention. Is your security system as modern and as complete as you need it to be? The protection one security system should provide includes door and window contacts, a keypad, a glass beak detector, and possibly video surveillance components. It all depends on the size of your premises and how serious you are about keeping it secure.

1. Do You Have a Duress Code?

The basic keypad will include a four-digit code to disarm the system, but you should also have a duress code – a separate four-digit code that alerts the police or dispatchers that you are being forced to disarm the system against your will. Usually the duress code will be one number higher than your normal disarm code so that it’s easy to remember.

2. Do You Have Cellular Backup?

With the increasing number of people eliminating land line phones, security systems have been implementing connections to the cellular network. This is also good to have if the land lines to your business are cut – your system can still alert authorities through cellular backup. It seems like an obvious step, but it’s important to check that your system covers it.

3. Is Your Video Surveillance Up to Date?

Video surveillance has entered the digital age, and you want to make sure that yours is recording in case you need to provide the authorities with footage. You might also want to invest in a combination of hidden and visible cameras, depending on your need to monitor certain areas. Dome and mounted cameras might also work for entrances and parking areas.

4. Are All Your Sensors in Place?

A good plan for security is to have every door and window covered with a contact sensor, to detect if they are opened. You need a glass break sensor, a motion sensor, and also sensors that detect heat and smoke in event of a fire. You may want to add a flood sensor or a temperature gauge – environmental issues can be just as detrimental to your business as theft and other crime.

5. Is Your Monitoring Station Easily Accessible?

A good security system company will have an easily accessible station for emergencies, open 24 hours. Not only should they have cellular and land line options as well, some security systems have a two-way intercom system that eliminates the need for any phone calls.

6. Have You Considered GPS?

If your business involves expensive equipment or company vehicles, you can keep them secure with GPS tracking devices. This can not only help you recover what was stolen, it can help lead authorities to the criminals they’re looking for.

7. Do You have Sirens?

Many business owners might prefer a silent system, but sometimes lights and sirens can serve one simple and basic purpose – they scare an intruder off of your property. It might surprise you how effective some good old-fashioned noise can be when it comes to good alarms.

A strong security system will allow you freedom of customization, so you can choose the features that are right for your type of building and business. It’s smart to do a risk assessment before you decide on a security system so you know which kinds of theft you might be most vulnerable to. Typically, your security system should have an easily-operated control panel and security at all entrances. It should be up to you who you want to be allowed to enter your building and when, and what kind of credentials employees should carry. It can all seem overwhelming, but protecting your business is nothing to be taken lightly – there are a number of crimes and other emergencies that can end up costing you big if you’re not willing to take the time and effort to invest in a system strong enough to guard you.

Amy Nielson is an avid blogger who writes often for tech sites. You can follow her on Twitter @NielsonAmy.

General Safety Issues

Updating “The Office” Evacuation Plan (Guest Post)

Updating “The Office” Evacuation Plan

By Jessica Stark

You work in a completely average office. Well, aside from that guy in sales who seems oddly obsessed with his family beet farm. And you can’t forget the cat lady in accounting. Oh, and the weird inter-office romance going on in Human Resources.

Okay, then again, maybe no office can be considered “average.” With so many wild personalities packed into such a small place, there’s no shortage of interesting dynamics to yield an interesting workplace. Perhaps for that very reason, it’s important that your office has a solid plan for an emergency—you don’t, after all, want to put your fate in the hands of the beet farmer. But how can you test the plan to see if your team knows how to react to an emergency? If your answer was to lock the doors and windows before setting off the alarm, you may be more at home on a network sitcom than a productive office. Consider these four tips when updating and testing your office evacuation plan:

Survey Your Building – If you are updating your evacuation plan or building a new one from scratch, taking a good look at your building’s interior and exterior is the first step. See how many exits there are and if they are clearly marked with exit signs. Look for possible routes that may be more effective – is there an outside stairwell or fire escape from the third floor that would work better than the stairs inside? Think outside of the confines of your current plan to see if there are better solutions.

Choose a Gathering Point – Once you’ve found the most efficient way to get your team to safety, you need a safe spot to gather and do a headcount. How else will you be sure that the overly enthusiastic singer in sales didn’t hit his head on the way out? Pick a spot that’s a safe distance from the building and make sure that everyone gathers there instead of hiding in their vehicles so you can see if everyone made it out okay.

Check Lighting – If a disaster knocks out the power, your emergency lighting still has to work. Regularly check your emergency lights to be sure that the bulbs and power supplies are still in working order. Replace any outdated or non-functioning equipment with updated emergency lights and supplies so your team can see their way to safety.

Meet OSHA Standards – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has many standards for evacuation routes. Larger buildings require more exit routes, doors that may be mistaken for exits must clearly be marked “No Exit” and other standards are required. OSHA has a useful guide for building evacuation plans and meeting all required standards for safety in your workplace. Explore the requirements and make sure they are met to avoid fines and potential tragedies on the job.

Your team may be quirky and full of memorable characters, or filled with sleepy, crossword-obsessed salesmen. Regardless of who you work with, though, an up-to-date and effective evacuation plan is a must for any workplace. Survey your building’s layout to find the most effective routes out in case of an emergency, make sure that your equipment is working and meets all standards and find a place to gather your team.

Thanks, Jessica, for this informative article.  Having a few safety posters around the office may help everyone remember to be very aware of emergency exits.  Pat

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

WHEN FLOODS ATTACK (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Rebecca Wilcox

Flooding can cause enormous issues with your home in more ways than one. Sure, there is the initial damage and inconvenience that can come from heavy flooding. This is the damage that most people tend to associate with flooding, though it is honestly one of the least damaging aspects of a flood. 

The most damage from a flood generally comes from the long-term effects of what standing water can do to a structure. This damage is often not readily apparent when the flooding starts to subside, but instead causes unseen damage over long periods of time. In the end, things like mold, wood rot, and mildew can have a worse impact on your home than the flood itself.

To help protect against long-term damage like this, it’s important to do everything you can to keep water from getting into your basement or any other part of your home. This can be accomplished in a number of different ways, but the steps you’ll need to take will vary depending on whether or not you have a basement. Basements add another layer of difficulty to the mix because they are often very difficult to seal against flooding. If you do have a basement, the best thing you can do is work with a contractor to seal it. This will likely be a fairly expensive job.

The other aspect of keeping your home free of flood damage is to have measures on hand that you can use to get rid of water once the flooding starts. If your preparations fail or are overwhelmed, you may be stuck pumping water out of your home yourself. If this happens, you should have a strong pump on hand to get the water out of your house. Tough, durable pumps like Tsurumi pumps are a great, affordable option for this. You want to make sure that your pump is affordable, but not cheap. After all, what good is a cheap pump that ends up costing you thousands in flood damage after it breaks down at a critical moment.

Floods can be absolutely catastrophic if you aren’t prepared for them. Even when you are prepared, there will always be at least a little damage resulting from a major flooding event. Despite this, it is very possible to mitigate the damage done by flooding when you take the time to prepare and equip yourself with the right kind of gear.

As Rebecca advises, be prepared to protect yourself with the right kind of personal protective gear.  From gloves, goggles, waterproof clothing, to rubber boots, your body must not be in contact with contamination from flood waters, mold and mildew.  Some types of destruction require professionals to assist with the clean-up.  Use caution when working in this type of environment. Pat

 

General Safety Issues

Seven Ways to Hurricane-Proof Your Home

 We appreciate Tracy Myers for sending this timely article, as our friends all along the Northeastern Coast of the U.S. are involved with Hurricane Sandy, and the storms that are approaching.  In addition, this just in from Jason Sickle, Yahoo News, October 29:  

 “Hurricane Sandy, a massive storm described by forecasters as one of the largest to ever hit the United States, is making her way towards the population-dense East Coast. Evacuations have been ordered from Maryland to Maine, where storm surge and high winds are expected to wipe out power to millions.  

The Category 1 hurricane threatens nearly 50 million people, and is expected to make landfall around 8 pm Monday in New Jersey. Storm surges of up to 11 feet are expected in New York City, and rescue efforts are already underway for people who ignored evacuation orders on the coast of Delaware.” 

Hopefully, we aren’t too late to send this good advice:

By: Tracy Myers, of  http://www.homeinsurance.org/

For the Eastern Pacific, hurricane season begins May 15 and ends Nov. 30. For the Atlantic, hurricane season begins June 1 and also ends on Nov. 30. That’s a LONG time to sit and wonder if your home is able to withstand the force of a Category 1, 2, or higher hurricane. It’s also plenty of time for you to get off of your butt and get prepared. So stop and think for a second: is your garage refrigerator fully stocked with beer? Yes? Good. Surf boards waxed and ready to go? Excellent, dude! But before you send out invites to that hurricane party, consider these seven ways you can hurricane-proof your home.

  1. Reinforce your windows

    Impact resistant windows are more expensive than regular windows, but they’re built to withstand the impact of a missile (i.e. a tree trunk) traveling at more than 30 mph. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, such windows are essential, and will save you money you’d otherwise spend repairing the damage your home might sustain. Storm shutters, made of either metal or plywood, are another effective and less expensive option, but be sure they are installed correctly for maximum protection.

  2. Secure your outdoor stuff

    A hurricane can produce winds in excess of 155 mph, as well as your friendly neighborhood tornado. And if a hurricane is headed your way, your unsecured outdoor trash cans, grill, potted plants, and patio furniture will be transformed into flying projectiles, causing damage and injuring anyone unlucky enough to be outside. Don’t assume your garden gnome or front yard pink flamingo is going to be around after a hurricane blows through your neighborhood. Bring your outdoor items into your home or secure them inside your garage. And speaking of garages…

  3. Reinforce garage doors

    Did you know your garage door is the weakest part of your house? Garage doors are generally made of thin, lightweight metal, and supported only on the sides, not top and bottom. But reinforcing a garage door is relatively simple and can, in some cases, be done with a pair of crossed two-by-fours. Before doing so, be sure to release the door from the garage door mechanism and lock it. More expensive options include purchasing and having professionally installed specially reinforced garage doors.

  1. Buy and install a generator

    So you rode out the hurricane, your windows are intact, and your dogs and cats have finally stopped barking and meowing. You breathe a sigh of relief, until you discover there’s no electricity. And it’s 100 degrees outside. And with branches littering the streets, preventing repair crews from easy access to your home, chances are you’re in for a few days (or more) of no air conditioning. Unless you’re smart, thought ahead, and own a generator. If you’re really smart, you own either a portable emergency generator, which can generate enough juice to power more than one room in your home, or a standby generator, which can power your home’s air conditioning. These generators come in different sizes, and some types need to be installed by a professional electrician. So shop around now instead of the day after a hurricane.

  2. Batten down the hatches

    “Batten down the hatches” is pirate-talk for “In the event of hundred-plus mph winds, let’s make sure your roof doesn’t blow off!” Metal hurricane straps are designed to secure your roof’s tresses to the walls of your home, and may already be installed in your home if you live in a hurricane-prone area of the country. After checking to see if you have hurricane straps, get out a ladder and take a good look at your roof’s tiles and shingles. If any are loose, use roofing cement to glue them down. And while you’re up there, take time to clean any debris out of the gutters, so that rain water hitting roof isn’t prevented from safely draining off.

  3. Trim your trees

    In the event of a storm, nearby dead tree branches will snap and possibly damage your home or more embarrassingly, a neighbor’s home, which can lead to some uncomfortable conversations with your insurance provider. Improperly cutting and pruning a tree can increase the danger of it breaking apart in high winds, so consult with and hire a certified arborist to do the job correctly.

  4. Do not drain your swimming pool

    Once you’re done enjoying the unbelievable waves that come with any approaching storm, it’s time to take care of your backyard swimming pool. Remove any rubber rafts and rubber ducks, but do not drain your pool. The pool’s water will serve as a protective shield that will prevent damage from flying debris. The water remaining in your pool also prevents hydrostatic pressure, that is, water that builds up in the ground around the pool, which can cause your pool to “pop” out of the ground.

Please heed all warnings and evacuation orders.  P.S. On Tuesday, the storm has done much damage to the Northeast; power is out in several states, and first report was that sixteen persons have died.  We pray that most of the people that were told to evacuate did so. Pat

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

“Superstorm Sandy” IS AN UNWELCOME VISITOR TO THE NORTHEASTERN U.S.

Hurricane Sandy is churning off the East Coast and is expected to join up with two other weather systems to create a huge and problematic storm affecting 50 million people. Here’s a snapshot of what is happening or expected, state by state, according to the Associated Press.

CAROLINAS – The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 14 members of a crew forced to abandon a tall ship about 90 miles off the North Carolina coast and continued to search for two other crew members. The storm lashed barrier islands and rendered several homes and businesses nearly inaccessible.

CONNECTICUT -Water from Long Island Sound began spilling into roadways and towns along the Connecticut shoreline in the first signs of flooding from Sandy. Officials say the flooding at high tide overnight could cause more damage than a 1938 New England hurricane, known as the Long Island Express.

DELAWARE – Dover Air Force Base has relocated some aircraft in anticipation of the storm, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has requested that the base be used as a staging area for support and supplies. Some residents of low-lying areas of the base have been ordered to evacuate.

KENTUCKY – Sandy is expected to bring snow to far southeastern Kentucky. A winter storm warning is in effect in Harlan, Letcher and Pike counties through Wednesday morning. Forecasters say snow could accumulate from 4 to 10 inches in high elevations and 1 to 3 inches in lower elevations.

MAINE – Virtually all Maine public schools opened Monday but some were closing early before the heaviest rain and wind from Hurricane Sandy. State officials say the biggest concern is wind, which is expected to cause widespread power outages. The state’s utilities say they have crews poised to deal with expected power outages, including some from Canada.

MARYLAND – Hurricane Sandy inflicted considerable damage overnight to a large, iconic ocean pier in the Maryland beach resort of Ocean City. In mountainous western Maryland, a blizzard warning was issued for sections of Garrett County for Monday night into Tuesday morning.

MASSACHUSETTS – The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is shutting down all service at 2 p.m. Monday due to expected high winds from Sandy. Secretary of Transportation Richard Davey said the order affects all subway, bus and commuter rail service.

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Gov. John Lynch has urged all drivers to be off the roads by 3 p.m. as Hurricane Sandy approaches. Lynch declared a state of emergency and directed that non-essential state workers be released from work Monday afternoon. He urged employers to consider releasing workers early. The governor has put 100 New Hampshire Guard soldiers on active duty.

NEW JERSEY – Officials have closed a larger section of the Garden State Parkway because of flooding. The parkway is closed from Exit 63 in Stafford Township to the southern terminus. Most of Atlantic City is under water, and there’s flooding in other cities up and down the New Jersey shore as the storm approaches for a predicted direct hit to New Jersey.

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city’s public schools will remain closed on Tuesday after being shut down Monday. Earlier, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel and Holland Tunnel will close at 2 p.m. Monday. Airports in the metropolitan New York City area are open, but air carriers are not operating.  A television report recently reported that hundreds of thousands of residents of low-lying areas have been advised to evacuate.

OHIO – Residents of low-lying areas and along Lake Erie were told to watch for flooding; utilities are anticipating high winds that could blow down trees and poles. Snow is forecast in some areas.

PENNSYLVANIA – Officials from the state transit agency and the Pennsylvania Turnpike have instituted speed restrictions over concerns about high winds and ordered certain vehicles, including empty trucks and motorcycles, off some highways. The National Weather Service says southeastern Pennsylvania could get winds reaching 75 mph and rainfall up to 10 inches.

RHODE ISLAND – Officials are concerned about wind driving water north up Narragansett Bay, which could create flooding in low-lying areas of the upper bay, including Providence, Warwick and Cranston. About 2,600 National Grid customers were without power, mostly in Barrington and other parts of Bristol County.

TENNESSEE – Snow is expected in higher elevations, where a freeze warning has been issued. High winds are expected in many areas.

VERMONT – Gov. Peter Shumlin declared a state of emergency to provide access to National Guard troops in a state still recovering from the devastating effects of the remnants of Hurricane Irene. Culverts and storm drainage basins in some spots have been cleared of debris.

VIRGINIA – A curfew is in place on Virginia’s swamped Chincoteague Island. Officials say the entire 37-square-mile island is underwater, and there is no way off the island because a causeway to the mainland has been closed. The 3,500 islanders who decided to tough out Hurricane Sandy have been told to keep off the streets.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Taxis that originate in Washington are authorized to add an emergency flat rate of $15 per trip because of Hurricane Sandy, starting Monday. The price is supposed to expire at noon Tuesday, but can be extended if considered necessary. The capital area’s transit system shut down rail service for the first time since 2003.

WEST VIRGINIA – As much as 2 to 3 feet of snow was forecast in mountainous areas, and flooding was possible in some areas. At least 14 counties are under a blizzard warning Monday as high winds and heavy, wet snow moves through the state.

Weather experts say that the possibility of high waves is their main concern in many areas.  Military personnel are scattered throughout many states, helping those who are trying to move their furnishings, etc. to second story floors of their homes, in order to minimize damage to some of their possessions, and are also assisting in evacuations.  Persons should think first of saving the lives of themselves, their family, and their pets, and taking what they can to safer places.  They should stay in touch with relatives who are watching the progression of Sandy as she moves inland. If you are in any of the Northeastern part of the U.S., play it safe.  Suggestions of preparing for emergencies, such as having plenty of supplies, i.e., fresh water, batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food supplies, pet foods, and medications are found to be very important in times of threatening weather.  It’s also wise to keep a first-aid kit  with those other supplies. Pat

 

Source for state by state report: Associated Press

General Safety Issues

HOW WORKPLACE INJURIES AFFECT BUSINESS (GUEST POST)

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Written by Georgina Clatworthy

 Workers  are not the only ones negatively affected by injuries in the workplace. The owner of a business can also face serious repercussions when one of their employees is injured, especially if it was due to some form of company negligence. It is important for business owners to know the possible repercussions they can face so they can try their best to avoid them.

Financial Problems due to Workplace Injuries

Several financial pitfalls occur when an employee is injured on the job. All of these financial issues will negatively affect the company as a whole and have a detrimental effect on the company’s bottom line. As our New York personal injury lawyer points out, the most obvious issue that arises after a workplace injury relates to worker’s compensation insurance. Just like any other type of insurance, these rates can rise due to repeat accidents. This type of insurance is essential in all types of companies, so having an increase in the recurring payments can be disastrous to a business.

Productivity Issues Arising from Workplace Injuries

Another factor that can be negatively affected by an employee’s injury is overall productivity within the business. Workers who are injured severely will not be able to show up for their prescheduled shifts. This means that the work that is usually performed by that employee will not get done unless another worker is called in to handle the situation. This is often difficult on the injured party’s co-workers due to the fact that their plans were likely constructed around their work schedule, and this schedule can drastically change when a fellow employee is temporarily removed from the picture.

The biggest hit to productivity usually comes when an injury occurs to an employee who has a specialized skill within the company. If no one else is trained to handle their job, it will likely not get done until a new worker is trained for the position. Unfortunately, paying employees for training often causes a net loss since workers do not get as much done during their training period. This makes it pertinent for employers to ensure that they have more than just one worker who can handle particular projects.

Legal Implications of Workplace Injuries

Maybe one of the most disastrous effects of a workplace injury is the legal implications that the company can face. A company can, for instance, be seriously damaged if they do not carry worker’s compensation insurance. This is a completely negligent act that will result in serious consequences that could include high end settlements to compensate the injured employee. Worker’s compensation insurance also doesn’t cover all injuries. Independent contractors, for instance, are often not covered by these policies. This is why it’s so important to take proper precautions to prevent workplace injuries.

Most of the negative consequences associated with an employee’s workplace injury can be avoided if the employer demands adequate safety and health measures on their job sites. The majority of injuries will not result in a company losing enough money to go out of business, but this is a very real possibility if an employer is negligent and doesn’t have proper insurance coverage. A little preparedness can go a long way in avoiding workplace injury repercussions.

This article was written by Georgina Clatworthy, a law writer and legal blog editor. She contributes this article for New York personal injury lawyer, The Perecman Firm.  The firm has helped many clients deal with the after effects of workplace injuries and ensured they received the compensation they deserved.

Note: Companies are required by OSHA to provide OSHA protective equipment to ensure their workers’ safety on the job.  Whether it’s safety glasses, gloves, protective clothing, hardhats, or any other type of protection, the company must provide such, and train their employees to wear it at all times while on the job.  It is their responsibility to take care of their equipment and ask for replacements when it becomes worn or damaged. Pat

 

General Safety Issues

KEEP THESE TEN TIPS IN MIND WHEN TEACHING YOUR KIDS ABOUT STRANGER DANGER (GUEST POST)

 Shared with us by Olivia Lewis of http://www.nannynewsnetwork.com 
 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crime Information Center estimates that roughly 2,000 children are reported missing every day. Luckily, the vast majority of missing children are found and their cases are resolved within hours; of those who aren’t immediately found, up to 49% are later found to have been abducted by a non-custodial parent or relative. 27% are kidnapped by an acquaintance, leaving only 24% at the hands of complete strangers. While the term “Stranger Danger” has a catchy ring to it, it’s actually a bit misleading because less than ¼ of all abducted children are taken by a stranger. This makes it extremely important to teach children about more than just stranger avoidance.

  1. Most People Are Strangers – Realistically, the majority of the people that your child encounters throughout the course of his day are strangers. Instilling a fear of all strangers will only cause him to regard anyone he doesn’t know with fear, which could make it difficult for him to approach a stranger for help if he’s in need.
  2. Avoid Absolutes – Saying things like “all strangers are bad,” or “never talk to anyone you don’t know, ever” only make it difficult for your child to navigate social encounters and unravel the mysteries of the world around him.
  3. “Good” Strangers – Pointing out that kids can always turn to people in police or firefighters’ uniforms, teachers and other official authority figures can help him to understand the difference between strangers that wish him harm and those that can offer him assistance when he needs it.
  4. No Gifts, Treats or Surprises – Let your child know that he shouldn’t accept any treats, presents or surprises from anyone that tells him that those gifts should be kept a secret. Making a policy of not accepting gifts from people he doesn’t know well is a wise idea.
  5. Talk About “Tricky” People – Because most kids are abducted or sexually abused by people that they know it’s much more important for kids to learn about “tricky” people than “stranger danger.” A tricky person is anyone who asks him to keep a secret from his parents, to lie about where he’s been, or to go somewhere with them without talking to a parent first.
  6. The Rules Apply to Big Kids, Too – Make sure that your child knows not to go anywhere with a tricky person, even if that person is an older kid. It’s easy for children taught about Stranger Danger to view adults as scary and other kids as always safe, but this isn’t always the case.
  7. Encourage Kids to Ask Questions – In order to ensure that your child has a grasp of the concepts you’re teaching, have him ask you any questions that he wants. Let him know that he won’t be in any trouble, no matter what he asks. Your child needs to know that he can always trust you when he needs to talk about strangers, tricky people and trouble; presenting an opportunity to ask no-holds-barred questions on the subject can begin to build that trust.
  8. Be Honest – It’s important to answer your child’s questions with age-appropriate honesty. Try not to evade questions, tell white lies, or otherwise subvert the truth when it comes to this very serious issue. Keep in mind that his questions are only an indication that he’s listening to what he’s being told, and is trying his best to process it.
  9. Keep the Conversation Age-Appropriate – While it’s important to be honest and up-front with your child on the subject of abuse, Stranger Danger and abductions, you should also remember just how vivid your child’s imagination is. The child whose mind can turn a shadow on the wall into a lurking monster might not need all the gory details about a local abduction case.
  10. Maintain an Ongoing Dialogue – It’s important to teach small children how to safely and responsibly handle situations with strangers and tricky people, but it’s also just as important to continue the conversation as your child ages. When he’s older, the focus may shift more to avoiding online predators and exploitation, but the basic concept is still the same and shouldn’t be abandoned after the first discussion.

Striking a balance between instructing kids on responsible behavior and outright fear-mongering is a challenge, but it’s one that you must face as a parent. While it’s of vital importance to educate your children regarding the best way to avoid abduction or abuse, it’s also important not to create anxiety and overwhelming fear of all strangers in his mind.