Holiday information

Happy Holidays to everyone!!! I just got this from OCSO and it has some good information concerning safety for the Holidays..... Dave
Holiday Greetings and welcome back!

Soon our children will be out of school for the holidays. Our next message is geared towards holiday safety of our children and young adults.

Please take the time to not only read over our message but also plan and discuss these with your family.


Always:
If you must take children with you shopping, always keep them with you. It’s always best to find a reliable and trusted friend or family member to watch them when you are shopping.
Accompany and supervise children in public facilities including restrooms.
Have a plan in case you get separated. Have designated meeting spot.
Teach children that if they get lost to look for people that can help such as law enforcement, employee or a mother with children.
Remind children to remain in the area they become separated.
Turn shopping trips into opportunities to practice safe holiday shopping.
Never:
Never dress children in clothing that displays their first or last names. This can prompt unwelcome attention from someone looking to start a conversation with your child.
Never leave children in toy stores or public facilities expecting supervision from others.
Never go shopping or attend public events with children if you feel you may become distracted.
Never allow young children to shop on their own. Even if it is to purchase surprise gifts for family or friends.
Never drop off young adults at a mall or public place without agreeing on plans for a time and location to pick them up. This may include alternate plans if the original plans fall through.

Travel: If your child is traveling alone by train, bus or air, please remember the following travel safety tips.
When you make reservations for your child, ask what provisions and security are provided by the company for children traveling alone.
Request a copy of the carriers policy and emergency procedures before booking.
If possible book a non stop flight or direct route. Never book the last flight of the day.
Plan to visit the location where the child will travel from prior to departure. Have the person picking up the child do the same at the arrival destination. This is so the child will know what to expect and not have the experience be as intimidating.
Plan ahead for a delay. Stay with the child at the terminal until they depart.
Always make sure your child travels with proper identification along with the contact information for both the departing and receiving party.
Have a back up plan for the person meeting your child in case of a delay.
Explain to children not to become too friendly with other passengers and to not reveal any personal information.
Always write the name down as a record of the employee who is taking custody of your child.
Always have the child contact you upon arrival. Many websites now offer real time tracking of airline flights.