These simple kidnapping prevention tips could save your children’s lives

According to Missing Children South Africa, one child goes missing every five hours in SA. 

It's enough to disturb anyone - parent and non-parent alike, and while it does happen in the blink of an eye, there are a few things you can do to protect your family

What YOU should do:

• Know your child's whereabouts at all times.

• At a very early age, teach your child their name, address and telephone number and your first and last name.

• Teach them how to call 10111 for help.

• Make sure children know how to make local and long distance telephone calls.

• Teach your children to scream as loudly as possible, and that it is okay to do so when afraid.

• Never leave children alone in a car, not even for a few seconds.

• Establish strict procedures for picking up children at school, after movies, at friends' homes, etc.

• Establish a family code word that only you, your child and a trusted relative or friend knows. Teach your child to ask for the code word when approached by someone offering them a ride.

• Remind your children to never accept a ride from someone you don't know, even if the child knows them.

• Talk to your children about child abduction in a simple, non-threatening way.

• Listen to your child when he or she discusses anyone they have met or spoken with when you weren't around.

• Have photographs taken of your children at least four times a year (especially for preschoolers). Make note of birthmarks or other distinguishing features.

• Have your child fingerprinted and store the prints in a safe, easily accessible place in your home. 

Teach your children to:

• Never leave home without your permission. Very small children should play only in areas away from the street, such as a backyard, or in a play area supervised by a responsible adult.

• Never wander off, to avoid lonely places, and to avoid shortcuts through alleys or deserted areas. They are safer walking or playing with friends.

• Come straight home from school unless you have made other arrangements.

• Never enter anyone's home without your approval.

• If accosted by a stranger in a mall, scream ‘This is not my Daddy!’ and get behind the nearest shop counter.

• Scream, run away and tell you or a trusted adult if anyone attempts to touch or grab them, of if a stranger offers them a ride.

• Never give any information over the telephone including their name and address, or indicate they are alone.

• Keep doors locked and admit only authorized people into the house.

Adapted from http://sheriff.org/safety/abduction.cfm

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