Safety Facts and Resources

Safety Tips

Discuss these scenarios with your child, to better prepare them should the situation occur:

  1. I tell my parents about things that happen to me that make me feel uncomfortable, sad, or scared.
  2. I know to Yell, Run, and Tell if someone I don't know approaches me or makes me feel uncomfortable and scared in any way. I know that running to a safe place and telling a trusted adult is better than hiding.
  3. When I walk down the street, I always face traffic so that I can see if someone stops the car near me. I never take shortcuts through deserted areas like creeks or vacant lots.

Online Resources

Visit McGruff the Crime Dog.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

NetSmartz NetSmartz

Keeping Children Safe Online 

FBI Kids Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge and see if you can win the game.

Bicycle Safety

  • Loudoun County has an ordinance requiring the use of a bicycle helmet for all children under the age of 14.
  • Before using your bicycle, make sure it is ready to ride. You should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.
  • Always wear a properly fitted helmet!
  • Adjust your bicycle to fit.
  • Learn the rules of the road and obey all traffic laws.
  • Watch and avoid road hazards.
  • Always wear bright colors and avoid riding at night.
  • For more Biking Safety Information visit https://bikeloudoun.org/safe-routes-to-school

Skateboarding Safety

  • Always wear properly fitting protective gear: helmet, wrist guards, and hip, knee, and elbow pads. Wear closed slip-resistant shoes. Also, make sure that the skateboard is the proper size for the child riding it.
  • Ride skateboards on smooth, dry surfaces located in well-lit areas. Never ride in the street, or in crowds of non-skaters.
  • Check skateboard for any problems before each use.
  • Only one person per board, and never hitch a ride from a car or bike.
  • Practice complicated tricks/jumps in specially designed areas that have adequate adult supervision and access to medical care, if needed.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that children under the age of five should not ride skateboards. Any child under the age of 10 should be closely supervised when riding.
  • To help minimize the impact of a fall, crouch down so that you are closer to the ground and attempt to fall on the fleshy part of the body. Try rolling instead of landing on arms and relax the body when falling.