Sheriff offers festival safety tips
BUCYRUS – Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent is reminding parents that although festivals and fairs are lots of fun, they need to do their part to keep their family safe.
He offers these safety tips:
• Keep your children in sight and teach them to stay close to you because it’s easy to become separated in large crowds.
• Talk to your children about what being lost means and what to do if they become lost. Have a plan, and then play the “What if …” game to ensure they understand the plan. “What if Mommy gets separated?” “What if you get lost?” or “Who is a safe person to ask for help?” etc.
• Should you realize your child is lost, don’t look for them alone. Immediately contact local security.
• Have your child carry or wear emergency information that tells how to reach you. Include cell numbers, home phone number, emergency contact, important medical information, and anything else you think is important.
• Dress kids in bright colors to make them easier to spot. Make a game of remembering what color everyone is wearing that day. If you are with a large group, wear matching T-shirts to help identify your group.
• Consider giving your elementary age children a cell phone while you’re out in a crowd as a “just-in-case” backup.
• Use your phone to take a photo of each child before you leave so you will know exactly what they were wearing and have a current photo should you need it.
• Teach your children it is OK to say “no” and get away from any person or situation making them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused. Trust their feelings, and be sure to tell a trusted adult if anything happens to make them feel this way.
• Pay attention to weather forecasts and prepare appropriately. On sunny days be sure to use sunscreen, apply often, and sunglasses to protect against harmful UV rays.
• On hot days, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Know where the first aid area is located in case you need to access it quickly.
Visit www.crawfordcountysheriffohio.com for details.