Parents should walk or ride their child’s route9s) to and from school with them and point out: 

• Any places the child should avoid such as deserted alleys or buildings, vacant lots, or recessed doorways.

• The McGruff House locations

       Use this walk as an opportunity to discuss all aspects of crime prevention with the child.  She/he should know that being alert, aware,  and prepared is not the same as being frightened or careless.

     Be sure your child knows:

•         His or her full name and address, including city and state

•         His/her full telephone number, including area code

•         How to use the telephone, both push button and dial, to make local and long distance calls, and emergency calls, and also to reach the operator.

•         To always have 25 cents to use in a pay phone

•         To use the buddy system at play or going to and from school.

•         That a stranger is someone you don’t know.

       That if the child is being followed by a car or person on foot, she/he should run to the nearest McGruff House.  Never to go anywhere with another adult, even one who says the parent has sent him/her unless per mission was given beforehand.  Use a family password to be given by any non-family adult if they are to pick up your child.  Teach the child that he/she must never tell this password to anyone else.

       That harm can come from people they know, as well as strangers.  Strangers often use enticements, asking children to help them find a lost puppy, offering to pay for a video game, or asking children to walk to “show” them something.

       That there are many adults children can trust and ask for help such as parents, school principal, teachers family members, law enforcement, etc.

Please Stress

That you want to be told whenever anything happens that makes your child feel strange or “funny” in any way. That you cannot be with our child at all times, and the child can help keep him/herself safe by always telling you when something is said or done that makes him/her feel uncomfortable.

Police and McGruff

Checklist for Parents