Child Safety

1. To memorize their full name, address and phone number, including area code, state and zip code.
2. How to use the telephone, how to make calls to the operator and how to dial emergency numbers.
3. To yell "help me" and run away if a stranger touches or grabs them, then tell a parent or trusted adult.
4. That a stranger is someone they and you do not know well.
5. Never to enter a strangers car or home.
6. To keep the doors locked and only admit authorized people to their home.
7. How to use a code word. (A code word is a special word that only you and your child know.
It is used if you need to have another person pickup your child so that your child can verify
that the person is safe).
8. They are safer playing and walking with friends.
9. To avoid alleys, poorly lit and lonely or deserted areas.
10. Never to wander away from you or your yard unless they tell you and receive permission.
11. To tell you if something strange or uncomfortable has happened to them.
12. Never to give information about themselves (including home phone) to anyone except authorized persons.

Children and the 911 Emergency System

Teach your children what the 911 emergency system is and how they should use it in an emergency.
Points to review with children are:

1. Tell the operator what the emergency is.
2. Give your full address, phone number and name.
3. Emergency medical, fire or police personnel are being sent to you even
though you are still talking to the operator.
4. Stay on the line with the 911 operator until they tell you to hang up.
5. The 911 service is for emergencies. It is important to teach your child not to play with or misuse 911.

Things You Can Do

1. Never leave your child unattended, especially in cars.
2. Establish procedures for school pick up or what to do in case you are unable to pick them up.
3. Take frequent photos of your child (four times a year) and keep them in a safe place.
4. Fingerprint your child.
5. Listen to your child and immediately report anything suspicious to the police.

The Department of Justice operates a toll-free number for persons to provide information anonymously regarding dangerous weapons in schools, both public and private. That toll-free number is 1-(800)-622-3784. An operator will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This new service is only one way of dealing with dangerous weapons in schools. It is based on the assumption that some children, for whatever reason, may not use the existing resources, such as teachers, other adults, law enforcement, or 911 calls. This toll-free number provides an alternative. To be clear, the goal is to encourage reports where dangerous weapons pose a threat, as quickly as possible, by whatever means are available, so school staff, and local law enforcement can provide the appropriate response.

This paragraph is an excerpt from a letter sent to District Administrators and Principals written by Attorney General James E. Doyle and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Elizabeth Burmaster. The New Holstein Police Department believes this information is very important and this web site will facilitate any alternative available to reporting dangerous weapons in school.