Hey kids! Do you know what super cool thing you have? It’s your safety! Keeping yourself safe is like having a superpower that helps you explore the world, play with friends, and learn new things without worries. But just like superheroes need to know their powers, you need to know how to stay safe. Let’s learn some awesome safety tips that will help you be a safety superstar everywhere you go!

Safety at Home: Your Cozy Castle

Your home is usually a safe place, but even castles have secret passages! Here are some tips to keep your home super safe:

• Fire Safety: Know what a smoke alarm sounds like and have a family escape plan. Practice crawling low under smoke and having a meeting spot outside. [1]
• Kitchen Rules: Ask a grown-up before using the stove or oven. Knives and hot liquids can be dangerous.
• Medicine Cabinet: Never touch medicines without a grown-up. They are not candy!
• Stranger Danger at the Door: If someone you don’t know comes to the door, don’t open it. Tell a grown-up right away.
• Online Safety: We’ll talk more about this, but remember to ask a grown-up before going online and never share personal information with strangers.

Safety Outdoors: Adventures Await!

The great outdoors is full of fun, but it’s important to be careful.

• Playground Safety: Always check if equipment is safe before playing. Don’t push or shove, and always go down slides feet first. [2]
• Bike Safety: Always wear a helmet! Make sure your bike fits you, and ride with traffic, not against it. Use hand signals to show where you’re going.
• Water Safety: Never swim alone. Always have a grown-up watching you. If you’re on a boat, wear a life jacket.
• Crossing the Street: Look left, then right, then left again before crossing. Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
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Stranger Safety:** Never go anywhere with someone you don’t know, even if they say they know your parents. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, run away and tell a trusted adult.

Stranger Safety: Knowing Who to Trust

It’s important to know who you can trust and what to do if you meet a stranger.

• Trusted Adults: Know who your trusted adults are – parents, teachers, grandparents, or a close family friend. If you ever feel unsafe or scared, tell one of them right away.
• Say NO! Go! Yell! Tell!: If a stranger tries to get you to go with them, say NO loudly, run away as fast as you can, yell for help, and tell a trusted adult what happened.
• Never Keep Secrets: If someone tells you to keep a secret from your parents, especially if it makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s not a good secret. Always tell a trusted adult.

Online Safety: Surfing the Web Safely

The internet is an amazing place for learning and fun, but it’s like a big city – you need to know how to navigate it safely.

• Ask a Grown-Up: Always ask a parent or trusted adult before you go online, download games, or visit new websites.
• No Personal Information: Never share your name, address, phone number, school name, or pictures with people you don’t know online. [3]
• Think Before You Click: Don’t click on links or open emails from people you don’t know. They might be tricky!
• Be Kind Online: Always be respectful and kind to others. Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face.
• Tell a Grown-Up: If anything online makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused, tell a trusted adult immediately. They can help you.

Remember, being safe means being smart and aware. By following these super safety tips, you can have lots of fun and stay safe while you explore the world!

Q&A: Your Safety Questions Answered!

Q1: What should I do if I see a fire in my house?

A1: If you see a fire, tell a grown-up immediately! If you can’t find one, get out of the house quickly using your family’s escape plan and go to your meeting spot. Never go back inside for anything.

Q2: Is it okay to talk to strangers if they seem nice?

A2: It’s best not to talk to strangers you don’t know, even if they seem nice. If a stranger tries to talk to you or offer you something, remember to say NO, go away, yell for help, and tell a trusted adult right away.

Q3: Why do I need to wear a helmet when I ride my bike?

A3: Wearing a helmet protects your head! If you fall off your bike, a helmet can prevent serious injuries to your brain. It’s super important for keeping you safe while you ride.

Q4: What if someone online asks for my address?

A4: Never, ever give out your address or any other personal information (like your full name, phone number, or school) to anyone online you don’t know in real life. If someone asks for it, tell a trusted adult immediately.

Sources

[1] Safe Kids Worldwide – Fire Safety
[2] Safe Kids Worldwide – Playground Safety
[3] ChildCare.gov – Keeping Children Safe Online