Chief’s Column: It’s summer vacation! Play safe.

For most Grafton students, the long-awaited summer vacation begins on Thursday. For everyone’s safety, I thought it would be appropriate to reprint this column.

QUESTION: My husband and I both work full-time jobs and we are no longer able to work remotely from home. With the school year coming to an end, my kids will frequently be home alone during the daytime. Do you have any suggestions that might help keep them safer while we are at work?

ANSWER: Each year thousands of children are victimized by crime. No matter what age, sex, race or neighborhood you live in, anyone can become a victim of crime. The Grafton Police Department would like to offer the following tips to help keep children safe. Remembering these suggestions and following them when necessary will reduce your children’s chances of becoming a victim.

Safety in your Home or Apartment

• Make sure there are contact numbers available in case of an emergency, i.e., cell numbers, work numbers, numbers for friends or relatives that can be reached, etc.
• Make sure your door is always locked. If there is a knock at the door always acknowledge it.
• Do not open your door for strangers, no matter how friendly they seem. If they want to use your phone in an emergency, offer to make the call for them.
• If you are alone in a house try to keep a radio or television turned on to give the impression that the residence is occupied.
• Never tell anyone at the door or on the phone that you are alone. Do not give out any information.
• Call “911” for emergencies. Be sure to give the operator your location, name and description of the emergency so the proper assistance can be dispatched.
• Have your keys ready as you approach your door to enter.
• Do not attempt to enter your residence if you see a suspicious person in front of it or walking behind you. Go to a neighbor you trust.

Safety on the Streets: While you’re walking remember:

• Always try to walk with a friend. Two heads are better than one, especially if there’s an emergency. Strangers usually pick on one person. Don’t take short cuts. Always stick to the same route when going to and coming from school, the store, the library, etc. Parents or friends should know that route in case they need to find you.
• Be observant as you walk. Be aware of your surroundings. If you think you are being followed, you can cross the street.
• If you think you are in danger, yell “help” or “fire” and run to the nearest store or public place.
• If a stranger in a car asks you questions, don’t get close to the car (you could get pulled in) and never get in it. Remember, a stranger is anyone you and your parents don’t know or don’t know well.
• Some adults can tell you what to do, such as a teacher or a police officer. But no adult can tell you what to do just because he or she is older than you. If you’re ever in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, you have the right to say NO, loud and clear.
• Don’t tell anyone your name and address when you are out walking, and don’t think that because someone knows your name that they know you, maybe he/she heard someone else call you by name. Wearing clothing with your name on the outside tells strangers who you are
• Establish a code or secret word that only you and your parents know.

Safety at Play

• Do not ride your bicycle in deserted areas. Ride in a group, if possible. Do not ride at night. If you leave your bicycle outside a store, house, etc., secure it with a good lock and chain.
• Do not stay alone in a playground or recreational area. Play in groups and walk home in groups.
• Stay away from dark and wooded areas. Do not go into abandoned buildings.

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.

Chief of Police