Safe in 60: Create A Safety Plan With Your Child

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Each year as the weather warms up, police see a rise in calls from parents saying their child is missing.

Salt Lake City Police respond to an average of 12 missing child calls a month. Fortunately, almost all of those children are found quickly and safely.

If you find yourself in this situation, here’s where to start.

If this happens at home, quickly check all places they your child may hide: closets, piles of clothing, under beds, inside your car, or any other favorite hiding places. Most of the time when we respond on missing children, they are found in the home.

If you need to call police, some preparation beforehand can be very helpful.

• Have a child ID kit, just in case. It includes a photo, characteristics such as scars or other identifying marks, dental records and fingerprints. You can print this form from the Salt Lake City Police website and keep it safely in your files at home.
• Have a list of your child’s friends and where they live.
• Where do your kids like to go? Include parks and other attractions.
• Teach your child basic information at a young age such as parents’ full names and phone numbers.
• Teach them that if they get lost to find a store clerk, security guard or police officer.

Have a “Child Safety Oath” that you and your child agree to. You can print a certificate on the Salt Lake City Police website, or create your own.

Examples of oaths your child can take:

• I will always play or go places with at least one person – never alone.
• I will always tell my parents where I am going and playing.
• I will learn how to call 911. I will learn my address and phone number.
• I will never tell anyone that I am home alone.
• I will NEVER talk to a stranger or go anywhere with them for any reason, including their home or car.
• I know that certain people I don’t know can help me, such as: moms with kids, police officers in uniform or clerks in a store.

As you teach your child safety, make it fun! You can reinforce important messages with quizzes and games.

Additional child safety resources:

Salt Lake Police Child Safety