What to do after an accident

Try to remain calm
Immediately find a trusted adult or police officer
If an adult is not present, call the Police at 9-1-1 or "0" for operator
State the problem
Give your full name and address
Don't hang up until you're told to do so


Stay safe while riding a bicycle

Always wear a helmet--head injuries can be very serious
Wear proper clothes and reflectors
Don't ride double
Follow traffic
Use hand signals when stopping and turning
Walk your bike across busy intersections
Make sure your bike has proper safety equipment such as lights and reflectors
Yield to pedestrians
Ride single file when biking with others


What you should do when someone offers you drugs or alcohol

Say no--it takes courage to do what's right
Change the subject, or suggest other sports or activities
Walk away
Choose friends who avoid alcohol and/or drugs
If the person starts to pressure you, call the police or tell an adult


What to do if you find drugs or needles

DO NOT TOUCH THEM!
Leave the area
Tell a trusted adult or police officer about what you found and where you found it
If there is no adult, dial 9-1-1 or "0" for operator


What to do when someone picks a fight

Try to convince them you have no desire to fight. It takes more courage to walk away than it does to fight
Take a step back
Get the facts straight
Be willing to listen
Don't be afraid to admit when you're wrong
Discuss ways to solve the problem
Remember- fighting is not the answer to solving a problem


What to do in case of a fire

First thing: Stay calm, stay low, leave the building immediately
Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house
Do not attempt to put out the fire yourself, no matter how small


Practicing fire safety

Never play with matches or a lighter
Always be careful around a stove, heater or open fire
Do not cook without an adult present
If your clothes do catch on fire, "Stop, drop and roll."
If your friend's clothes start on fire, yell: "Stop, drop and roll."
Do not run if your clothes start on fire
Get an adult to help, or call 9-1-1 or "0" for operator


What to do if you find a knife, gun or other weapon

DO NOT TOUCH! - no matter where you find it
Leave it alone and tell a trusted adult right away
If there is no adult, call 9-1-1 or "0" for operator
Tell them who you are and where you are
Don't hang up until you are told to do so


What to do if you're lost

Stay calm and alert
Stay where you are and think--your parents or group may be looking for you
Give them a chance to find you
If no one comes for you soon, look for a police officer or other trusted adult
Make sure you know your address and phone number
If all else fails, call 9-1-1 (9-1-1 calls are free on pay phones)


What to do if your friend swallows poison

Try to remain calm
Try to keep them still and calm
Save the poison container--it tells others what bad poisons are in it
Call 9-1-1 if no adult is present
State the problem briefly
Give your full name and the address
Remain on the phone for questions and instructions


How to be safe in water

Never participate in water sports alone
Always use the buddy system when in or near water
Make sure you have adult permission and supervision
Be familiar with safety equipment and know where it is located
Do not participate in outdoor sports in bad weather
If someone is drowning, get help immediately
If there is a telephone near, call 9-1-1 right away


Why you should wear safety belts

Seatbelts save lives
In 1998, over 11,000 people's lives were saved because they were wearing their safety belts
Motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of death among children
Even if your parents do not wear theirs, you should wear yours
It's the law!


Why you shouldn't smoke

Tobacco kills over 400,000 people a year--that's more than AIDS, murder, suicide, alcohol, illicit drugs, and traffic accidents COMBINED!
Smoking causes many health problems, such as lung problems, heart problems and cancer
Teenagers find it hard to quit--out of the 72% that tried to quit, only 13% were successful
Adults are even less successful
It is very expensive, and is becoming more expensive every year
It makes you smell bad
It makes your teeth yellow


You can stay free from smoking

It takes a lot of courage to stay away from addictive substances
Tell your friends not to smoke
If anyone you know does smoke, explain the dangers and help them quit
Even if your parents smoke, don't start--they wish that they never did
Get involved in lots of other activities that you enjoy
Don't ever start--that way you will never be faced with trying to quit
Walk away if anyone ever pressures you to smoke
Be yourself and make the right decisions.

Keeping Your Kids Safe From Gangs
The K, 1st, or 2nd Grade Lesson Plan
The 3rd / 4th Grade Lesson Plan
The 5th or 6th Grade Lesson Plan
DARE Program