OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF

Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

225 W. Olive Street

Newport, Oregon 97365

Tel (541) 265-4277

Fax  (541) 265-4926

TIP OF THE WEEK

Date: May 16, 2016

NEW NEIGHBOR SAFETY TIPS

Summer is the time many people prefer to relocate. Whether it’s a promotion, better schools, or the desire for a different climate. If you are already in a new location or soon will be, here are some tips to help your children adjust safely to their new surroundings:

• Be sure your children know their full names and learn their new addresses and phone numbers as soon as possible. Visit their new school prior to the first day of school.
• If your children will be riding the bus, both you and your children should know the location of the bus stop and the number of their bus. If your children will be walking to school, become familiar with the route to school and back home. Make sure your children tell you about any unusual incidents at the bus stop, on the bus, or while they are walking to and from school.
• When meeting with new neighbors, try to have your children present. This will let people know there are new playmates for their children and make them aware the new faces they are seeing in the neighborhood belong there.
• Place a list of emergency phone numbers by the phone as soon as possible and include cell phone numbers. Make sure your child knows how and when to dial 911.
• Take the family on a walk through the neighborhood to learn the new streets and landmarks. If possible, point out public places the children can go to if they need assistance or are frightened. Make a map they can take with them until they are familiar with the area.
• Once the children have made new friends, make sure they understand that they must have permission before accepting rides or going to someone’s house.
• Remind your children that the same house rules still apply: keep doors and windows locked, do not open the door to strangers, do not give out personal information over the phone, and do not tell a caller that no adults are home.
• Moving to a new neighborhood can be both exciting and frightening. Make sure your children understand the rules of safety still apply no matter where they live.

For more tips and information, visit our website, use the “MobilePatrol” app on your Smartphone, and Like us on Facebook.