A great thing about kids is their natural trust in people, especially adults. It's sometimes hard for parents to teach children to balance this trust with caution. But kids today need to know common sense rules that can help keep them safe - and build the self-confidence they need to handle emergencies.

Make sure your kids know

• How to call 911 or "0" in emergencies, and how to use a public phone. Help them practice making emergency phone calls. Be sure emergency numbers - police, fire, poison control, and emergency medical - are by all phones.
• Their full name, address (city and state), and phone number (including the area code), plus your work number. If you have a cell phone and/or beeper, teach your children these numbers as well.
• How to walk confidently and stay alert to what's going on around them.
• To go to a store clerk, security guard, or police officer for help if lost in a mall or store, or on the street.
• To walk and play with friends, not alone.
• To refuse rides or gifts from anyone, unless it's someone both you and your child know and trust.
• To tell a trusted adult immediately if anyone, no matter who, touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.