Throughout the year, the Waterloo Regional Block Parent Program attends and hosts a number of events to help raise awareness regarding child safety in our community. We present to schools, neighbourhood associations, community centres, and various social groups throughout the Region. We have provided some helpful safety tips that you can implement with your loved ones at home.

Information for Parents
Safety Starts at Home

Here are some simple safety tips that you can put into practice or review with your child at home.

• Take primary age children on a walking tour of their route to and from school and point out Block Parent homes and other safe places along the way.
• Never put your child’s name on the outside of their coats, hats, backpacks, etc. Having their name on the outside makes it easier for someone to gain their trust by calling them by name.
• Make sure your child knows their name, address and telephone number, including area code.
• Make sure your child knows how to use a pay/cell phone in case of an emergency.
• Always keep an updated list of names, addresses and phone numbers of your child’s friends.
• Post emergency numbers by the phone.

• Be familiar with your child’s friends and daily activities
• Reinforce with your child that they shouldn’t talk to strangers
• Consider using a secret code or password should someone other than you pick your child up
• Check with your school to see if they have a “safe arrival program”/ absentee check or a “walking school bus” program

Information for Children
Block Parents are there to help you!

Look for homes that display the red and white Block Parent sign in their window. If you need help, or are scared, you can go to these homes and an adult will be there to help you.

Do not go to a Block Parent home for a drink, a snack or to use the washroom. Block Parents are there to help you when you are frightened, lost or hurt.

Safety at School

• Know where the Block Parent homes are located on your route to school and in your neighbourhood.
• When going to school, go directly there and do not stop along the way.
• Use the same route every day.
• Never Hitchhike.
• Never go with anyone unless they can give you the secret code or password.
• Never ride home with anyone unless you have your parents’ permission first.
• Always ask for your parents’ permission before going to a friend’s home after school.

Safety at Home

• Check the house before you enter and know your emergency phone numbers
• Never give out information over the phone.
• Never open the door to anyone you don’t know.
• Do not have friends over unless your parents approve

Safety while Playing

• Always be sure your parents know where you are.
• Never accept anything from strangers without your parents’ permission.
• Be careful if a grown-up asks for directions. Keep a safe distance away.
• Say NO if a friend or grown-up asks you to do something you don’t think is right.
• If something feels bad or scary, get away and tell someone you trust.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and remember, walk, don’t run.
• Use crosswalks whenever possible.
• Walk on the left-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
• Obey traffic signs, lights and crossing guards.
• Never play in empty buildings or isolated areas.
• Never play near parked cars.
• When your life is in danger, do what it takes to get away.