The following information is provided by the Heidi Search Center
2402 Pat Booker Rd.
Universal City, TX 78148-3210.
210-659-0338 1-800-880-3463

The following are ideas and tips which will help your family to be more safety conscious. We ask that you use this information in your discussion with your child or children.

Step 1: Prevention:

• Parents MUST get to know the families of their childrens friends.
• Use a buddy system - NEVER walk or ride bikes alone, day or night.
• NEVER HITCH-HIKE or take rides from friends unless parents have given permission.
• Always tell a family member or other adult in charge where you will be at all times and when you will be home.
• Have a SECRET WORD known ONLY to family members in the event of an emergency.
  • Do NOT use birth dates, nicknames, Super Heroes, etc.
• If someone tries to pick you up they MUST know the secret word.
• If a strange vehicle or person tries to approach, DO NOT GO NEAR THE VEHICLE!! Keep walking or run if necessary!

Step 2: How to Identify a Strange Vehicle or Person:

1. Vehicles (which may be "driving back and forth" or are unfamiliar to the neighborhood).
   • Remember the following (write it down if possible):
     1. Color or colors of vehicle
     2. Type of vehicle
     3. License plate numbers
     4. Window tint, dents, other distinguishing marks
2. Driver
   • Race/Nationality (White, Black, Asian, Indian, Hispanic, Aboriginal)
   • Sex (Male/Female)
   • Hair (Color & length), mustache, beard, scars, etc.
   • Clothes (color of shirt, jacket/coat, hat, etc.)
   • Other passengers

Step 3: What to do in case of an Attempted Abduction:

1. - Remember the word S.K.Y. which stands for SCREAM - KICK - YELL .
2. - These three things will draw attention to you and COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
3. - Look for a person you know or a "Safe Place", run to it and ask for help.
4. - STAY NEAR PEOPLE if at all possible. Do NOT run into an open field or wooded area.

I hope SysOps will make this information available to their users in a file. These tips may save the life of your child. If you want more information or would like some educational packets feel free to write Mrs. Susan Bauerfeind at the Heidi Search Center.

Marv Cotton, SysOp Heidi Search Center BBS.