Keep kids close during holidays

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reminds parents not to let their guard down or be distracted while traveling or attending public celebrations during the holiday season.

"Unfortunately, many adults and children don't know what to do if they lose each other in a public place or are faced with other unsafe situations," says Ernie Allen, president and chief executive officer of the center.

To reduce the potential for fear and confusion, parents need a safety plan and should discuss it with their children before heading out to a busy shopping mall or embarking on a trip, Allen says.

During the holidays, many Las Vegas malls and stores have child-specific activities that can lull parents into a false sense of safety, notes Ramon Denby, spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Department. Never lose sight of your child in public, he adds.

"Keep your kids close to you, know where they are," Denby says. "Teach them your name and your cell number so if you get separated, they'll know how to contact you."

The center offers the following suggestions.

ALWAYS:

* Require children to stay with you at all times while shopping.

* Accompany and supervise children in public facilities, including restrooms.

* Have a plan in place in case you become separated, including a predesignated spot to meet.

* Teach children to look for people who can help, such as a uniformed security officer, salesperson or mother with children.

* Turn shopping trips into opportunities to practice safe shopping skills.

NEVER:

* Dress children in clothing that displays their first or last names, prompting unwelcome attention from people looking for an opportunity to start a conversation.

* Leave children in toy stores or public facilities expecting supervision from store personnel.

* Go shopping or attend a public event with a child if you feel you're going to be distracted. Make other arrangements for child care ahead of time.

* Allow younger children to shop on their own to purchase surprise gifts for friends or family members.

* Drop off older children at a mall or public place without agreeing on a clear plan for picking them up, including: where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.

If your child is traveling alone this holiday season, the center has these safety tips:

* When you make reservations for your child, specify that the child will be traveling alone.

* Whenever possible, book a direct flight or route. If flying, avoid booking the last flight of the day.

* Plan to visit the airport or bus terminal prior to departure. Let your child know what to expect, so the experience will not be so intimidating.

* Remain at the gate until the plane or bus departs, in case there is a delay or cancellation.

* Make sure children travel with proper identification and contact information for parents or guardians.

* Always have a backup plan for the person or people meeting the plane at the destination, in case they are delayed.

* Encourage children not to become too friendly with other passengers or to reveal any personal information.

Additional safety tips can be found at www.missingkids.com.

Review-Journal writer Sonya Padgett contributed to this story.