Stranger Danger!

There have been three suspicious incidents in the area in the past 72 hours - please be on high alert, and ensure your children know what to do if approached by a stranger.

The following are some recommendations from the Leon County Sheriff's Office about child safety:

Parents are urged to teach your children not to talk with strangers.

Children should not approach a motor vehicle for someone asking directions, or asking if they need a ride.

If a stranger does approach your child, tell them to remember the description of the motor vehicle and to report this information immediately to a trusted adult.

Parents should talk to their children about dangerous situations, and give them these easy-to-remember safety instructions:

1. If a stranger asks you or help or to keep a "secret," it could be a dangerous situation. Say no and tell a parent or trusted adult.
2. Trust your instincts. If you feel scared or uncomfortable, get away from the situation. Make an excuse or just run away, and go to a safe place.
3. Know what to do. Think "No, Go, Yell, Tell." If you're in a dangerous situation, say no, run away, yell as loud as you can, and tell a trusted adult.
4. Ask your parents first. If a stranger invites you to go somewhere, offers you a gift, or just wants to talk, say you need to ask your parents' permission first.
5. Stick with friends. It's always safer to play in a group. Don't let your friends go into a dangerous situation either - no, go, yell, tell!