Child Safety Week - Shopping Safety
| Published: 24th June 2008 08:43 |
You know your children and 99% of the time they will stay by your side during a shopping trip, but it only takes a second to lose sight of them. Discuss a plan of action with your children before a day out and follow our simple tips to ensure a safe and happy away day:
- - Encourage your child to hold your hand or pushchair or trolley and stay close.
- - Use a rein or wristband on toddlers and small children in very busy places.
- - Never leave your children unsupervised in play areas.
If they get lost:
- - Teach them to recite their name, address and telephone number
- - Sew or write their names inside their clothing
- - Point out the customer services desk or lost children sign when you enter a store. Familiarise yourself and your children with the layout of the store and show them the staff (what uniform they wear etc).
- - Teach them to approach a sales assistant with a badge if they get lost.
If you lose your child:
- - Don't panic - go and talk to the closest member of staff or the enquiry desk
- - Listen carefully to any public announcements
- - Alert the shopping centre's security staff
- - Enquire at the nearest police station
Tell your children:
- - STOP, stand still and look around if they are lost. Do not run around trying to find you. It is better that you go to them by retracing your steps.
- - If they can see you, they should go straight back to you.
- - If they cannot see you after a while, they should go to the enquiry desk or lost children's sign as you planned and wait there. They should also tell a member of staff that they are lost so an announcement can be made.
- - If they get lost in a street, NEVER approach anyone in the street, instead go in the nearest shop and ask for help.
- - Older children may carry a mobile phone, they should call you immediately and stay put.
If you are a shop assistant or staff member:
- - Stop and listen to the child, they may be very distressed.
- - Crouch down to their level and show them your name badge.
- - Try and find out their name and address.
- - Carry out a quick search in the immediate vicinity. Most times children are near to their parent/carer but just can't see them.
- - If you can't find them, notify security, public announcement areas or customer services.
- - Before handing over a lost child, confirm the identity of anyone claiming them. Do not release the child to anyone under 16. If in doubt ring the police.
- - If the child is not claimed or collected, take them to a quiet place and ensure a member of staff remains with them at all times. Inform the police and give as much information as possible.
