Reprinted with permission from the Devil's River News- by Storie Sharp         With recent headlines constantly showing children being abducted, lost or running away, Sonora Police Chief, Mike House wanted to remind parents to Beware and Be Aware. Chief House stated that it is very important for children to be supervised if they are playing outside. He stressed that small town residents sometimes become lax with precautions because they become too comfortable in what they believe to be safe haven. House reminds us that we live on a major Interstate, where many bad people travel everyday. He stressed that parents need to be aware of where their children are playing and who they are playing with. Communication is the key to keeping your children safe in today's world. Parents should be willing to listen when their children talk, and make them answer questions. They should also make children aware of bad people and dangerous situations. Chief House provided the following tips as a guideline to go over with your children who are about to return to school and be out of your personal care for most of the day:   Teach your child to use a phone. Make sure that they know it is not a toy, but that they can use it in an emergency situation. They should know their name and their own phone number, as well as the 911 emergency number. Parents should periodically update photos and written descriptions of their children, at least 4 times a year for children under 2. Having footprints and fingerprints on file is a good precaution and can be done at home with a stamp pad. Never leave young children alone. Be sure your child knows where you are when shopping and what to do if separated, (locate a store employee for help) Explain what a stranger is and that it is ok to say "NO" to someone. Abductors most common method of getting a child is by using the "I need your help" method, either to find a lost puppy or some other item or by offering a gift or snack of some kind. Teach your children that it is ok to say "NO" and immediately turn and go to the nearest adult they know. It is also ok to start yelling for help if they feel uncomfortable with someone who is asking assistance. Have a secret code in case of an emergency- a word or gesture that your child knows means it is ok to go with that person. Tell your child never to give their name or address to a stranger. Be cautious with who has responsibility of your child. Ask questions. Do not keep poisons or garden items laying around within child's reach. Remind them to NEVER hitchhike.         These are just a few hints. It is hard to teach a young child the difference in a good guy and a bad guy without scaring them from everyone, but in today's world it is better to be safe than sorry. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Sonora Police Department. Also, Chief House encourages anyone who is suspicious of a vehicle or person around their home or school to call in and have it checked out.