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If, despite all your precautions child goes missing in a store. the follo ing steps should be taken immediately Have the nearest sales cl security. They should monitor exits and start looking for the cl away. The child's name and a tion should be announced t store's public-address syste should then go with security at Another possibility is to schedule children's visits to crowded stores only to see Santa and the things they really find interesting. Serious shopping should be leit forth: adalt's free time. Andrews suggests one option is in mange gmup shopping trips, with one puson responsible for keeping an eye on the kids while the others shop. "The problem in the scene just described was that the parent's attention was drawn away," he says. "Any time a situation arises in a public place where adults can't give full attention to chil- dren in their care, they should stop what they're doing and make other arrange- ments." 'To protect children - especially very young ones who might not understand they shouldn't follow strangers - parents need to be cautious at all times." says John Andrews, a staff sergeant oo-ordi- nating safety education for the Metro Toronto Police Dept. Orttario's Consumer Ministry con- sulted with child-safety experts to find out how parents and others can help make this holiday season safer for kids. in the stores, on the streets and at home. Experiences like this are common in busy stores during the holiday season. Security experts say, thankfully, most lost children have simply wandered away and are quickly found. scenario. You and your tour- n year-old are in a store crowded with shoppers, looking for a special gift for mommy or daddy. You carry her for awhile. then put her down just long enough to look at the price tag on an item. You’re jostled from behind, look down and suddenly know tenor. Your child is missing. x ', ' vls,", T Lriii)':, _ _ 'vis'"" GI” 'Ill!)!,, 'l::,'):,.,':,":.)).':::,):':::'" . CERTIFICATES "rip" / ", _ VV 'j'" AVAILABLE {fl T 1llllilll)00llt THEY MAKE A GREA l I‘LJDICTAAAC I‘ll-f Shopping safety tips for parents 28 ...and thew world will thank vou WWF Give someqne this glft a " en's a fright: ning Christmas lerk bu rr " ks: )n t? inappropriate approach. Your attitude rowan of children is important to understand that they l a police officer for help. cial password. and tell them not to go voice. If it is with anyone who doesn't know it, they won't he, Children receive formal safety edu- moment's er cation when they start school. Through abducted child the "Stay Alert ... Stay Safe" program, To receive; taught across the country, seven- to 10 on effective so year-olds learn to trust their instincts the Metro Ta when dealing with strangers. They're material appea taught the difference between an accept- to streetproc able conversation with a stranger and an Books), cor inappropriate approach. Information Your attitude toward police in from Consumer ant 7 Experts at the national non-profit organization Child Find (Ontario Inc.) says kids should not have name tags on their clothing. They may make a lost child easier to identify. but could also We det Wlllt t?lte, 0116 uie,w,s)itilttiii, ( h' 465 SPEERS M. OAKVILII l SPACE AGE SHELVLNG J Alt ml AVAILABLE THEY MAKE A GREAT L' CHRISTMAS GIFT I Mon. to F'fif83in to 3111 Not valid with any o er qffer. Expires Ded. 15/93 '0 Parties , . Golf leagues . Winter Tournaments . Fall Menu & Lounge " it rrttr, (all 81‘} I III I In“ rrtt-4 IDS (cum n net “mung R, N1 [\niry Alll To receive a copy of a parent's guide on effective streetpmofing developed by the Metro Toronto Police Dept. from material appearing in "A parent's guide to streetproofing children," (Seal Books), contact the Consumer The safety of Ontario's children depends on all citizens, not just parents or police. lf you suspect someone is try- ing to abduct a child, act quickly. Ask "ls that your child?" in a loud clear voice. If it is the parents or caregiver they won't hesitate to tell you. Better a moment's embarrassment than an 2f0r1 GOLF Some parents confuse small children by showing two different attitudes toward police. On one hand, they tell children the police are their friends in time of trouble. But they may also say things like: "If you don't clean up that mess I'll have the police come and take you away." Fl “§ 842-5061 M Tler Tht; tt .1064§0UTH SERVICE M. E. 842-6220 [rc)jlll) MNT Itll? A VACUUM-PLUG IN I BEAM! Child Find (Ontario)Inc., (416) 84 5353 in the Toronto area or toll hee 800-387-7962. The Halton Regional Police 878-55 I 1 . tions Information on child safety is also available from the following otgam'za- Bl llaliii" Aiiiiiiiie - -_ CLEAN UP WITH IflL"dihlhl THIS CHRISTMAS p, ANDSAVE BIG BUCKS! Oakville Florist MPmkages Maple Grove Village 849-8885 BEEN” Now's the time to order your Chnstmas cénterpiece! Space still available m aftemoon classes.