There’s no worse feeling than losing your child for a split second and no greater sense of relief when finding him. Some parents aren’t so lucky, and that’s why the Menlo Park Police Department is doing all its power to increase awareness about child abduction. Both the Police and Fire Departments be setting up Community Safety exhibits at this year’s Connoisseurs’ Marketplace, Menlo Park’s popular festival of the arts, July 18-19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Santa Cruz Avenue.
At the Police Department tent on Chestnut Street, parents will be able to get free DNA kits and do computer fingerprinting of the children. The DNA kits consist of compartments for samples of hair, blood and saliva. Samples are preserved and kept in a safe place at home. “We are doing this to give parents a little bit of comfort in that they have this information just in case,” said Sgt. Sharon Kaufman. “God forbid parents would ever have to use it, but if they did, it’s on hand.”
Parents also will be able to take home computerized photographs and fingerprints of their children. It is always a good idea to keep records of fingerprints since no two are alike. “It’s never too early to start talking to children about strangers and personal safety,” said Kaufman, a member of the Menlo Park Police Department for 25 years. “If children are walking to and from school, they should familiarize themselves with the neighborhood. If you suspect something or are just not sure of a car driving down the street, find someone. Go to the nearest house and knock on the door. You can never be too careful.”
According to Kaufman, children as young as 4 and 5 should be aware of stranger danger. Websites such as www.mcgruff.org provide perfect opportunities for parents to talk to their children about strangers, whom are described this way: “Strangers don’t look like monsters, aliens or the bad guys you see on TV. They look like ordinary people.” Kaufman agrees. “Even though the Peninsula is a very nice area to live, parents can’t be deceived by that,” she said. “They need to remain aware and educate their children. They should encourage children to talk to them about anything that might seem suspicious and anything their friends might be talking about. Don’t be afraid to report it to your local law enforcement agency.”
Remona Murray is a parent and technology aide at Laurel Elementary School. “Parents should be talking to their children as soon as they are old enough to go to a park,” she said. “Here at school, we show students (kindergarten through second grade) a great video that uses humor to teach children about strangers. Kids need to know there are bad people out there and they shouldn’t be talking to strangers.”
Fire Department to Feature Emergency Trailer
The Menlo Park Fire Department will set up an Emergency Preparedness Trailer on Chestnut Street to educate the public about all sorts of emergencies. Step inside a cozy faux home and get ready for smart tips about safety. The history of earthquakes will be shown on a large video monitor and the trailer will shake just like the real thing. Participants will learn why earthquakes occur and what to do if the ground is quaking. (Running for cover under a desk or chair is best).
“We are also going to demonstrate a lot of fire and injury-related safety tips,” said Fire Inspector Jon Johnston of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District. “We see a lot of household injuries and burns.” Topics will range from cooking safety and microwave dangers to fire extinguisher use and teaching children how to call 911. “This is great because it creates a conversation between parents and their kids,” Remona Murray said. “They will be talking about the dangers of putting things in the microwave that don’t belong there. Having a firefighter there dressed in uniform also brings authority to the experience. Sometimes, kids are more likely to listen to an authority figure than their own parents.”
Fire Department officials will address the senior citizen population as well. Throw rugs and extension cords have caused numerous tripping accidents. Installing safety rails in showers and hallways can protect seniors from slipping and falling. “We are expecting a few hundred people to go through the trailer each day,” Johnston said. “There will be coloring books and stickers for kids. Our hope is to educate all age groups that prevention is the key to safety.”
