Video Teaches Kids How to Stay Safe When Encountering Strangers
Published on Monday, 11 May 2015 10:54
For Immediate Release
May 11, 2015
INDIANAPOLIS – A safety video produced by the Marion County Public Health Department with the goal of teaching kids how to avoid dangerous encounters with strangers is now available for parents and those who work with children.
“Safety Moves” is designed specifically for children in grades 1-6 and highlights six situations that feature an encounter with a stranger. Children are taught how to handle situations that involve a stranger attempting to lure them from a public area, as well as what to do when they are home alone.
Through a partnership with the Indianapolis Public Library, each library branch has a limited number of DVD copies available, at no charge, to hand out to adults who request one. Copies of the video have also been placed in circulation for check-out through the library system.
“Our children are vulnerable and need guidance on how to handle situations with strangers,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director of the Marion County Public Health Department. “This video helps give children important information they can use to avoid potential danger.”
The Marion County Public Health Department teamed up with law enforcement personnel and other safety experts to develop the video, which was first released in 2004 and was recently updated.
“Safeguarding our most precious commodity – our children – remains the most important facet of law enforcement,” said Chief Rick Hite, Chief of Police of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. “The strategies and skills taught on this video provide children and parents tools they can utilize to prevent these types of situations from occurring.”
“The Library is pleased to be a partner in this effort to raise awareness among children and families about this important issue,” said Jackie Nytes, CEO, Indianapolis Public Library. “As a community information resource center, the Library welcomes adults to receive a free copy of the video to help young ones feel safer in our neighborhoods.”
The Marion County Public Health Department also plans to make copies of the video available to area schools that have students in grades 1-6.
Organizations who partnered with the health department on the video include the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indianapolis Fire Department, University of Indianapolis, and designated schools in the Indianapolis Public Schools district as well as Warren Township and Washington Township schools.
Media Contact:
Curt Brantingham
Media/Public Information Coordinator
317-221-2316 (o) │ 317-525-7450 (c)
