Children's Security

There is nothing more precious than family safety and unity. The better the communication that exists among all members of your family, the more prepared everybody will be to prevent crime. Children are exposed to easily preventable dangers if they are not properly trained by their parents. By following these recommendations you will better protect your children, whether they are at home or around town.

Safety tips and security recommendations for kids

Children, as well as domestic employees, must be taught never to admit strangers into your home or car.

Very visibly list your local emergency numbers near your telephones and on the refrigerator. Start by listing your own work phone, cellular number and the name and number of your pediatrician and hospital. The Mexico City Police can be reached by dialing 060 or 061, this includes fire and ambulance service.

Children and domestic employees must be able to provide - in case of an emergency - their names, complete home address, colonia and delegación, and phone number. They should memorize this information.

When answering the phone, instead of providing their names, children and employees should say "Bueno," or hello. Ask "¿Con quién quiere hablar?" ("Who do you want to speak to?") Never volunteer your address or the names of anyone that lives with you.

If you live in an apartment building, show children all the evacuation routes and what to do in case of an emergency.

Teenagers must be told that the use of drugs in Mexico is strictly forbidden and that drug laws are firmly enforced. Mexico has the largest population anywhere in the world (other than the U.S.) of foreign prisoners serving sentences for drug crimes. Impress these facts on them.

Warn teenagers against clubs that serve alcohol to minors, and also of the risk of being served drugs mixed with their drinks.

Most kids nowadays are internet-educated. Three rules apply here:

1. They should never agree to meet anybody they met via the internet, no matter what age they claim to be.
2. They should never disclose details about their physical location, unless it is with people they know and trust. 
3. They should report anything that is disturbing or offensive in the internet to their parents.

Emergencies and Your Neighbors

The more well-known you become with your neighbors the better. Should your home, children or leased property ever be in any danger, these people will prove invaluable. They may extend a helping hand or simply notify you of suspicious activity.

By Mario Gonzalez-Roman, a retired Foreign Service National Security Advisor to the United States Embassy, currently a private Security Consultant, columnist at www.securitycornermexico.com

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