Choosing the perfect family vacation takes a lot of thought and planning. We often think about beautiful locations, sightseeing, recreational activities, and creating lasting memories. Many of us fail to plan for the unexpected, such as the possibility of being separated from our children. Would you and your children know what to do? Equally as important, would you know what not to do!
Build a safety plan
Regardless of your destination choice, a safety plan must be discussed prior to departing and all family members should be equipped with a plan of action if the children become separated from their parents. Conduct research about the safety in the areas you’re visiting, including crime statistics, possible natural disasters or impending bad weather, and any potential health risks known to the specific area. If you are traveling abroad, research the laws, local customs, and traditions to avoid any unintentional violations.
When traveling with children, what are some of the strategies to reduce the danger risks and keep everyone safe. When children get separated from their family members, they are scared and afraid to ask for help. Teach your children to ask for help from someone they can trust and describe the signs of a trusted adult, such as a person in a uniform or another parent with children. Also, teach your children about situational awareness and listening to their gut when it comes to who they trust or not.
Make A Separation Plan
Be sure to discuss dangerous people and places, in advance of your trip. Establish family rules or guidelines regarding how your children will interact with strangers. Always make a separation plan. It is important that children know exactly what to do if they feel lost. It helps to keep them calm and avoid panicking. Teach your children to stay still! Assure them they you are looking for them and you will find them if they remain in a stationary location. Identify a timeframe for them to begin to search for a trusted adult. For instance, tell them if you haven’t found them in 15 minutes, seek out a trusted adult, such as a police officer, parent with children, or an employee in a uniform. If the children are older, designate a meeting location. For example, tell them if we become separated, meet at the water fountain in front of the park.
It is advisable for children to wear bright and identifiable clothing. This may help them to be seen from a distance more easily. Do not allow them to wear personalized clothing or carry a backpack that shows their name. Identification bracelets can be helpful if your children are young and may not know how to contact you. At an early age, teach your children your full name and phone number.
Create a safety plan for crowds
If you are using moving transit, such as a train or subway, be mindful that the station gets crowded very quickly and you could lose sight of your children. If the family gets separated, have a clear plan for your children. For instance, if your children are left on the transit platform, tell them to remain there and you will circle back to find them. Stress that they are not to board the next train or subway car. Conversely, if they board the train without you, tell them to ride to the next stop, get off the train, and wait for you to arrive. Give them a timeframe for taking the next action, for instance, if after 15 minutes you have not arrived, find a trusted adult for assistance.
For the parents, it’s difficult to maintain your composure when you look around and don’t see your child. You and your children should have devised and rehearsed a plan so that you both know what to do. It’s difficult not to panic, but panicking will cloud your thinking. Begin by shouting your child’s name loudly. The likelihood that your child hasn’t wandered far is very possible. By shouting their name, it will also alert others in the immediate area to begin looking, as well. The goal is to get as many people looking for your child as soon as possible. The faster your child is located, the better the chance of finding your child and getting him or her to safety. Always make a mental note of what your child is wearing and be able to describe them, including any identifying birthmarks, hair color, eye color, height, and weight.
Shout, but stay calm
For the parents, it’s difficult to maintain your composure when you look around and don’t see your child. You and your children should have devised and rehearsed a plan so that you both know what to do. It’s difficult not to panic, but panicking will cloud your thinking. Begin by shouting your child’s name loudly. The likelihood that your child hasn’t wandered far is very possible. By shouting their name, it will also alert others in the immediate area to begin looking, as well. The goal is to get as many people looking for your child as soon as possible. The faster your child is located, the better the chance of finding your child and getting him or her to safety. Always make a mental note of what your child is wearing and be able to describe them, including any identifying birthmarks, hair color, eye color, height, and weight.
Some parents have used identification bracelets with their contact information engraved into the metal part of the bracelet. Information on the kids’ bracelet includes parents’ name, phone number, any known allergies, and blood type, in the event of an emergency. Other parents have used silicon identification bracelets for every member of their family while on vacation and they must wear them the entire time. They typically use a brightly colored bracelet to easily spot their family members, especially young children. With the advent of tracking devices such as the AirTag or Tile, some parents use these GPS locators by placing one in their child’s backpack on vacations. For younger children, parents can attach the AirTag tracker directly to their child’s clothing by using an AirTag Cover which includes a clip for that purpose.
Create a Safety Password
Lastly, consider creating a family safety password that children can remember. They should be instructed to keep the word secret. Explain that the secret safety word means that there is a serious or potentially dangerous situation. Train them to stop whatever they are doing in the moment, listen for instructions, and follow the parents. Explain that the secret safety word means that there is a serious or potentially dangerous situation. Children can also use the safety word to raise an alarm about a suspicious situation. In addition, parents can use the same word for artificial intelligence scams, where the phone caller has cloned the voice of the child and makes demands of the parent. The parent would ask the caller for the secret safety password. If the caller is unable to respond with the correct word, then the scam is confirmed.
As with all safety plans, they are only useful if they are practiced regularly. Assign roles and act out your plan of action with your family before your vacation. Always practice situational awareness and give your children permission to pay attention to their gut instincts and respond accordingly.
