A news story was broadcast about a 4-year-old boy who was found alone in a rest stop along a highway, no jacket, no shoes, and people all around. One woman, a teacher, made contact with him by waving and got to talking to him. He told her that a man had broken in his home with a gun and killed his mother. The man took him and later dropped him in the rest stop. The boy was able to tell the woman and the police his name, address, phone number, and names of relatives. This information led the police to the boy's home in Ohio, where they found his mother's body. The fact that he knew all the necessary and was cool is a key point. The police said "some taught this boy well". (That the custodian saw him there and didn't do anything is another story.)
When I was teaching children's classes I would ask kids in the 4-5 year-old class their address and number, etc. I was amazed at how many did not know where they lived. I admonished the parents to insure their children know these things. This little boy's experience bears out how important this is.
A secondary item is that the father of the by had his car stolen about a week before and it is thought the thieves found contact info in the car and that is what brought them to the house. It's probably not a good idea to keep your ID in your car. That, along with the registration and insurance info, allows someone to find your home easily. If you have a garage door opener in there it gives them easy access, too.
Please make sure the kids know these things. If you're an instructor, quiz them. Institute a Kid Smart type program to make sure. Work with the parents. This is important.
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