Here are some safety tips that can help from the IOF Foresters:

1. Choose a secret code that your child will be able to remember. Tell your child that only someone who knows the code can pick him/her up at school or anywhere else.

2. Do not display your child's name on his/her clothing. A stranger could use their name to make your child feel more secure.

3. Have your child memorize his/her full name, address, parent's place of employment and telephone numbers.

4. Teach the child how to use the telephone.

5. Arrange for the child to walk to and from school with a friend.

6. Never leave your child alone in public places.

7. Designate which routes your child is to use and enforce boundaries for play.

8. Teach your child that no one should approach or touch him/her in a way that makes your child feel uncomfortable. If someone does, your child should tell you immediately.

9. Listen carefully to your child's fears, and be supportive in all your discussions with him/her.

10. Have your child fingerprinted and keep up-to-date records, including a current photograph.

"This is a crime prevention program that assists in the event of a missing child and gives police the opportunity to act promptly. Time is a vital part of the process. Every hour that goes by gives us less of a chance to find the child," said Dennis Ray Martin, president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police.

To have the IOF Foresters ChildPrint Program come to your school, day care center, recreation center or club, call toll-free 1-800-922-4-IOF to be matched up with your local IOF Foresters office. The IOF Foresters is a not-for-profit fraternal organization.(NAPSI)