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We don't go very long these days without hearing about a child being abducting. It's a very scary thought for parents but you can take steps now to establish good child protection.

One of the biggest areas of vulnerability is any time you are getting in and out of your vehicle, especially with small children. If you are holding a baby, your hands aren't available to ward off an attacker. Whenever possible, observe the area you are about to enter before leaving the building you are in. Practice getting your key in the car door lock and house door as quickly as possible without having to focus on the locks. Practice getting children into your car and your home as quickly as possible.

Look into your car before getting in or placing a child in. Bad guys have been known to enter cars and wait until an unsuspecting person gets in. Whenever practical, walk around the entire car and look before getting in. Some criminals have caused damage that does not disable a car immediately, but down the road, away from a busy area.

Effective child protection requires some discussion with kids about strangers. Develop code words for anyone you trust to pick up your children and teach your little ones the code. Tell them not to ride or go with anyone who doesn't know the code. Tell children to trust their instincts. If they think something's wrong with someone they meet, they should run away.

Warn children about common lures such as needing help finding a lost puppy, offers of candy or toys, and desires to take a picture. When children hear these approaches from a stranger, they should run fast to a safe place. Teach your children the safe places in your community they can escape to.

Teach your kids what to do if they get lost while shopping. They should go to the nearest security guard or cashier. They should not ask for help from a shopper they don't know or go into the parking lot to look for you.

Children can make a potential abductor panic and flee by screaming at the top of their lungs, "He's kidnapping me!" or "Fire!" which will quickly bring attention to the attempted abduction.

Avoid putting your children's names on their garments and possessions. When children hear their names called, they let their guard down, thinking it's someone they know.

Good child protection requires preparation. Predators are anywhere and everywhere.