According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on average, 96 fatalities and 2,000 injuries in children occur every year due to being backed over. The Connecting for Kids Parking Lot Safety Awareness Program aims to help change this statistic by offering families free safety kits to educate children about the dangers of running away from a car without holding an adult’s hand.
A key part of the program is a free magnet that families can put on their car where the child exits. These magnets give children a visual place to put their hand to wait until an adult can safely take their hand and lead them to the next destination.
Be one of the first to obtain these kits at the Connecting for Kids Meet and Greet held on Wednesday, April 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Don Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd. in Rocky River.
The free Meet and Greet event lets families learn about local resources, therapies, after-school programs and summer camps for their child who is struggling (with or without a formal diagnosis). Participants can visit with representatives from more than 70 organizations to discuss services and explore program options.
Along with the magnet, the Parking Lot Safety Awareness Program also features:
- A parent guide for teaching children parking lot safety strategies by using S.T.A.R. (Stop, Touch, Attention and Ready)
- A Parking Lot Safety S.T.A.R. certificate
- A children’s social story with step-by-step visual instructions for staying safe.
Click here to fill out the form to receive the magnet and to download supporting materials.
For more information and to register for the Meet and Greet, click here.
