To all Parents,

Please take some time to review these safety tips and reminders with your kids.

To teach kids about stranger safety, emphasize that they should never go with a stranger or take anything from them. Teach them to trust their instincts and to yell and run if they feel unsafe. If you have a phone and can safely take a photo of the stranger or the car license plate that would be helpful. Discuss the concept of strangers and how they can be tricky and help them understand that while some strangers are safe, others may not be. 

Key Tips for Kids: Stranger Safety

• Never talk to strangers: If approached by a stranger, kids should not talk to them or engage in conversation. 
• Never accept anything from a stranger: This includes candy, gifts, or rides. 
• Never go anywhere with a stranger: If a stranger offers to take them somewhere, kids should refuse and tell a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or police officer. 
• Trust your instincts: If a situation or person makes a child feel uneasy or scared, they should leave and tell a trusted adult. 
• Yell and run if you feel unsafe: If a stranger tries to grab them, they should yell for help and try to escape. 
• Know how to get help: Kids should know how to call 911 or their parents if they need help. 
• Family code word: Create a secret code word for emergency situations that only family members know. If a stranger does not know it, the child should refuse and yell for help. 
• Be aware of online safety: Discuss the dangers of online strangers and how to stay safe online. 

Tips for Parents:

• Discuss stranger danger with your child: Make it age-appropriate and don't scare them.  
• Role-play scenarios: Practice different scenarios with your child so they can recognize dangerous situations. 
• Teach them how to say no: Help them feel comfortable saying no to strangers and walking away. 
• Be aware of your child's surroundings: Pay attention to where they are going and who they are with. 
• Communicate effectively: Encourage your child to communicate with you about any concerns or questions. Also teach your kids to be with a buddy and/or communicate with someone where they are going.
• Make safety a part of your everyday life: Talk about safety rules regularly and reinforce them consistently. 
• Don't hesitate to seek professional help: If your child is struggling with anxiety or fear related to strangers, seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. 

Fireworks

If you choose to shoot fireworks this July 4 holiday, keep in mind these safety tips from the National Safety Council:

1. Make sure buying and using fireworks are legal in your area.
2. Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
3. Provide close adult supervision for older children using fireworks.
4. Wear protective eyewear when handling fireworks or standing nearby.
5. Never re-light or handle an undetonated or malfunctioning firework.
6. Use fireworks only outdoors away from homes, people and flammable materials.
7. Light only one firework at a time and stand a safe distance away.
8. Never use containers when detonating fireworks, such as bottle rockets.
9. Soak all unused fireworks in water for several hours before discarding.
10. Keep a bucket of water near the detonation area in case of fire or for devices that don’t fully discharge.

A word about sparklers, which are popular choices for small children. These fireworks can reach about 1,200 degrees and can ignite clothing and cause severe burns.

For more information about firework safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website and the National Safety Council’s website.

General Golf Cart Safety Tips (applicable anywhere): 

• Drive slowly: Maintain a safe speed, especially when turning or going over bumps.
• Avoid sharp turns: Make gradual, controlled turns to prevent tipping.
• Be mindful of obstacles: Look out for hazards like rocks, tree roots, or steep inclines.
• Do not use phones while driving: Keep your attention on the road.
• Maintain the cart: Inspect tires, brakes, horn, and mirrors regularly. Take it out of service if repairs are needed.

 Colorado & Bow Mar-Specific Golf Cart Regulations: 

• Driver’s License: In Colorado, a driver's license is required to operate a street-legal golf cart (LSV) on public roads. You must be 16 years of age to drive a golf cart in Bow Mar.
• Required Safety Equipment: Street-legal golf carts need headlights, taillights, turn signals, seatbelts, mirrors, and a windshield.
• Insurance: Street-legal golf carts need liability insurance.  

Bike safety in Colorado & Rules of the Road:

• Ride on the right: Always ride in the same direction as traffic, never against it. 
• Obey traffic laws: Follow all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. 
• Use hand signals: Use the appropriate hand signals for turns, slowing down, or stopping. 
• Ride two abreast: Only ride two abreast when no motor vehicle traffic is approaching within 300 feet or when all cyclists are on the shoulder. 
• Avoid hazards: Be aware of and avoid potential hazards like road debris, grates, oily pavement, loose gravel, and railroad tracks. 
• Sidewalk riding: Sidewalk riding is generally permissible, but cyclists must yield to the right-of-way to pedestrians. 

Bike Safety Tips:

• Wear a helmet:

While not mandatory by law, wearing a helmet is highly recommended to protect against head injuries. 

• Use lights and reflectors:

Use a headlight, side reflectors, and a taillight or rear reflector at night or when visibility is poor. 

• Make eye contact:

Make eye contact with drivers and never assume they see you or that you have the right-of-way. 

• Be aware of your surroundings:

Listen for traffic, avoid dangerous situations, and don't use personal electronics while riding. 

• Consider flashing LED lights:

Using flashing LED lights during the day can increase visibility, according to Colorado Bike Law.