Tips to keep children safe offered

GLADSTONE - According to Lynette Bunno, owner of Superior Martial Arts in Gladstone, parents need to be aware of their children's personal safety.

Approximately 76 percent of all child abductions are done by family members or acquaintances. While 24 percent of child abductions are done by strangers.

Students of Superior Martial Arts are being taught how to recognize potentially dangerous situations and how to handle themselves. "It only makes sense for children to learn anti-abduction techniques as a preventive measure," said Lynette Bunno.

As a service to the community we are offering the following tips to keep your child safe:

Children should understand that adults shouldn't seek help from them.

Children should walk in groups to make them a harder target.

Parents should know what routes their children are taking and have their children call them when they have safely arrived at their destination.

Regularly check the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry at www.mipsor.state.mi.us/ to know if their maybe a potentially dangerous person around your neighborhood, town, or county.

Make sure that your child knows what emergency numbers to dial.