Who are strangers?

A stranger is a person you have never met before. Even though you may have seen him or her before, you still don't know anything about that person.

Strangers may seem friendly but that doesn't mean you can trust them. Strangers look like ordinary people but that doesn't mean they're nice.

Since strangers are people you don't know, you cannot trust them.

If you are approached by a stranger, DO NOT…

Talk to him or her.

Go anywhere with someone you don't know.

Take anything strangers might want to give you.

Stand close to strangers. Stay an arm's length away. Back up and run to someone who can help you if you feel afraid.

Trust your instincts

Instincts are feelings you get deep inside that are telling you something. If you ever feel scared or uncomfortable, run away from the situation.

Go to a safe place and tell an adult about the stranger who approached you.

A possible scenario

Some strangers will try to lure you into dangerous situations. The following is one way to handle a dangerous situation:

If someone you don't know pulls up in a car, do not get in the car if he or she offers you a ride home.

If the person asks for directions or offers you candy or toys, step back, say "No" and run away.

After you run away, be sure to tell an adult what happened.

If you get really scared, then make a lot of noise! Scream, "Help! I don't know you" or "This isn't my dad!" Making a lot of noise will scare off the stranger approaching you.

Don't be fooled if the stranger knows your name. If you don't know the person, he still is a stranger and could be a dangerous person.

To avoid this situation, it is best to always walk with a group of people. If you are walking to or from school, stay with a group of friends.