Safety Tips

Child Safety for Parents

Straight talk with children works best when discussing the serious topic of personal safety with your children. Do not rely completely on puppets, coloring books, gimmicks, and cartoon characters.
Instill in your children a sense of self-worth and dignity at every opportunity.
Teach your children basic sex education, (i.e., the areas of the body that are covered by a bathing suit are private).
Establish that inappropriate touches are against the law. This gives your child confidence to assert themselves with those who try to abuse them.
Allow children to express affection on their terms. Do not instruct them to give kisses or hugs to people they do not know well.
Stress that there should be no secrets from you, especially those involving another adult.
Explain the importance of reporting abuse or attempted abuse to or another trusted adult. This would also apply to inappropriate touching.
Do not rely entirely on the buddy system. In many documented cases, sisters, brothers, and playmates have been victims of crimes when together.
Make it a priority to get to know your children's friends and their families.
Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities. Children with many interests are less likely to experiment with drugs or other negative influences.
Teach your children to respect, admire and celebrate the differences in people.
Ask questions about what your children are doing, where they are going and whom they will be with.
Set times to be home or check in. Have a back-up plan.
A child's room should not be considered their private, personal domain where parents are not allowed to check them.
Monitor computer and Internet usage, daily, if possible.
Above all, encourage your children to recognize, trust, and follow their instincts about people and situations. Listen to their instincts.

Good parenting is asking the hard questions and caring about the answers.

Stranger Safety Tips for Children

What is a stranger?

A stranger is someone that you do not know or your parents do not know. Strangers are even people you see every day. Not all strangers are bad, but it is very difficult to tell bad strangers from good strangers

Examples of strangers:

A person you have never met before.
A person you may see often, but know nothing about; e.g., the ice cream person, mail person, newspaper person, or a neighbor.
A person whose name and address you do not know.
A person your parents do not know.
Strangers can come in all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. Even a teenager could be considered a stranger to you.

If approached by a stranger:

Don't talk or go near that person.
Don't accept gifts or rides from that person.
Don't go anywhere with that person.
Step backwards if a stranger comes toward you. Turn around and run away.
Report strangers to your parents, teachers, bus drivers or a responsible adult you know well.
The main rule to remember: Stay away from strangers.

Examples of stranger scenarios:

What should you do if a stranger asks you for help or offers you candy, a toy, or a pet?
Say "NO", turn around and run away.
What should you do if a stranger asks you to go for a ride in their car?
Say "NO", and run in the opposite direction that the car is going.
What should you do if a stranger tries to grab you?
You can yell for help! You can kick, scratch, or bite! You can run away as fast as you can.
What should you do if a stranger has a gun and tells you to go with him?
Yell for HELP! Run away as fast as you can, and continue yelling for help. Go tell an adult.

Always remember to tell your parents, a police officer, a teacher, a bus driver, or another adult you trust and know about what happened as soon as possible.

Being safe at home alone

Always lock the door. Do not answer the door if someone knocks. Never let strangers into the house.
If the telephone rings, answer it. Do not tell anyone that you are alone. (You can tell them your parent cannot come to the phone right now). Ask who is calling, and offer to take a message.
If there is a storm, stay away from the windows.
Leave medicines and poisons alone, they can really hurt you.
Do not play or touch any guns that might be in the house.

Other rules for safety

Never go anywhere without first telling your parents, or the person in charge, where you are going, who is going with you, how you will get there, and when you will be back.
Always use the buddy system when playing outside or going places.
Always say "NO" if someone tries to touch you in ways that make you feel frightened, uncomfortable, or confused. Always tell a grown-up that you trust about what happened.
Always go directly home from school or the bus stop.

Child Safety Brochure

Child Safety Recommendations for Vehicles

Throughout the United States, numerous youth fatalities and injuries have resulted from improper use of off-road vehicles. Many of these accidents stem from their illegal use on public roadways and sidewalks. Parents and guardians should strictly monitor and supervise such activities involving minors.

Safety Recommendations

Off-road recreational vehicles driven by minors should be under adult supervision.
The operation of off-road recreational vehicles should only occur during daylight hours or in a well-lighted area because most off-road vehicles are not equipped with lights and reflectors.
Helmets, gloves, goggles and knee pads should be worn.
Long pants, long-sleeved shirts and over-the-ankle boots offer protection from minor injury and sunburn.
Drivers should not ride with passengers because most off-road vehicles are designed for single-operator use. Riding along with another person (the buddy system) on their own vehicle is suggested for additional safety.
Make sure that the vehicle selected is appropriate for the size and abilities of the child.

As of July 1, 2008, while operating an off-highway vehicle, a person who has not attained 16 years of age must have in his or her possession a certificate evidencing the satisfactory completion of an approved off-highway vehicle safety course in this state or another jurisdiction. A nonresident who has not attained 16 years of age and who is in this state temporarily for a period not to exceed 30 days is exempt from this subsection. F.S. 261.20.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

ATVs are motorized off-highway vehicles 50 inches or less in width, having a dry weight of 900 pounds or less, designed to travel on three or more low pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control, and intended for use by either a single operator, or by an operator and a rider. Riders may only ride on ATVs designed for two riders. F.S.316.2074(2); F.S. 261.20(5)(a). Off-highway vehicles must be equipped with a silencer if used on public lands. F.S. 261.20(4)(c).

ATV courses and training are available through agencies such as the ATV Safety Institute, 1-(800) 887-2887, and motorcycle training is available through the National Safety Council, 1-(800) 621-7619. According to F.S. 316.2123, the operation of an ATV, upon the public roads or streets of this state is prohibited, except that an ATV may be operated during the daytime on an unpaved roadway where the posted speed limit is less than 35 miles per hour.

Any ATV operation that is permitted under F.S. 316.2123 may be undertaken only by a licensed driver or a minor who is under the direct supervision of a licensed driver. The operator must provide proof of ownership upon the request of a law enforcement officer. No person under the age of 16 years of age shall operate, ride, or be otherwise propelled on an ATV unless the person wears a safety helmet meeting United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) standards and eye protection. F.S. 316.2074(3). Operating an off-highway vehicle on public lands while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or any prescription or over-the-counter drug that impairs vision or motor condition is prohibited. Operators of off-highway vehicles on public lands under the age of 16 must wear a helmet, eye protection and over-the-ankle boots. F.S. 261.20(5).

According to F.S. 316.2074(4), if a crash results in the death of any person or in the injury of any person which results in treatment of the person by a physician, the operator of each ATV involved in the crash shall give notice of the crash pursuant to F.S. 316.066. A violation of F.S. 316.2074 is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation. Any person who violates F.S. 261.20 is subject to a fine and may have their privilege to operate an ATV on public lands revoked.

Motorized Scooters and Miniature Motorcycles

Motorized scooters are defined as any vehicle not having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels, and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground. Motorized scooters are also called GoPeds. Miniature motorcycles are small two wheel vehicles that resemble full size motorcycles. They are also called "pocket bikes" and "Baby Ninjas." Miniature motorcycles do not fit into the legal definition of a motorcycle. Motorized scooters and miniature motorcycles are not legal to operate on public roads or sidewalks of this state. F.S. 316.2128.

Toy Cars

A toy car is any battery or gas-powered, two-wheeled or four-wheeled replica of a vehicle. These vehicles are popular with young children. Parents must provide safe areas for children to drive toy cars, since they are not allowed on the road. Protective helmets and clothing are recommended.

Seatbelts

Every person who operates a motor vehicle, every passenger in the front seat, and all persons under the age of 18, whether driving or not, must wear either a seat belt or child restraint device. If the driver is under 18, everyone must be restrained. F.S. 316.614. Operators of motor vehicles transporting a child 5 years of age or younger on the roadways, streets or highways of this state shall utilize a crash-tested, federally-approved, child-restraining device. For children 3 years of age or younger, such restraint device must be a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a seat belt may be used. F.S. 316.613(1)(a).

Home Security

Burglaries are not only one of the most common crimes, but they are also one of the most preventable. Burglars will not target a home if they believe someone is there. That is why burglars prey upon residences that look unoccupied.

Below is a checklist of actions to take to secure your home:

Do exterior lights illuminate all entrances to your home?
Is shrubbery kept trimmed so a burglar can't hide near windows and doors?
Are garage doors kept closed and locked at all times?
Are exterior doors made of solid core construction (including door leading from garage to house)?
Is there a peephole viewer on the front door?
Are sliding glass doors secured with auxiliary locks or pinned, and are screws in the track to prevent removal of doors?
Are exterior doors secured with a deadbolt lock (single or double cylinder) with a minimum 1-inch throw
Are windows secured with auxiliary keyed locks or pinned with a nail?
Do you report suspicious persons or activity in the neighborhood to the police immediately?
Are doors locked at all times?
Are your valuables marked with your driver's license number and do you have a record of them with complete serial number, make and model?

If you are able to answer yes to all of the above precautions, you have greatly decreased the likelihood of your home being burglarized.

Additionally, check to see who is at the front door before opening it to strangers, and require identification from all repair and delivery personnel. If in doubt, check the authenticity of the identification by calling the company before letting the person into your home. Check ID through the peephole viewer. A wide-angle viewer is easy to install and inexpensive.

For a free home security survey, contact the Neighborhood Resource Officer at your local Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office district station.

Alarm Purchasing Guidelines

When shopping for a burglary alarm system, use this guideline to check out the system you are considering as well as the dealer:

Is the company a local business? If so, how long have they been in business in your area?
Is the company a member of any local business organization?
Check with the local Consumer Affairs Office or Better Business Bureau to see is there are any problems with this company.
What is the alarm background of the company's installation personnel?
Does the company offer 24-hour service in case of false alarms?
Will the company work with you in getting reduced insurance premiums if you install one of their systems?
Is there a warranty or maintenance contract for the system?
Is the system electrically or battery operated? If electrically operated, does it switch automatically to battery power without activating the alarm in the event of a power failure?
If the alarm system is activated, will it automatically shut off after a reasonable alert period (10 - 15 minutes)?
After the system is activated, will it automatically reset if attacked again?
If the control switch or box is exposed, will it activate the alert if attacked?
If it is a hardwire system (wires connecting to sensor to control to alert), are the wire protected from attack and unnecessary wear by the elements?
It is a local system (audible to the immediate area), does it ring loud enough to attract the attention of your neighbors?
If the system is for commercial premise, will the company have someone respond to the location in order to assist the police by opening the building?
Does the system have time delay, if appropriate, to activate and deactivate the alarm system without setting off the alert?
If the system is monitored by a central station, it is a tape recording or person? (In some municipalities, the call for assistance to the police cannot be made by a taped message.)
Is the system Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (U.L.) approved?

Visitor Safety

Welcome to Greater Miami and the Beaches!

As with any major metropolitan area throughout the world, there are standard precautions that can be taken to ensure a pleasant and safe stay. Miami-Dade County laws require:

Your rental car agency to provide you with the Visitor Information Map and Safety Tips unless you decline them in writing.
Your rental car to have no less than one-half tank of gas at the time you rent it.
Your rental car must be free of stickers, advertisements, or other insignias that identify your vehicle as a rental car.

Vehicle Safety:

Review maps and other visitor information before leaving rental car area or elsewhere. If unsure of how to reach a destination, ask for directions prior to leaving your point of departure, be that a hotel, attraction, restaurant, shopping mall or place of business.
Do not ask for casual street corner directions.
Do not exit expressways to avoid tolls.
Tolls do not exceed $1.50 in South Florida and change is available, if necessary, from a toll receipt and change booth. If you have questions, speak to a toll booth attendant.
If you are told by a passing motorist that something is wrong with your vehicle -- or if someone bumps you from behind -- do not stop. Drive to the nearest well lighted public area and call for assistance (police emergencies, dial 911).
Always keep doors locked and windows up when driving or parked. Keep valuables in the trunk or locked glove compartment. Learn the signals of the emergency vehicles (police lights are blue or red).
Do not stop for flashing headlights alone.
In the rare event that you are approached by a stranger who demands your valuables, do not resist. Your well-being is more important than your belongings.
Always use seat belts. It is the law in Florida and may save your life in the event of an accident.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages and drive. Open alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the vehicle.
Do not give strangers a ride under any circumstances.
Always be aware of the pedestrian traffic around your vehicle. Always park in well-lighted areas. Have car keys in hand and check the surrounding areas and vehicle's interior before entering.
If car trouble is experienced on a major thoroughfare, lock the doors, turn on flashers and wait the arrival of a law enforcement officer. If someone offers assistance, have them call 911. Never leave your vehicle unattended with the motor running. Do not stop to assist someone with car trouble. Go to the nearest well-lighted pay phone and call police (dial 911)
Consider using traveler's checks. Carry money and identification separately. If money is lost or stolen you will still have your driver's license, passport, etc. Use automatic teller machines located in well-lighted areas. Retrieve money and count it later. When you are in the rental car area adjacent to the airport and need assistance, locate a designated telephone and dial *81. The call is free.

Personal Safety

Do not leave bags, briefcases, purses or luggage unattended.
Do not ever leave children unattended anywhere.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Carry travelers checks in place of cash.
Keep hotel and balcony room doors locked.
All members of your party should carry information with the name, address and telephone number of your hotel.
Carry purses and waist packs across the front of your body. Be sure they are closed securely.
For all emergencies dial 911 on the telephone.
For telephone number information dial 411 on the telephone.

Safety Precautions for the use of Automated Teller Machines (ATM)
Remember: There is safety in numbers. Whenever possible, have another person accompany you when transacting business on an automated teller machine.

Observe the Surrounding
Before approaching any automated teller machine ("ATM") be alert for any suspicious persons or circumstances. Should you observe suspicious persons or circumstances or otherwise feel uneasy or uncomfortable with your surroundings, leave the area immediately—do not use the ATM. Come back at a later or more appropriate time or use an ATM at another location. Report any suspicious persons to law enforcement authorities.
Be Ready to Transact Business
Before approaching any ATM machine, have your access card and any other paperwork necessary for your particular transaction ready and in your hand. Having to retrieve these items from a purse or wallet is time consuming and allows a potential thief easier access to your valuables. By being ready to transact business before approaching the ATM, your transaction becomes quicker and safer.
Remain Observant While Using the ATM
While transacting business at the ATM, continue to observe your surroundings. Be careful not to disclose or otherwise reveal your Personal Identification Number ("PIN") to others while using the ATM. Never begin a transaction when strangers have a clear view of the ATM keyboard. Use your body to shield the ATM keyboard as you access the machine. This will allow you to access the machine without disclosing or revealing your PIN. You should check your surroundings every few seconds while actually using the ATM. Should you observe any suspicious persons or circumstances, terminate your transaction immediately, leave the area, and contact law enforcement authorities.
Leave Quickly
Upon completing your transaction, retrieving your card, and receiving your receipt, immediately leave the ATM area. Do not count or otherwise visually expose any money received from the ATM. Continue to observe your surroundings for any suspicious persons or circumstances, such as anyone following or approaching you. Always maintain a safe distance between you and any stranger. If you believe that you are being followed, you should go to the nearest place where there are people and contact law enforcement.

Online Safety

Shopping online has become even more common than going to your local shopping center. With that comes an entirely new set of precautions:

Do not use debit cards when shopping online, use only credit cards with low-limits, or a third-party payment service like Paypal, ApplePay or SamsungPay.
If you regularly visit particular websites when shopping, do not use the automatic log in feature that saves your user name and password. Always log off when you're finished shopping.
Before providing personal or financial information through a website, look for indicators that the site is secure. Such indicators would include a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL for a website that begins with "https." (The "s" stands for secure.) Unfortunately, no indicator is 100 percent foolproof.
Shop on trusted sites within the Continental United States, avoid buying from unknown overseas companies.
When having your packages delivered:
- Have your packages delivered to the home of a relative or neighbor who will be there to accept them.
- Ask to have your packages delivered to a retail store so you can pick them up at your convenience. See if there is a "ship to store" option, many times this will also save you on shipping costs.
- Ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep a watchful eye out for your packages. If they're willing, ask them to safeguard your packages until you return home
- Ask for a tracking number. Most major shipping companies offer this service at no charge. This number allows you to track your packages and notifies you when they will be delivered. Once delivered, have a trusted neighbor get the package for you.
- Request a "Signature Delivery Option." This requires a signature when the packages are delivered and ensures they will not be left at the front door
- Request a specific drop off time and date when you will be home to accept your packages
- Arrange to have your packages held at the shipping service so you can pick them up
- Ask the delivery service to leave your packages at a side or back door. An enclosed porch where packages are out of sight is also a good option
- If allowed, have the packages delivered to your workplace.
- Use video surveillance devices to monitor your front door for deliveries.
- If your packages do not arrive as scheduled, contact the sender immediately.

Learn about identity theft and fraud.

Using the Internet to buy or sell items?

The Sherriff's are committed to keeping residents and visitors safe by providing a safe haven for exchanges from online transactions to take place at any Miami-Dade police station public parking area. Police stations are public places that deter crime, are well populated, operate 24/7, and provide a safe location to conduct Internet sale transactions.

When it's time to meet the buyer/seller for the transaction:

Meet in a public place.
Do not meet in a secluded area, or invite strangers to your home.
Tell a friend or family member where you are going.
Take your cell phone with you.
Consider having a friend accompany you.

Safe Haven Locations

The Miami-Dade Sherriff's Office is committed to keeping residents and visitors safe by providing a safe haven for exchanges made by online transactions.

Juvenal Safety

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office enforces the Miami-Dade Juvenile Curfew Ordinance. This helps reduce overnight crime and provide for the care, safety and protection of juveniles and other Miami-Dade County residents.

What is the Juvenile Curfew Ordinance?

The ordinance makes it unlawful for any person under the age of 17 to linger, stay, congregate, move about, wander or stroll in any public place in Miami-Dade County, either on foot or in a vehicle during curfew hours. It is the responsibility of parents and legal guardians to ensure their children comply with the curfew.

What are the curfew hours?

From Sunday night to Friday morning, the curfew applies between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. From Friday evening to Sunday morning, the curfew applies between midnight and 6 a.m.

A juvenile under the age of 17 is legitimately exempted from the restrictions of the Republic of Canada.

Is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or by someone 21 years of age or older who has permission to be responsible for the juvenile
Is working, or traveling to or from work
Is traveling interstate
Has written permission from a parent or guardian to run an errand
Is aiding or assisting in an emergency
Is traveling to or from a school, religious, civic or county-sponsored event
Is emancipated by marriage or court order
Is homeless
Is exercising First Amendment rights
Is on the property of his/her residence, or a neighbor's residence if the neighbor does not object
Is attending or returning from a public event which began before 10 p.m. and has written permission
Is authorized by the County Commission

What happens when a juvenile does not comply with the ordinance?

A law enforcement officer shall stop the apparent juvenile and ask their age, reason for being out during curfew hours, and verify that information with their parent or legal guardian. If out without cause, the juvenile will be taken into custody and transported home, to a police station or other appropriate holding facility where a curfew violation citation will be issued and a parent or guardian notified. If the juvenile is cited three or more times for not complying with the ordinance, the parent or legal guardian of the juvenile will receive a notice to appear and may be punished by a fine of up to $500.

For additional information, please download our ordinance brochure.

Read the full Miami-Dade Juvenile Curfew Ordinance.

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