Child safety is on every parent’s mind these days. The Casey Anthony case and the story of the Brooklyn boy who went missing and was found brutally murdered have parents hugging their children a little tighter at night.

Protecting children is a huge worry for a large number of parents, but it is important to remember that there are even dangers in your own home. For example, did you know that in the USA approximately 1 in 3 homes with children have guns? If you have a gun at home, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is aware of some essential rules and safety requirements surrounding firearms. To learn more about teaching your child basic gun safety, you might want to read this article.

Dangers in the home to one side, would you know what to do if your child disappeared? I come from a family of police officers — so when I was a kid knowing what to do in an emergency was second nature to us. But for those of you without a cop for a father…here’s a little insight from another former police officer and author, Carole Moore.

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Their Child

by Carole Moore

It’s almost impossible to understate the role time plays when a child goes missing. Could you instantly provide police with everything they need to look for your child if he or she disappeared? If you’re like most people, the answer is no.

The U.S. Department of Justice says that in an average year about 800,000 children are reported missing. The good news is that the vast majority of them turn up alive and safe. Your best strategy is to be prepared, even if the odds are on your side.

Here’s what experts say you should have at a minimum to be prepared for the unthinkable: Read more