Hector sat up straight when he saw his grandma, Grandma Frances enter the classroom. She was wearing her Emergency Medical Technician uniform. Right behind Grandma Frances was Policewoman Paula. “Good Morning children,”  said Grandma Frances. “Policewoman Paula and I are here to see how much you know about street smarts.”

Hector leaned over and whispered in Yundi’s ear. “If my grandma asks if any one knows what an Emergency Medical Technician does, raise your hand and answer. Otherwise she’s going to call on me, and I can’t remember exactly what she does. Then I’m going to be embarrassed and she’s going to be mad at me.” Yundi nodded that he would.

Just then Grandma Frances said, “I’m sure you all know what Policewoman Paula does, but do you know what I do?” Yundi raised his hand, and when called on said, “Last year, when I fell off my bike and hurt my leg and skinned my arm, you came in the ambulance and took care of me. You called my mom and rode in the ambulance with me to the hospital. I was so scared, but you explained why I had to go to the hospital to make sure my leg wasn’t broken.”

Grandma Frances beamed! “That’s right Yundi. My job is to help boys and girls and adults when they need medical attention because they had an accident or are very sick . I come by ambulance along with another Emergency Medical Technician, and help care for the child or adult on the way to the hospital.”

Policewoman Paula began the street smarts discussion. “We have a series of questions. When we we finished the questions, we will give you the answers. Please think about what you would do in each situation.

1. What would you do if you and a friend were out walking on Can Do Street and you needed to use the public restroom?
2. Your mom is looking at kitchen equipment in the store. You’re bored, so without telling her, you walk away and go to the toy department.
3. As you walk home from school, a car comes up along side you and the stranger inside the care asks you if you want to go for a soda.
4. On you way home from school, you pass by a dog run and decide to stop and watch the dogs play for awhile.
5. Some kids are playing ball in the street; they invite you to join them.
6. You see a dog by himself with no collar or leash. You are thinking about going up to him and petting him.”

The “Can Dos” were all quiet as they thought about what to do. Then Grandma Frances and Policewoman Paula began calling on each ” Can Do”and asking them what they would do. Some of their answers were not so good, not so safe choices. Some of the “Can Dos’ did not have street smarts.

Here are the Street Smarts answers:

1. Never go into a public restroom alone. Go with a family member or a friend.
2. It isn’t safe for you to wander away from your mom or any adult you are with when out shopping.
3. Beware of stranger danger. Don’t go near a car or any stranger who offers you a ride, candy or soda, or to pet his puppy. Tell your parent, a teacher, a police person, or crossing guard about the stranger.
4. Always go right home from school, unless you have permission from your parent to go somewhere, such as the library or a play date. Your parent will worry if you are not home on time.
5. Playing ball in the street is not safe. Unless a street is shut off to all traffic, it is not safe.
6. Never approach a stray dog. You don’t know if he is friendly. He could be sick. If you see a police officer, tell him or her about the dog and the officer will call the local animal shelter to get the dog help.

Grandma Frances and Policewoman Paula said goodbye to the “Can Dos” reminding them to always practice street smarts.