Mercer Island School District’s communications department informed its school families that on the afternoon of Dec. 12, three Northwood Elementary School students felt uncomfortable with a car that pulled up near them as they walked home from school.

The students apprised their parents of the situation and the parents notified school administrators on the morning of Dec. 13. District administrators were then notified of the situation and connected with the Mercer Island Police Department, which increased its presence in the Northwood neighborhood on Dec. 13.

“One of the mantras we teach students whether in school or the community is, ‘See something, say something,’” the district said in the safety alert letter. “This event gives us an opportunity to encourage families to have conversations about personal safety.”

The district relayed some personal safety tips as a starting point for these conversations:

* Children should know their full name, home phone number and how to use a phone. Post your contact information where your children will see it: office phone number, cell phone, etc.

* Children should have a trusted adult to call if they’re scared or have an emergency.

* Choose babysitters with care. Obtain references from family, friends, and neighbors. Once you have chosen the caregiver, drop in unexpectedly to see how your children are doing. Ask your children how the experience with the caregiver was, and listen carefully to their responses.

* Make a list with your children of their neighborhood boundaries, choosing significant landmarks.

* Interact regularly with your neighbors. Tell your children whose homes they are allowed to visit.

* Don’t drop your children off alone at malls, movie theaters, video arcades, or parks.

* Teach your children that adults should not approach children for help or directions. Tell your children that if they are approached by an adult, they should stay alert because this may be a “trick.”

* Never leave children unattended in an automobile. Children should never hitchhike or approach a car when they don’t know and trust the driver.

* Children should never go anywhere with anyone without getting your permission first.

* Reinforce the importance of the “buddy system.”

* It’s OK to say NO – tell your children to trust their instincts.

* Be careful when you put your child’s name on clothing, backpacks, or lunch boxes. If a child’s name is visible, it may put them on a “first name” basis with an abductor.

* Walk the route to and from school with your children, pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they’re being followed or need help. Make a map with your children showing acceptable routes to school, using main roads and avoiding shortcuts or isolated areas. If your children take a bus, visit the bus stop with them and make sure they know which bus to take.