The Kids Safe Place Program

From:  Business Community Watch/Attack and Security Committee

1. The Kids Safe Place Program is being designed to make easily available safe

places for kids to go if they are frightened, in danger (whether from weather, on man created danger), or are being harassed by

someone that should not be doing so.

• Background- Dozens and dozens of elementary school children walk down University, Commercial, Putman, Evangel, Accent, and other streets every day in the University-Sparkman Business District when they get out of school. They all seem to be very well mannered children but for the most part are unescorted as they pass through the business district on their way home. As an added system for their safety and well being, the Watch, Attach Crime and Security committee will offer an enhanced safety net, through our B2B instant internet communications and the Kids Safe Place Program.

2. How it will work

The USBA is in the process of notifying and requesting the support of area schools and parent teacher organizations with program details.

The proposal is for:

• A  sign will be positioned on the inside of the business facing out so that kids on the outside can see it.
• It will say Kids Safe Place Program  Participant. Endorsed by the USBA
• On the sign, will be a place for a school official, Parent Teacher representative, USBA designated representative, and Huntsville and Madison County community watch officers to sign their approval of the business being approved as a safe place for kids to go.
• It would be suggested that pictures of all participating businesses be put on the USBA web site and made available to school and security officials.
• All of those designated to sign would make regular  inspections of participating businesses to assure compliance with guidelines.
• It would be suggested the schools and PTO/A instruct children that the business are not places to "hang around and play", but a place of refuge should they need help.
• The USBA and all others would cooperate together to assure the main thing, A Safe Place For Kids.
• USBA watch patrol, would also make sure posters were at proper places.
• A further consideration would be a USBA Participant Halloween Trick or Treat program, and maybe others type programs, with the leadership of Police and Sherriff's community resource officers.
• All Participant USBA members must be approved by school organization completely before being allowed into program.

If you are interested in further details or wish to help, contact us at 256-520-1740 or email  usba@UniversitySparkman.com