Now that summer vacation is coming to a close, parents everywhere are getting their kids ready to go back to school. As you prepare your kids with school supplies and new gear, you also want to make sure they are equipped with some important health and safety tips to help them stay on guard throughout the school year.

The AMW Safety Center features some great tips for both kids and parents to help build awareness and street smarts. As we’ve stated a number of times, prevention is your greatest defense against trouble. You won’t always be around to keep your kids safe, so taking a moment to go over some of this information with your children ahead of time can go a long way towards making sure your they make the right choices when they are faced with a split second decision down the line. Read More of Back-To-School Safety Tool Kit »

Child sexual abuse is one of the most poignant forms of abuse, and it’s a crime that affects the entire family. There are several symptoms that could raise a flag signaling abuse, and recognizing these signs could help you save a child.

If you notice unexplained illnesses and injuries, or if a child begins to withdraw, become fearful or lose self confidence, these are all signs that a child could be being abused.

Check out the National Center for Victims of Crime for more tips on identifying an abused child, and for a wealth of resources available to help victims deal with the pain.

Earlier this month, communities all over the country organized events around National Night Out to help reinforce a relationship between neighbors and law enforcement.

But you don’t have to wait until next year to bring your neighborhood together. This summer, President Obama called on all Americans to dedicate some of their time to serving their community. There is still plenty of time for you to get involved and volunteer some of your time toward empowering your neighborhood against crime.

There are countless activities you can get involved in that bring people in your community together and that can send a message to criminals. Starting a neighborhood watch, volunteering you time to graffiti removal and litter pick up, or setting up community activities that kids can get involved in are a few of the many activities that contribute to cleaning up a neighborhood. Read More of Giving Back To Your Community To Help Fight Crime »