The McGruff House participant in expected to phone for emergency help needed by any child.
The participant should watch the street and monitor the activities of the children especially during the hours they are going to and coming from school and report imemediately to appropriate authorities if a child is lost, hurt, frightened, bullied, or appears to be in danger.
The McGruff House participant should have paper and pencil readily available to record descriptions, license numbers, etc., for reference when reporting any incident.
Participants offer medical assistance in clear emergencies only to the extent that they are qualified by other training. Emergency medical help numbers should be posted. That help and/or the parent(s) should be called. DO NOT ADMINISTER MEDICATION OF ANY SORT.
A participant should not transport any child because of this program.
Participants should not provide toilet facilities and food or beverages to children seeking McGruff House help.
The McGruff House participant's legal status is that of a private citizen who has volunteered to act in a responsible manner in possible emergency situations involving children. Homeowner's or renter's liablility insurance should be in force to protect against the unlikely contingency of injury to a child who is on the property because of the program.
The McGruff House sign should be left up even when the participant is not at home. Its absence could alert burglars that the house is empty.
A participant must notify the Program Coordinator immediately if the household can no longer participate in the McGruff House program or if the window sign is stolen, lost, damaged or in need of replacement.
For more information on the McGruff House Program contact Lincoln Police Department's Community Services Unit at 402.441.7261