Recent media coverage of missing or kidnapped children may have scared parents into thinking such horrible events are commonplace.

They are not. Federal studies have shown about 150 to 200 cases annually of “stranger” abductions.

Yet most of those cases involve people who either knew the children or who lived nearby, while others were babysitters or family friends.

Actual numbers of children suddenly taken by complete strangers range between 20 to 50 children a year.

And since there are approximately 4.1 million babies born in America each year, this means there are presently more than 40 mllion children age ten and below living in this country right now.

But, still, parents and caretakers can learn from such tragedies by knowing how to prevent them.

A few, simple common sense tips, which most parents realize, can help: don’t leave children unattended; know about people who live in local neighborhoods; recognize individuals who might threaten children (and don’t let them into your home); always know where children are and who is caring for them; and remember to give as many details about a child’s age and clothing and the last whereabouts of any children who suddenly vanish when calling 911.

However, parents must realize ALL dangers to children.

Accidents, mainly with cars, bicycles, and walking or playing near streets take far more children than kidnappers—about 6,000 children a year, according to the Washington, D. C.-based National Safe Kids Campaign.

Approximately 4,000 children age 18 and under lose their lives annually because of guns, reports the Children’s Defense Fund; also in Washington, D.C. Most of these children are victims of accidental handling of guns in the home.

Officials of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) report that about the same number of children perish each year from disease.

Slightly more than 1,000 children die annually from child abuse, reports the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect. This agency is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

And a new, neglected danger to children, is just now getting public attention:Leaving children locked in overheated cars during hot summer months.