Streetwise Safety for Children. Michael Depasquale

      When one waits long enough, he is sure to receive what he waited for. This volume is the result of many years of contact with children, and is filled with information that is specifically geared to children of all ages. Additionally, it addresses safety problems in a way that will interest parents, thus generating a desire to understand the various problems facing children today. Throughout the book we find ourselves emotionally experiencing each problem and viewing children’s daily lives in a far different manner.

      Each chapter is loaded with important commentary and advice, which, if followed, will shield children against the everyday dangers of kidnapping and assault—to name a few problems. The clear manner in which the author explains each problem and how to prepare for it is what makes this a most unusual volume. Problems that may arise when leaving a child home alone are discussed with clarity from a professional’s outlook, which provides the reader with a wealth of knowledge for coping with any situation that comes about. Problem areas faced by children are described in a lucid manner, followed by advice and suggestions relative to preparation and defense against any intrusion. Virtually every imaginable safety area is covered. One of the most vulnerable parts of any child’s day is the time he or she spends traveling between home and school. Every day, children must make their way through a myriad of traveling situations throughout which they must be aware of where they are, where they are going, and the people around them.

      The author has cleverly taken problem situations and shows how to first protect against intrusion, then defend against any breach. This makes Streetwise Safety for Children a valuable asset to any parent. Indeed, I would recommend it to anyone in any profession. It has value to parents, older children (capable of reading it), security personnel, teachers, school bus drivers, and others engaged in transporting or teaching children. For parents it becomes a training manual with full coverage of any potential danger to their children. Each chapter is fully explained with emphasis placed on specific situations. At no place in this book is there a situation or condition that is not covered from beginning to end. Such subjects as lighting, locks, telephones, and alarm systems are described in a manner that the uninitiated should digest with ease.

      Mr. DePasquale comes well equipped to write this book. He is internationally known and recognized as a fine instructor with over 30 years of experience in martial arts. He has instructed peace officers throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Italy and Mexico. He holds a martial arts rank of Nidai Shihan in Yoshitsune Waza Ju-Jitsu. He has been the subject of articles in newspapers, magazines, college periodicals and organization periodicals. He has also appeared in nine martial arts motion pictures made both here in the U.S. as well as in the Orient. In addition he has appeared on numerous television and radio shows, such as “Regis Philbin,” “Yo MTV Raps,” “Nickelodeon,” “Attitudes”and network news, speaking about F.U.M.A.’S streetwise safety and self-defense techniques and seminars.

      Experience as a security officer has afforded him a “hands-on” opportunity to work as a bodyguard, executive security engineer and protection consultant. I cannot recommend this volume more highly. The reader will find that it offers simple, down to the point solutions to serious problems.