WASHINGTON (Jan.17, 2009) — As tens of thousands of families prepare to participate in presidential inaugural events in Washington D.C. over the next four days, Save the Children is offering guidance to help make events enjoyable and safe for children and parents alike.

"Bringing children to a large-scale event of unprecedented proportions requires that parents take smart steps to ensure that children stay safe and families stay together," said Mark Shriver, Vice President and Managing Director of Save the Children's U.S. programs.

Here are ten tips from Save the Children for parents and caregivers participating in the inauguration:

1. Ensure that your children have complete identifying and emergency contact information concealed on them, such as taped inside their clothes, so that if they become separated, they can be more easily reunified with you. But don't have clothes with their name on the outside as sometimes children don't understand when a stranger calls them by name that the person is still a stranger.

2. If your children are old enough, make sure they know their full name, address and your cell phone number.

3. Teach them how and when to call 911, when to call you, and when to call an alternative contact like a close friend or grandparent.

4. Bring a recent, accurate, and high quality head-and-shoulders digital photo of each child to the inauguration or have one easily available to you online.

5. Bring an accurate and narrative description for each child such as name, nickname, height, weight, sex, age, eye color, eyeglasses, hair color/style, scars, identifying marks, disabilities, tattoos, and body piercings.

6. As you enter an event, pick an easy spot to meet if you become separated. Consider letting your children pick the spot so they will remember it more easily.

7. Given likely long waits for public transportation and waits at the event itself, bring activities to engage children as well as food and water to help reduce stress.

8. In the event of a public emergency during the event, follow the directions of the safety officers. They will be your best source of information.

9. Be sure to dress the children appropriately and look for warming stations or open buildings if you need to warm your child.

10. Keep your sense of humor. Having a positive attitude can mean a lot to children and parents alike.

Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org) is the leading, independent organization creating lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. For more than 75 years, Save the Children has worked to improve the lives of children and their families through programs in health, education and economic opportunities, and during times of crisis and conflict. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 27 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 100 countries.