Area children are headed back to school this week, and Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says one of the most important ways parents can keep their kids safe is by talking about strangers. Stranger danger is a phrase used a lot, and Dunbar says people need to educate their kids about what to do if a stranger tries to get them into their car. He used the example of “Uncle so-and-so wants to give you a ride home because mom or dad can’t make it,” and if the parents hadn’t told the child about that, then the student should not get in with the individual. Other things kids should be wary of include offers of candy or to pet their dog. Dunbar said it’s up to the parents to remind their kids every year to be aware of those types of dangers.