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HOME
ALONE |
Your ten-year-old comes home from school at 3:00, but you don’t get home from work until 5:00. He’s at home alone for those two hours everyday. What does he do until you arrive? Most likely, he gets a snack or talks on the phone. Maybe he watches TV or he has begun his homework. But since you’re not there, you worry. Just like the majority of American parents who work and have to leave their children on their own after school every day, you are anxious about your child’s safety.
But by following the safeguards listed below, you can help ease some of this worry and take measures that will protect your kids even when you’re not around.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
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Make sure your children are old enough and mature enough to care for themselves. |
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Teach them basic safety rules. |
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Know the three "W’s": Where your kids are, What they’re doing, and Whom they’re with. |
Do not forget to check on state law about the age at which children can be left at home alone.
Are they ready? Can
your children –
A WORD ABOUT
CURIOSITY… Are there things you
don’t want your children to get into? Take the time to talk to them
about the deadly consequences of guns, medicines, power tools, drugs,
alcohol, cleaning products, and inhalants. Make sure you keep these
items in a secure place out of sight and locked up, if possible. TEACH YOUR
"HOME ALONE" CHILDREN
Be
trusted to go straight home after school?
Easily
use the telephone, locks and kitchen appliances?
Follow
rules and instructions well?
Handle
unexpected situations without panicking?
Stay
alone without being afraid?
To
check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.
How
to call 9-1-1 or your area’s emergency numbers, or calls the
operator.
How
to give directions to your home, in case of emergency.
To
never accept gifts or rides from people they don’t know well.
How
to use the door and window locks, and the alarm system if you have
one.
To
never let anyone into you’re home without asking your
permission.
To
never let a caller at the door or on the phone know that they’re
alone. Teach them to say "Mom can’t come to the phone (or
door) right now."
To
carry a house key with them in a safe place (inside pocket or
sock). Don’t leave it under a mat or on a ledge outside the
house.
How
to escape in case of fire.
To
not go into an empty house or apartment if things don’t look
right – a broken window, ripped screen, or opened door.
To
let you know about anything that frightens them or makes them feel
uncomfortable.