Tips for children at home alone

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

• A safe home will help diminish potentially dangerous situations which can develop and threaten your safety when home alone.
• Home Safety Checklist
• Locks secured on all windows and doors
• Smoke alarms on each level of your home
• Fire Extinguisher within easy reach
• Broken electrical cords replaced
• Clearly written instructions for using appliances
• Flashlight with batteries that work
• Stairways clear of clutter
• Have emergency phone numbers posted

CHILD SAFETY CHECKLIST

• Never accept rides from anyone unless a parent is notified
• Don't take unfamiliar short-cuts to or from school
• Never enter your home if something looks wrong—door open, window broken
• Call a parent as soon as you are home
• Have a schedule of after-school activities
• Have a backup person to call in case of an emergency
• Do not invite friends to your house, and do not visit friends without a parent's permission
• Do not use any appliance without a parent's permission

FAQ- WHAT DO I DO?  

1.       When a stranger phones:

Never tell them you are home alone
Say: "my mom is having a bath", or "my dad is asleep and will call back, can I take your name and number?"

1. When the doorbell rings:

Never go to the door, ignore the ringing
Pretend that there is no one home, they will come back later

1. When my friends invite me over:
   Say: "I have to talk to my parents first"

PARENTS

• Discuss these safety tips with your children to make the experience of being home alone a positive one.
• House Rules: involve your children in making the rules, make it fun
• Emergencies/ Utility Problems/Fire: prepare your children for any type of problem
• First Aid: have a fully assembled safety kit available.
• Phone List: should be beside the phone and should have neighbours numbers in case or an emergency
• Other Tips: leave a radio on, keep poisons out of reach, and teach about hazard symbols

THE KEY

• Your key to the house is your key to responsibility. Take good care of it.
• Keep your key inside your pocket, wallet, shoe or back pack.
• Always keep your key hidden from view.
• Never put your home address on your key chain in case it gets lost.
• Don't lend your key to anyone.
• If you lose your key, don't panic. It can happen to anyone. Try to remember when you last had it and retrace your steps.
• Don't let anyone know you've lost your key, except your back up emergency person and your parents.

THE EMERGENCY – FIRE SAFETY

• Know and practice your family escape plan
• If your clothes catch fire, remember always to STOP, DROP (on the floor), and ROLL (smother the flames)
• Remember, once you get out of a burning building, always stay out.
• Don’t try to gather personal items; your first priority is to get yourself out of the house.

THE EMERGENCY - SEVER WEATHER SAFETY 

• HIGH WINDS: Close the windows and doors securely; remain indoors
• TORNADO WARNING: Stay close to a solid wall in the basement or on the lower floor
• SNOW STORM: Stay indoors
• THUNDERSTORM: Stay indoors and avoid opening doors and windows
• POWER FAILURE: Prepare for the darkness by locating a flashlight. Call your parents. In cool weather, close the doors and windows to retain heat.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Children left at home alone often experience feelings of loneliness, fear, boredom, and anxiety. Establish a daily schedule so your child knows what to do when they are home alone.