21 Days Till School: Keeping Kids Safe When They're Home Alone

Each day of the month leading up to the first day of school, Oakland Township Patch will bring you useful back-to-school information, tricks, trends and tips.

As kids get ready to head back to school (in just three weeks!), many are also preparing to spend at least a little time home alone until their parents or other guardian returns.

So what can you do to help make sure your child is safe when they're home alone? The American Red Cross has a few suggestions:

• Post an emergency phone list for your child somewhere they can easily find it. Include cell phone numbers, work numbers, neighbors' numbers and whatever other important numbers you have.
• Make sure you have a trustworthy neighbor your child knows he or she can go to in case of an emergency.
• Practice an emergency plan with your child so they know what to do in the event of an emergency, including fires and injuries. Write the plan down and make sure your child knows where it is.
• Keep a stocked first aid kit where your child can find it.
• Make sure your child knows where the flashlights are, and that the flashlights have batteries.
• Remove or safely store all unsafe items (i.e. power tools, guns, knives, ammunition, scissors, etc.).
• Make sure medicines and other potentially poisonous chemicals are locked up and stored away from children.
• Install safety covers on all unused electrical outlets.
• Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional and installed throughout the house.
• Limit TV time and activate parental controls on the television and computer.

Here are a few things kids can do to stay safe when they're home alone:

• Lock the door and make sure all the windows are closed and locked.
• Know how to use the electronic security system, if there is one.
• Never open the door for strangers, and look through the peep hole or window before opening the door to anyone.
• Only open the door for people your parents have given you permission to let into the house.
• Ask delivery people to leave packages at the door or to come back another time; do not open the door for them.
• Never tell someone on the phone that you are home alone. Instead, tell them your parents are busy and ask to take a message.
• Do not talk about being home alone when you're online, and be cautious about sharing information about your location.
• Do not talk about being home alone on public websites, including Facebook.
• Never leave the house without permission. If you do have permission, make sure to let your parents know where you're going, when you're leaving and when you'll return.
• Do not go outside to check out an unusual noise; call your parents, another adult or the police instead.
• Don’t talk to strangers.
• Don't let your friends come over if your parents aren't home
• Don't let anyone who is using drugs or alcohol into the home, even if you know them.
• If you smell smoke or hear a fire or smoke alarm, get outside and get a neighbor to call 911.

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