Children Staying Home Alone Before you take the step to allow your child to stay home alone, make sure the child and home is prepared for time without adult supervision. Set rules and expectations. Safeguard the home by securing poisons, alcohol, firearms or any other items that could pose a threat to the child. Go over fire escape plans and other procedures for emergencies. Know how to use 911. Make sure they know their address and phone number. Have a list of phone numbers including how to contact the parent or guardian, doctor, other relatives and trusted individuals. Check-in periodically with the child and child with parent or guardian. Have a first-aid kit available and know how to use it. Teach children staying alone to never to open the door to a stranger or let anyone unfamiliar to them know--either on the phone or at the door--that they are without adult supervision. Don’t have friends over. Keep doors and windows locked. Do not answer the door. Do not use heat appliances (oven, stove, toaster, heater, etc.).
Children Staying Home Alone Before you take the step to allow your child to stay home alone, make sure the child and home is prepared for time without adult supervision. Set rules and expectations. Safeguard the home by securing poisons, alcohol, firearms or any other items that could pose a threat to the child. Go over fire escape plans and other procedures for emergencies. Know how to use 911. Make sure they know their address and phone number. Have a list of phone numbers including how to contact the parent or guardian, doctor, other relatives and trusted individuals. Check-in periodically with the child and child with parent or guardian. Have a first-aid kit available and know how to use it. Teach children staying alone to never to open the door to a stranger or let anyone unfamiliar to them know--either on the phone or at the door--that they are without adult supervision. Don’t have friends over. Keep doors and windows locked. Do not answer the door. Do not use heat appliances (oven, stove, toaster, heater, etc.).
