Help Kids Safe While They're Home Alone

For adults

- Post an emergency phone list where the children can see it. Include 9-1-1, your work and cell numbers, numbers for neighbors, and the numbers for anyone else who is close and trusted.

- Practice an emergency plan with the child so they know what to do in case of fire, injury, or other emergencies. Write the plan down and make sure the child knows where it is.

- Limit any cooking a young child can do. Make sure at least one approved smoke alarm is installed and operating on each level of the home.

- Limit the time the child spends in front of the television or computer. Caution them to not talk about being home alone on public websites. For children - Never open the door to strangers. Always check before opening the door to anyone, looking out through a peephole or window first. - Never open the door to delivery people or service representatives. Ask delivery people to leave the package at the door or tell them to come back at another time. - Never tell someone on the telephone that the parents are not at home. Say something like “He or she is busy right now. Can I take a message?”