Tips For Kids

Rover, the home safety hound, suggests that every kid follows these safety tips when home alone:

Act it out - Before the first day of being home alone, role-play with your parents for emergency situations. Pretend to call 911 and practice what to say; find out where the first-aid kit is kept, and know how to use everything inside. Acting out emergency situations helps you remember what to do if an emergency happens.

By the phone - Post important numbers next to the phone, including the local police and fire departments (for non-emergencies) and 911 instructions for emergencies. Have your parents write down their work and cell phone numbers as well as the number and address of a trusted neighbor or friend.

Check in - Call one or both parents as soon as you come home from school to let them know you arrived safely. This is also a good time for your parents to make sure the doors and windows are locked and that the house is safe.

Don't go swimming - It still may be warm enough in August and September, maybe even later, to go swimming. But it's too risky to swim without an adult or trusted lifeguard present - no matter how hot it is outside!

Exercise caution - If the doorbell or phone rings, make sure you know what to do. Sometimes it's best not to answer at all. Your parents should post clear, simple instructions or a script by the telephone.

First aid - Anyone staying home alone should know some basic first aid. Make sure your parents have a first-aid kit, and let them teach you how and when to use each item.

Grab some goodies - Most kids are hungry after school, so parents should leave an after-school snack on the table or in the refrigerator. The snack should need no cooking or preparing, since ideally you shouldn't use the stove or oven unless a parent is around.

Tips For Parents

Although kids may like the autonomy of having the home all to themselves, not having a parent or trusted adult around can be a little scary. According to the Consumer Federation of America Foundation, before allowing children to "self-care," parents should make sure their child:

• Expresses a desire and willingness to care for him- or herself after school

  Children who are easily frightened or who express an unwillingness to stay home alone are probably not ready for the responsibility

• Normally exercises good judgment, such as when answering the telephone or door

  Parents must be confident that their child will follow directions when answering the phone and door, on allowing friends to visit, on computer and television usage and on getting along with other sibling.

• Knows how to react in an emergency

  Children need to know when and how to dial 911 or another emergency number, how to operate fire extinguishers and how to follow their family's fire escape plan

• Communicates easily about interests and concerns

  Parents need to be sure that their child will communicate openly and honestly with them about fears or problems that arise due to staying at home alone.

• Is able to care for him- or herself when a parent runs quick errands

  Children that can care for themselves when a parent runs a few quick errands might be ready to stay at home alone for longer periods of time; parents should do shorter "test runs" to make sure their children are comfortable staying home by themselves