Safe Kids/Stranger Danger

Before allowing your child to go home alone, you should… How to make a telephone call to request help in an emergency using 911 or the appropriate number(s) in your area. How to carry his or her key so it is hidden and secure. Your name and address should not be on the key, and it may be wise to leave an extra key with a trusted friend or neighbor. Not to walk or play alone on the way home, and never take shortcuts home. What to do if he or she is being followed. If that happens your child should turn around, run in the opposite direction, and go to a designated place to get help and tell a trusted adult what happened. To always check out the home before entering looking for such things as open, ajar, or broken doors and windows or anything that doesn’t look right. Go to a designated safe place to call for help if something doesn’t seem right. To always lock the door after entering and make sure the house is secure. To immediately check in with you upon returning home to let you know he or she has arrived safely. To tell callers you can’t go to the telephone and offer to take a message instead of letting people know he or she is home alone Not to open the door for or talk to anyone who comes to the home unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative, he or she feels comfortable being alone with that person, and the visit has been pre-approved by you. To stay alert for true emergencies such as a fire or gas-main leak that would require the need to leave the home. To check with you or another trusted adult if he or she is in doubt about anything.