How to Be Safe When You Are Home Alone

Essential safety tips and guidelines for children of all ages when staying home without parents or caregivers.

1. Before Parents Leave. Make sure you know exactly when your parents will return and how to reach them. Write down their phone numbers, where they're going, and what time they expect to be back. Get the phone number of a trusted neighbor or family friend you can call if needed. Go over any specific rules your parents have about activities, snacks, or areas of the house you should avoid. Make sure all doors are locked after your parents leave, and know which lights to keep on.
2. Emergency Preparedness. Know your home address and phone number by heart. Keep a list of emergency contacts near the phone, including 911, your parents' numbers, a trusted neighbor, and your family doctor. Learn how to use your home phone, including how to dial out if you have a security system. Know where flashlights, first aid supplies, and any important medications are located. If you have a family emergency plan, review it regularly so you remember what to do.
3. Answering the Door and Phone. Never open the door for strangers, even if they say they know your parents or claim to be making deliveries. If someone comes to the door, you don't need to answer it at all. If you do speak through the door, never say you're alone - instead say your parents can't come to the door right now. When answering the phone, don't tell callers that your parents aren't home. Say they're busy and ask if you can take a message. If someone calls repeatedly or says inappropriate things, hang up and tell your parents when they return.
4. Kitchen and Appliance Safety. Only use kitchen appliances your parents have taught you to use safely. Avoid using the stove, oven, or any appliances with heating elements unless you have specific permission and training. When using the microwave, make sure containers are microwave-safe and be careful of hot steam when removing food. Clean up spills right away to prevent slipping. Keep knives and other sharp objects put away. If you're not sure whether something is safe to use, wait until your parents return.
5. Internet and Technology Safety. Follow your family's rules about internet use and screen time. Never share personal information online, including that you're home alone. Don't download new apps or visit websites your parents haven't approved. If someone you don't know tries to contact you online, don't respond and tell your parents later. Keep devices charged so you can reach your parents if needed. Avoid posting on social media that could indicate you're home alone.
6. What to Do in Different Situations. If the power goes out, stay calm and find a flashlight. Call your parents to let them know what happened. If you smell gas, don't turn on any lights or appliances - leave the house immediately and call 911 from a neighbor's house. If you hear breaking glass or think someone is trying to break in, find a safe room with a lock, call 911, then call your parents. For medical emergencies, call 911 first, then your parents. Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong or scary, call for help.