With the start of the 2020 / 2021 school year, many parents face a real question; do they leave their children alone at home? We’re offering some safety suggestions for parents to consider when preparing their children and homes.
With COVID-19 impacting our communities and schools, everyone feels the effects of having to modify their regular routines. This includes households where both parents work, and they are used to their children attending school while at their jobs.
With school districts moving to distance learning, some parents may not be able to afford someone to watch their children or send them to a daycare type program.
If you are going to leave your children home alone, then take the time to do the following to ensure a safe and secure environment for your family.
ARE THEY OLD ENOUGH?
First, check with your local city to see if any local ordinances are specifying at which age a child may be left alone. In California, there is no specific law regarding the age a child may be left home alone. Factors should be taken into account, such as the maturity and emotional level of the child, and any medical or psychological issues or disabilities have to be considered.
GET THE FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS ON BOARD
Make sure everyone you trust is aware the kids will be home alone. In the event an adult is quickly needed, that retired neighbor will soon become your best friend. They can also keep an eye out to make sure everything seems normal, or they might be able to check in on the kids as well.
DO THEY KNOW HOW TO GET HELP?
If your children are unable to use the phone, can’t recite their address, and don’t know how to escape the house quickly, then they absolutely should not be left alone.
They need to be able to call “911” and summon help in an emergency. They should be able to explain to the police or fire dispatcher what is happening and where they live.
Speaking of emergencies, kids have a different understanding of what an emergency is than us adults. Make sure they understand that something or someone which could harm them or the house is an emergency. Losing the password to their computer or wanting to buy something is not justification for calling 911.
Some scenarios you may want to discuss with your children are:
- A person rings the doorbell and will not leave
- A person looking into the windows or walking into the side or rear yard
- Strange noises which indicate someone has entered the house without their knowledge
- They see or smell smoke or a strange odor that won’t go away
WHAT ARE THE RULES
Take time to discuss with your children the rules when left alone. This includes covering items such as:
- Which friends may or may not come over if any
- What they can and can’t eat
- Whether they are allowed to go outside
- Rules regarding the use of the pool or outdoor play equipment
- What you expect of them while you’re gone, such as chores and school work
GUNS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND MEDICATIONS
How often have you watched a parent on television recollecting a tragedy and them saying something along the lines of not thinking their child would do this or that, or being in shock, their child did something?
- Store guns unloaded and locked in a manner consistent with safe firearm practices and state laws
- Make alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and medications inaccessible to children
THE POOL IS OFF LIMITS
If you own a pool, make sure you have taken precautions to ensure your children can not access it. Even if they are good swimmers, create a rule that there is no using the pool when mom and dad are not home. No exceptions.
LEAVE A CELL PHONE
If your child doesn’t have access to a home phone or a cell phone, they shouldn’t be left alone. Consider purchasing a “house” cell phone that doesn’t belong to the child, but rather, belongs to every member of the household, and is to stay at home.
- Make sure your child knows how to use the device
- If there is concern the password feature to access the device might cause a hindrance in the moment of an emergency, consider removing it.
- Make sure everyone knows how to use Apple FaceTime (iPhones) or Google Duo (Androids), so you can check in on them through a video call.
QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?
If you have questions or suggestions, reach out to us using the chat feature on our website, or connect with us on social media.
SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS