CHAPTER FOUR

HOME RULES

HOME ALONE RULES

CHOOSING A BABYSITTER

ESCAPE THE HOUSE / HOTEL

Sample of Home Rules

· Children should know their complete home address, telephone number including area code and parents' first and last names.

HOW TO USE THE PHONE

· Teach children who are old enough how to use the phone.

· Post your contact information where your children will see it: office phone number, cell phone, pager, etc. Children should have a trusted adult to call if they’re scared or have an emergency.

· Post emergency numbers where your children can see them: 9-1-1, FIRE, POLICE

· If kids are old enough to answer the phone they should know how to call 9-1-1. Practice with receiver button taped down.

· Kids should be taught never to reveal any personal information (their name, school, age, etc.) or family information over the phone unless a parent has given permission.

ANSWERING THE DOOR

· Never answer the door. Whether home alone or with another adult, a young child is no match for someone trying to gain entry into the home or abduct the child from the entryway.

· Kids are old enough to answer the door when they are old enough to check the identity of the person at the door without opening it.

· Never invite anyone into the house without the permission of a parent or other responsible adult within the home, like a babysitter.

SECURING THE HOME

· Consider installing an alarm system in your home with a monitoring feature. Make sure your home is secured with deadbolt locks, and ensure that landscaping around it doesn’t provide places for people to hide. Check other access points, such as gates, and make sure they have been secured. Consider installing exterior lighting around your home. Make sure that your home is fully secured before you go to sleep and items, such as ladders, have been stored inside. Prepare a plan to vacate your home in case of any emergency. This should include but is not limited to a fire. Have a plan if an intruder tries or gets into your home.

· Make your children part of securing your home. If you have installed an alarm system, demonstrate it to your children and show them how to be certain that doors and windows are locked. This will not only help calm their fears but will also help them be part of your “safety plan” at home.