June 2009 - Stay Safe While At Home

During the summer young children may be home alone for a few hours while parents are working. Before this happens, make sure they know how to call you and the police in case they need help. Leave a copy of the emergency numbers list by your primary phone, and show each child exactly where it is.

Tell your children not to answer the phone if no one else is home, but if they do they should know that it is never okay to tell a stranger that they are home alone. The same holds true when someone knocks on the door. Children should not answer at all, but if they do they must never admit that no adults are present.

In case an emergency does occur, your children should be aware of every exit in the house. That way they have options in case a fire is started or someone breaks in. Show them all the ways to get out, including windows on the first floor. Let them know if you have any nearby neighbors you trust, and tell them to go to their home if something happens.

Latch Key Kids

In a perfect world, we could all stay at home and be there to provide a loving and safe environment for our children after school. Unfortunately, many parents have to work, and their children are forced to spend at least a few hours at home alone during the work week. Please contact the Villa Rica Police Department about signing your child/children up for the “R U Okay?” program.