How to Be Safe when Home Alone
So your parents have gone out again and left you home. Even though you live in a safe neighborhood, your parents are still making a huge fuss about it. Here is the correct way to earn your parents' trust and to stay safe.
[edit] Steps
- Always keep the door locked and do not open it if someone knocks or rings the doorbell. This is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe. If your parents have told you to open the door for them when they return home, look out the window or peephole if you have one to make sure it is them. This rule applies even if it is someone important at the door, such as the landlord. Other important door rules include:
- Don't fall for the "I'm an undercover cop" trick. An undercover police officer will never come knocking on your door. If it is a uniformed police officer, then you may make an exception to these rules.
- Agree on a code word with your parents. The code word can be the name of a distant relative, a TV show your favorite color etc. This way, in the event of an emergency and your parents send someone to your house, they can tell the person the code word so that you know it is safe to open the door. When asking for the code word, do not say "What's my favorite color?" (assuming the code word is your favorite color). Instead, say "What's the password?" This way, you are not giving the person a hint to what the code word is.
- Do not touch anything your parents tell you not to. These things may include, but is not limited to:
- The medicine cabinet
- Sharp knives
- Matches
- Never cook without an adult or an adult's permission. If your mom or dad say you may, follow all cooking instructions.
- When it get's dark, turn on all exterior lights and close curtains and blinds. Light and sound deter criminal activity, so keeping the outside of your house properly illuminated at night makes criminals think twice before doing something stupid around your house.
[edit] Tips
- Remember, the door is the last and most important line of defense. The easiest way to keep intruders out is to keep the door closed and locked at all times.
- Try do get permission for things in writing. This prevents the "But you said I could do that" situation.
[edit] Warnings
- People often try to pose as an appliance repairman or someone similar to gain access to your home. Don't be fooled. This should not be a problem if you keep the door locked at all times.
