The bright constellation

Oct 05

How to Be Safe when Home Alone

Phychology of a teenager. Add comments

1
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. Don't forget to call your parents to find out if parents did send someone before you let them in.
2
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/lighters
3
Never cook without an adult or an adult's permission. If your mom or dad say you may, follow all cooking instructions.
4
When it gets 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.
5
If anyone strange is around your house or in your neighborhood, do not go outside or to where that person (people) are. If they break a law such as trespassing territory, breaking into a car, or even breaking a neighborhood essential (such as a fire hydrant), call the police! Dial 9-1-1! If you aren't certain but you're pretty sure they're breaking the law, call an operator on your house phone. The number is just one simple number: 0. Talk to your parents about these strange people immediately no matter what.
6
Talk to your parents about which channels on television you can watch, if you can go online or on a specific chatroom, if you can play outside or go to your friend's house from across the street, etc. Write these "house rules" down on a piece or paper or a notepad and post it up on a wall in a room you will be in for majority of the time. It is also best if it is a room that you pay more attention to to stuff like photos, sticky notes left on a library shelf, and trash on the carpet. Yes, some people DO pay attention to the most detailed and smallest items of their surroundings, often if they are bored or waiting for something to happen!
7
If the phone rings, be sure you know who it is, especially check if you have caller ID. Do your parents allow you to answer it or just them when you're alone at the house? If you don't have caller ID or the ID seems unfamiliar, don't answer it just in case. If your parents plan to call you to check up on you, work out a system with your parents so that you'll know it's them calling if you don't have caller ID. Many phones have caller ID, though, so check to see if your home phone has it.
8
Another way to stay safe when you are home alone if the phone rings is to make sure that you know when your parent is calling. Have your mom or dad (or whoever left you home alone) call you, let it ring twice, then call you again so you are sure it is them.
9
If someone on the phone is looking to talk to one of your parents or both of them, don't let them know you're alone or they're not there! Just say, (assuming if they want to talk to your mom) "My mom's busy right now, may I take a message?" (Yes, it's easy to say that exactly and quickly! It's not as dumb as you might think!) If they keep insisting or asking questions, tell them, "I am sorry, but my mother is not available this moment." and immediately hang up! If they keep calling, don't answer them.
10
Beware of prank callers! Did a group of boys at your school plan on making prank calls to classmates today? Are they going to call the same person more than once? If so, don't answer if you know it is them making a prank call!
11
Don't spend your money on anything without your parents supervising you or a guardian over 18 years of age!
12
NEVER use your parents' credit card numbers for anything or even your OWN (usually emergency cards) unless it is a super emergency and you and others are in intense danger! Excusing yourself by saying, "It was an emergency, without an ice cream cone I'll STARVE TO DEATH and a salad won't help me!" or even "But I needed to buy that book or else it would sell out in an hour!" is really unnecessary and proves you cannot handle yourself and your money. Maybe even your PARENTS' money!