The rules might cover who you can have over (if anyone), whether you can go outside, and whether you can take phone calls.
If your family has an alarm, learn how to set it so it can protect you while you’re home. Set the alarm to “Stay”, preferably “Instant”, so that police are notified in the event of a break-in.
It’s also important not to tell people over the phone that you’re by yourself at home. If someone calls for your parents, you can say, “They can’t come to the phone right now. Can I have them call you back?”
It’s best to know your parents’ cell phone numbers by heart, so you’ll always be able to call even if you can’t see the list of emergency numbers.
Keep other emergency numbers on hand, such as your parents’ numbers, as well as other people you can call if you have an issue, such as a neighbor or family member. If you don’t have these numbers handy, ask your parents to make a list and post it up for you to see easily. [6] X Research source
Things can go wrong in a house, such as a toilet overflowing, the smoke alarm going off, or something catching on fire in the kitchen. Ask your parents to go over potential problems with you.
Ask your parents to go over the best ways out of the house.
For instance, for a cut, wash your hands, then hold a clean cloth against it to stop the bleeding. Rinse out the cut with cool water. Use antibiotic ointment, and then put a band-aid over it. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source For a bruise, prop the area up on a pillow. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to help ease the swelling. Don’t keep ice on it for more than 10 minutes. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source With a light burn, put it in cool, running water for about 10 minutes. Don’t use ice. When it feels a little better, you can use aloe vera gel on it. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Ask your parents where your first aid kit is. If your home doesn’t have one yet, buy one, or put one together with your parents.
Some families have code words, so if your parents send someone to help that you don’t know, you’ll know it’s okay. Then you can ask for the code word if someone says your parents sent them.
For instance, if you notice signs of someone breaking in, get out of the house if you can and run to a neighbor’s for safety.
If you notice that something is smoking, it’s likely time to call 9-1-1 so the fire department can help you. You can try to work a fire extinguisher if your parents have shown you how to use one. However, if the fire is more than a very small one, get out of the house. Also, if your house has a gas stove or heater, always pay attention to gas smells. The carbon monoxide detector should warn you, but it’s always best to get out of the house if you smell gas. Natural gas has an additive to make it smell like rotten eggs.
