Back to school safety

Talk to your children about these simple steps to take for their safety…

When you child gets home and sees a stranger hanging around the house, they should immediately go to a neighbor’s house they know and wait until the stranger is gone. If they stranger don’t leave within a short time, have your child call you at work. You may even want to notify the police.

Also, never leave your house unlocked or hide keys under a mat, above door trim, etc. Burglars always check for unlocked doors or for typical places where keys are hidden. There are no “new” ideas for hiding keys; it’s all been done before and they know where to look.

When it comes to keys, have your children carry a key, but never leave it in a book bag or show it to friends. For younger children, secure the key in a pocket with a safety pin. Make sure older kids who have gym or other after-school activities do not leave they house and/or car keys easily accessible with their coat or schoolbooks. These activities are a perfect time for someone to take their keys and take a car and get into your house. Same goes with money don’t leave money setting out or in a pocket. While your child is busy someone else may go through pockets in coats, or purses.

And never have a tag on your keys with your name or address. Common sense tells you that you’re asking to be robbed or worse if the keys are ever lost or misplaced.

After they get home…

If your son or daughter is home alone after school, they should call a parent a work and let you know they have arrived safely at home. Here are some more precautions for them to take:

1. When they answer the phone, they should never tell the caller than Mom or Dad isn’t home; teach them to politely say that Mom or Dad is busy right now and that they can have them return the call soon. If the caller says he will wait, have your child say that the parent is in the bathroom, or helping a brother or sister with their homework, anything that suggests that the parent is really home

2. They should never leave the door unlocked when they are home alone and they should never unlock it. If someone is at the door, teach them to politely tell the visitor that they are taking a nap and to come back later. Children should never let anyone in for any reason or go outside with them. Even if a stranger says that they are a repairperson, have your child tell them will have to come back later.

Of course, this applies if they are alone in the morning for a short time before the bus or a ride picks them up for school.

Reassure your children that even though most people are not dangerous, they shouldn’t take chances with strangers or their safety.

Send any questions you have to The Hardware Guy. More tips.