Home Alone

It’s the June Holidays – but it may not be for working parents. So for the times that you can’t be with your kids, here are some tips shared by a policewoman-cum-mummy on the guidelines for your children when they will be home alone.

1. Keep a list of useful numbers printed somewhere easily accessible in the house.
2. Have a handphone ready, equipped with important numbers, such as parents contact numbers, a trusted neighbour’s home number, as well as police non-emergency numbers.
3. Never accept anything from anyone without your parent’s permission. Be careful, as even people who are familiar might use this trick.
4. Keep the door locked. Do not answer the door to anyone, unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative.
5. When answering the phone, never reveal that you are at home alone, especially when the person who calls is someone that you cannot identify.
6. Before leaving the house, be sure to notify your family. Let them know where and how you are going, and what time you expect to return. Report on your whereabouts frequently to them.
7. Do not accept any rides or get into vehicles unless you are with your parents or a trusted adult. This is especially when you are waiting for a bus.
8. Get away from any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. Look for places that are busier and don’t hesitate to call your parents or relatives.

We may know that Singapore is mostly, but these pointers will give us the assurance that our children will be prepared and know what to do in any case. For more information, log on to the National Crime Prevention Council.