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Home   : Safety   : At home

At home

A girl laying on her bed reading a book.

Many people feel the safest at home. Even at home, though, there are some important steps you should take to protect yourself.

  • Always know who is at the door before opening it. If you’re home by yourself and do not recognize the person, do not open the door.
  • If you’re home by yourself, do not let others know. Only your parents should know you’re alone.
  • If you’re home by yourself and someone calls asking for your parents, tell him or her that your parents aren’t available and offer to take a message.
  • If a stranger wants to use your phone, tell him or her you can’t help.
  • If you arrive home and find that your home has been broken into, don't go in. Leave right away and call the police.
  • Keep your doors and windows locked at all times.
  • Keep emergency numbers for police, fire, and poison control handy.
  • If your house has an alarm system, make sure your parents show you how to use it.

Read "Dealing with an emergency" for tips on being prepared. You can also print out quick tips on:

Have you been trained in first aid? Contact your local Red Cross if you want to learn first aid.

Safety risks at home:

 

Content last reviewed September 22, 2009
Page last updated December 04, 2014

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