Before you take the step to allow your child to stay home alone, make sure the child and home is prepared for time without adult supervision.

• Set rules and expectations.
• Safeguard the home by securing poisons, alcohol, firearms or any other items that could pose a threat to the child.
• Go over fire escape plans and other procedures for emergencies.
• Know how to use 911.
• Make sure they know their address and phone number.
• Have a list of phone numbers including how to contact the parent or guardian, doctor, other relatives and trusted individuals.
• Check-in periodically with the child and child with parent or guardian.
• Have a first-aid kit available and know how to use it.
• Teach children staying alone to never to open the door to a stranger or let anyone unfamiliar to them know--either on the phone or at the door--that they are without adult supervision.
• Don’t have friends over. 
• Keep doors and windows locked.
• Do not answer the door.
• Do not use heat appliances (oven, stove, toaster, heater, etc.).