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From the NEIGHBORHOOD GUARDIAN:

                         
                         LATCH KEY KIDS
                         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
                        Some Safety Hints


     Periodically our sensibility is shocked when we read of
   something tragic happening to a child who is left unattended in
   the home during the hours after school before the parents come
   home from work. We are determined that we would never do anything
   so foolish.
     Parents are caught up by two pressures. One is the economic
   factor: the cost of child care. The other factor is the child
   himself, who feels he is too big to have a babysetter watch him.
     The State Department of Education estimates that from
   600,000 to 800,000 children in California fit into the category
   we label as "latch key kids". This gives us an idea of the scope
   of the problem.
     The range of possible hazards in this situation is endless.
   We needn't detail them all here. rather, let's look at some
   things we can do to minimize the dangers. First, we need to model
   good safety practices in the home.
     Keep in mind that the child will come under extreme peer
   pressure to violate or ignore certain of the rules you have set.
   Perhaps we can set guidelines for behavior of unattended children
   by asking some questions. The answers your child gives could
   indicate his awareness of potential dangers.

     PARENTS:
   Discuss these questions with your children. Then see if they
   match the answers listed below.

     1.  You are at home alone and a stranger calls, asking to speak to
         mom or dad. What do you say?

     2.  A friend calls and asks you to come to his house, since his
         parents aren't home, either. What should you do?

     3.  You drop a glass and it brakes. What should you do?

     4.  Your younger brother/sister has a can of some cleaning product
         in his hand. You are not sure if he/she swallowed some. What do
         you do?

     5.  You need to reach mom or dad at work. What is their work phone
         number?

     6.  You are playing on the front lawn and a stranger drives by
         very slowly and tries to talk to you. What do you do?

     7.  A neighbor that you don't know very well offers to take care
         of your little brother/sister for you if you will go to the store
         for them. They offer to give you some money. What do you do?

     8.  When you get home from school, you don't have your key in your
         pocket. What should you do?

     9.  You smell smoke or the smoke alarm sounds. What should you do?

     10. The door bell rings and a person says he has a delivery for
         your parents. What do you do?

     RECOMMENDED ANSWERS:

     1.  Mom and dad are very busy. May I have your number so they can
         call you when they are free? Never tell anyone that you are home
         alone.

     2.  Mom and I have a rule that I can't go anywhere without her
         permission. I'll be glad to play with you at school tomorrow.
         (Never invite him to your house without your parent's
         permission).

     3.  Use a broom and dust pan to sweep up all the pieces of glass.
         Make sure you get every little piece. Never use your fingers to
         pick it up. If any liquid was spilled, clean it up with a mop.

     4.  Call the poison control center. Mom should have the number
         taped to the phone. Follow their instructions exactly. Call mom
         or dad so they can come home quickly.

     5.  Have the child memorize it or have it written down somewhere.

     6.  Go into the house. Look through the window. If the car
         doesn't leave, call 9-1-1 and tell the operator exactly what you
         saw. Remember the color of the car and what the driver looked
         like. Especially, try to remember the license plate number.

     7.  Tell the neighbor that your parents don't permit you to go to
         the store without their permission. Never break the rules that
         your parents make.

     8.  Go to a neighbor that you know real well and ask if you can
         call your parents at work so they will know where you are.

     9.  You and your parents should practice a plan of action until
         you know it very well. (See the article on FIRE SAFETY for some
         suggestions. Call 9-1-1 and get out of the house. Wait for the
         fire trucks on the front lawn.

     10. Ask him to leave it on the front porch. Tell him your mother
         is busy and can't come to the door. If he says he needs a
         signature, tell him he'll have to come back later. (Also, discuss
         what is to be done for other people who come to the door).

      If you want additional information, there may be a child safety 
      handbook available from your local Police. This booklet will be free
      of cost. Otherwise you may call The Crime Prevention Unit of the 
      San Jose Police Dept. (408) 277-4133.
      
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 edited by: 
 
 Timothy O'Brien 
 SysOp: HOBO OUTPOST  'Replace Hope With Reality'
 BBS: [604-739-7475]
 Fidonet: (1:153/7097)
 Vancouver BC Canada