Safety for Kids Alone at Home

The Shaler Township Police Department wants kids to be safe when they are home by themselves without parental or adult supervision. Kids should know some of the basic rules when they are home, and have a "plan" when things happen that are out of the ordinary. It is important for kids to know their full name, home phone number, and how to use the telephone, expecially 9-1-1. Other contact information such as office numbers and cell phone numbers should be posted where kids will see it.  Kids should have a trusted adult to call if they are scared or have an emergency.  A contact person should be someone who can reach you quickly in the event of real trouble.

Kids coming home from school should check out the house before entering, and go to a safe place to call for help if something doesn't seem right. Kids should lock the door behind them when they get inside, and immediately call a parent to let them know that they are home safe.

Kids should never tell callers that they are home alone.  It is best not to answer the phone and let the answering machine pick up the call, or have a code with the number of rings, and a call back between kids and parents. If kids do answer the phone NEVER tell someone that the parents are not home.  They should advise the caller that their parents cannot come to the phone at the moment, and offer to take a call back number.

Most importantly, kids should NEVER open the door, or talk to anyone who comes to the home unless that person is a trusted family friend or relative and the parents have said that it is okay for the friend or relative to be at the home.

Car Break Ins

Shaler Township Police Department would like to remind all residents and visitors to lock their vehicles when unattended. A number of vehicle break ins have occurred recently and most of these thefts involve unlocked vehicles. It is suggested that all valuables be removed from unattended vehicles to deter theft.