You have to stay home alone. Maybe you're happy, but also feeling a little nervous. Yes, such feelings are natural. You have to face new responsibilities. However, don't worry! You can take steps to prevent harm while at home, as well as learn what to do in an emergency.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preventing Danger
Step 1. Follow the rules set by your parents
They want you to stay safe. That's why they made the rules. If you don't know the rules for sure, talk to your parents and write them down so you and your parents have a reference.
The rules may include who can be invited into the house (if allowed), the right to go outside, and permission to use the phone
Step 2. Lock the doors and windows
Although it doesn't happen often, break-ins can happen. The best thing you can do is lock the doors and windows when you are indoors. That way, no one can enter the house without your permission.
If your parents set an alarm at home, learn how to activate it so you're protected when you're at home. Enable the “Stay” or “Instant” setting to let neighbors or the authorities know when a break-in occurs
Step 3. Don't open the door to strangers
When someone comes and knocks on your door, it's a good idea to ignore them if you don't know them. If the person arriving is the delivery person, ask him to leave the package at the door or come back later. Don't tell others that you are home alone.
It's important that you don't tell other people over the phone that you're alone. If someone calls and asks about your parents, you can say, “Mom/Dad can't answer the phone. How about I ask Mom/Dad to call back?”
Step 4. Stay away from dangerous items in the house
Even if you're alone, you can't just do whatever you want. You still have to stay away from dangerous goods. Don't play with matches, knives, or weapons, for example. Also, don't take medicine unless you know for sure what medicine you are taking. Do not mix chemicals and cleaning products you have in your home because they can produce gases or liquids that are harmful and injure you.
Step 5. Call your parents if necessary
When something happens or you don't know what to do, contact your parents or another trusted adult. They can guide you through the situation so that you feel safe again.
It's a good idea to memorize your parents' cell phone numbers so you can always call them, even if you can't see the list of emergency numbers
Part 2 of 3: Handling Emergencies
Step 1. Set up an emergency phone number
If something happens, you have to be prepared. The emergency service telephone number in Indonesia is 112. The service provider can respond to any emergency conditions that you experience, such as fire, burglary, or injury. However, you should only call this number in a very emergency situation. If you have a minor cut that can be cleaned and treated yourself, there's no reason to call 112.
- Have other emergency phone numbers, such as your parents' phone numbers, and other people's numbers you can call when you have problems, such as the numbers for neighbors or relatives.
- If you don't already have the number, ask your parents to make a list of numbers and stick it on the wall for easy viewing.
Step 2. Practice what to say when calling emergency services
When you call 112, the operator needs to know a few things. He needs to know your location (home address) and the problem. The operator also needs to know your phone number so they can call back if necessary. Try calling practice with your parents.
Step 3. Practice emergency steps to take with your parents
When something bad happens, you may feel panicked. Most people feel that way. However, it is important that you remain calm. One of the ways you can learn to stay calm is to figure out what to do when an emergency occurs early on with your parents.
There are a variety of malfunctions or problems that can occur in your home, such as an overflowing toilet bowl, a smoke alarm going off, or a burning object in the kitchen. Ask your parents to discuss these issues with you
Step 4. Identify emergency exits
You have to know how to get out of the house in various ways. Of course, the back and front doors are the right choice. In the event of a fire, for example, you may need to exit through a window to keep yourself out of danger.
Ask your parents to figure out the best way to get out of the house
Step 5. Learn the basics of first aid in an accident
When alone at home, you should know how to treat cuts or burns. If you have a very serious injury, you can call emergency services. However, for minor or minor injuries, you can handle it yourself.
- For example, for a small cut, wash your hands first, then apply a clean washcloth to the wound to stop the bleeding. Rinse the wound with cold water. Use an antibiotic ointment or product, then cover the wound with a bandage.
- For bruises, support the injured body part using a pillow. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the injury to relieve bruising. However, do not apply the ice for more than 10 minutes.
- For minor burns, wet the wound with cold running water for about 10 minutes. Don't use ice. After the pain subsides, you can apply aloe vera gel on the wound.
- Ask your parents where to store first aid products. If you don't have a first aid kit at home, buy it in advance or collect the products you need with your parents.
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing the Problem
Step 1. Do not enter the house if you see a broken window or an open door
When you arrive in front of the house and you see something odd, don't go into the house. A broken window can indicate that someone is in the house. It's a good idea to stay safe. Go to a neighbor's or friend's house and call emergency services. You can also go back to school if you need to.
Step 2. Don't let people you know walk in if the situation feels awkward
Even if you recognize an adult coming and knocking on the door, you shouldn't let them in if you feel something is off. Sometimes, adults are known to have bad intentions. Trust your instincts and contact your parents if you have any doubts.
Sometimes, some families have a code word so that if your parents tell someone to come and you don't know it, the code helps you to realize that he is not a bad person. You can ask him to come up with the code if he says your parents told him to come
Step 3. Check for strange noises
Of course, strange noises are sometimes heard in the house, usually after the house has been occupied for a long time. However, if you hear an unusual sound, you should check it out. If you see signs of a problem, take action immediately.
For example, if you see signs that someone is trying to break through a door or window, leave the house immediately if you can and go to a neighbor's house to save yourself
Step 4. Watch for warning signs
Your home may have a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. When the alarm goes off, don't ignore it. If you don't know what to do, it's a good idea to leave the house and call the emergency response service on a neighbor's phone.
- If you see something smoky, you may need to call 112 or 113 so the fire department can help you. You can also use a fire extinguisher if your parents have shown you how it works. However, if the fire is bigger and more dangerous, leave the house immediately.
- In addition, if there is a gas stove or water heater at home, always pay attention to the smell of gas that can be smelled. A carbon monoxide detector can give you a warning, but it's a good idea to leave the house when you smell the odor. Natural gas has additives that make it smell like rotten eggs.
Tips
- If you have pets, especially dogs, have them around you so you feel safe.
- When you're home alone and scared of what might happen, don't hesitate to call your parents. They can reassure you that everything is fine.
- If you don't know your parents' phone numbers, but they have to leave you at home alone, try writing down their phone numbers on a piece of paper and taking them with you in case of an emergency.
- It's a good idea to lock the doors and windows to feel safe, and turn on all the lights for comfort.
- Make sure your phone is always nearby. That way, you can immediately use it in an emergency.
- If you have a cell phone, make sure you always carry it with you. Cell phones are becoming a quick tool for contacting your parents or guardians. If there is an emergency situation, you can contact them quickly.
- Don't leave electronic devices plugged in while you sleep. The device can catch fire and the fumes make you sleep longer.
- If you feel scared when you're home alone, do something to distract yourself, like play a video game. However, if you are wearing headphones, don't turn the volume up too loud because you can't hear the voices of strangers who might try to enter your house.
- Remain calm, regardless of the situation at hand.
- Do not leave the house except in an emergency.
