Not at home checklist

Safety experts agree: It's good to rehearse emergency situations with family members before you leave them alone. Pretend a fire starts, a sibling can't stand up after falling off a swing or a stranger knocks on the door. Everyone should understand what to do, whom to call and where to go.

In addition, be sure the following are available before you leave:

• Important phone numbers:
  • The place you can be reached
  • Your mobile number
  • Two nearby friends, relatives or neighbors
  • The doctor
  • 9-1-1
  • Police
  • Fire Department
  • Local poison control center
• Everyday home goods
  • Food
  • Beverages
  • Toiletries
• Emergency supplies
  • First-aid kit
  • Bottled water
  • Extra blankets
• A single dose of any needed medication
• Flashlights and fresh batteries in case of a power outage - snap lights are a good alternative to flashlights (strictly prohibit candles when you're gone)

Only Maryland and Illinois have laws stipulating when a child is old enough to be left home alone. In Maryland, the child must be 8 or older. Illinois declares it illegal to leave a minor under age 14 home alone for an "unreasonable" amount of time.

Childcare experts agree that the best gauge of whether a minor is mature enough to be left home alone is the child's behavior. Do they show a desire and willingness to stay alone? Are they accepting responsibility and making decisions independently? Are they communicating openly? A child staying alone needs to express any fears or concerns so that parents can address those issues quickly. Typically, these skills appear in children ages 10 - 12.

Once you decide to leave a child at home alone, it's the perfect opportunity to review safety principles and rehearse emergency situations. For a description of potentially dangerous situations and safety tips, visit the UL Web site, www.ul.com/newsroom.

And if you leave kids home alone, make sure you childproof. Child safety experts suggest locking up or removing these items:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Lighters and matches
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications that could create problems if taken in excess
• Guns
• Car keys