home alone lesson plan - calling all latch-key mums

[shimmy21]

all those with older kids who've ever been left alone at home (even if only for 5 minutes) - what do you think your child needed to know or be able to do before you could leave them safely?
This is for a lesson I'm preparing for 9 to 12 year olds. am lacking inspiration...

So far I've thought of doors (can you open and shut them safely if there's an emergency?)phone numbers (emergency contact numbers), what to do if someone comes to the door, what to do/say if the phone rings, food and drink (what can you eat and drink? are you allowed to help yourself?)house rules (e.g. are you allowed on the computer or to phone friends?)

any more that I've missed out?

[mandieb2004]

Dont hurt your brother or sister.

[sunnydelight]

I went through an "emergency evacuation plan" with my 12 year old and told him where to go once he got outside (three different neighbour/friend options just in case someone isn't home). I also rehearsed a 999 call (state clearly which service you want, remember to give the address etc.) and went through the usual fire safety stuff with him. Can't think of anything else to add.

[Mum2girls]

are you allowed to leave the house? go to the shop etc.? have friends in the house?

[shimmy21]

all fantastic suggestions -why on earth didn't I think of them

[Nightynight]

You are not allowed to kindle any sort of fire (matches, candles, woodstove, gasstove....) would be my number one rule.

[suedonim]

What to do in the event of a power failure, esp in dark winter months. Dh and I got caught in a blizzard last year, miles from anywhere while 16yo dd and 9yo dd were 'home alone' and the power went out. Luckily, dd had the sense to go next door. I've now bought two emergency lights which are permanently plugged in. They automatically come on if the power goes down.

[edam]

Basic first aid/emergency skills ie if an electrical appliance bursts into flames do NOT try to put it out with water. (Toaster burst into flames when I was 10 and alone in the house with my sister. Luckily this had been covered at Guides). Anyone gets burnt - running cold water for longer than you think you need. Where the first aid kit is. All that sort of stuff.

[dolally]

You've just reminded me, I must get a fire blanket for the kitchen... or should I not allow my 13 yr old to cook chips for her lunch?