How to Be Safe Alone

Being alone at home or outside the house, especially if it's a new experience, can be scary（吓人的）. But don't worry. With a few tips below, you'll be prepared to face the situation all by yourself.

Tip 1 Keep a key on you at all times.

Keep the key with you all the time. Keep it in a safe place, such as your wallet or inner pocket. Make sure you don't lose it. You don't want to get locked out of the house on a day when your parents won't be back until late. But don't leave it outside your house （e. g. under the doormat or in the garden）— someone could find it easily and break into the house.

Tip 2 Have a list of phone numbers.

If you lose your cell phone or the battery（ 电池） dies, you don't want to realize you can't remember the number to call your dad at work. Put the phone list somewhere important, maybe where you keep your key. Besides your parents' phone numbers, you should have at least three of others'.

Tip 3 Keep emergency（紧急） money with you.

Don't keep too much money on you. Twenty dollars should be fine at home, but outside of the home alone, you may not want to carry more than five. It's all about safety. Discuss with your parents how much money you should have with you.

Tip 4 Always have a backup plan.

Unfortunately, things do go wrong sometimes. In such a sudden situation, not being prepared can be scary, even dangerous. Discuss with your parents and neighbors about what you should do in emergency situations that may happen. Find the fastest way to get help.