Brookings Health to Offer Safe@Home Course to Prepare Kids to Stay Home Alone

Brookings Health System will offer Safe@Home by SafeSitter®, a program designed for students in grades 4 to 6 to prepare them to be safe when they are home alone. The class will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. outside the Ambulance Station and Education Center.

“With the COVID-19 outbreak and schools transitioning to distance learning, many parents and kids had to establish a new home routine,” said Paramedic Wendy Long, instructor for the Safe@Home course. “Some older children may be staying by themselves at home alone for the first time. The Safe@Home education helps these kids understand do’s and don’ts while also giving parents peace-of-mind.”

The 90-minute course teaches students how to practice safe habits, how to prevent unsafe situations, and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies. Students are also introduced to the Safe Sitter® First Aid Chart and learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses.

COVID-19 safety precautions will be implemented for the class, including screening attendees for symptoms and temperature, hand washing, and maintain 6-foot social distances. In case of rain, the class will be held inside the ambulance garage.

Safe@Home is ideal for students that have expressed interest in assuming the responsibility of staying home alone. The class costs $20 and is limited to 20 participants. Parents may register their child by visiting brookingshealth.org/SafeHome.