When I'm Home Alone

Three things to know first

1. Where they're going, when they'll be back, and how to call them.
2. Who else you can call — a neighbour, a relative, a parent's friend.
3. Vietnam emergency numbers: 113 police · 114 fire · 115 ambulance. Or 112 from any phone.

Locked. Stays locked.

The first thing to do when you're home alone: check that all doors are locked. Front door, back door, balcony door. Don't unlock them for anyone you don't expect.

If you go outside (to take rubbish out, get something from the corridor) — take the keys with you and lock the door behind you.

The default answer is "no, thank you"

Even if it's a delivery person, even if they say it's urgent — your answer is "please come back later." Real emergencies will call mum or dad's phone, not bang on the door.

Same rule

• If it's a number you know — answer.
• If it's a stranger — let it go to voicemail, or hang up.
• Never say "I'm home alone" to anyone on the phone.
• Never give out our address, our schedule, or who's home.

Cold things only — until you're older

When you're home alone, eat cold food. Sandwich, fruit, yoghurt, leftover phở (cold is fine!), cereal. Don't use the stove, the oven, or the rice cooker unless a grown-up has said it's OK and you've practised together.

The microwave is usually OK — but only for things in microwave-safe containers. Never anything metal.

Three calls, in order

1. Mum or Dad — call them first.
2. If you can't reach them, call your backup adult (grandma, neighbour, godparent — agree on this beforehand).
3. For real emergency (fire, smoke, big bleeding, someone broke in, can't breathe) — call 113 / 114 / 115 immediately. Tell them your address and what's wrong. Stay on the line.