It’s hard to go wrong with electronic gifts. There are lots of options, from things that make life easier, to enhancing home entertainment. Here are a few tips to help guide you in your big purchase:
What will the electronics be used for? First, looking at how the electronic will be used can help in deciding what capabilities are needed. You don't want to pay for features that won't be used. If you are buying electronics for kids, one of the main things to know is what ages are suggested for the device or game. Age appropriateness makes a difference in keeping kids entertained. If a game or device is too advanced for them, they will not play and it will probably end up in the bottom of a box. The same is true for games that are too easy for the child.
Check out the brands. There are many electronics manufacturers out there. Check into the brands and their overall performance in the electronics arena. Look into their track record for service and backing of their guarantees. Bottom line is if you are buying an electronic gift, you want a brand that stands behind their product.
Warranties. Check out the products warranty. What does it cover? What doesn't it cover? Will that meet the needs of how the product will be used?
Sell what you have. Hop on eBay or Craigslist, and sell what you already have. Treat this like a season to upgrade rather than shop. Most Apple gear, for example, sells for a little over 75 percent of what you paid for it, and many devices -- like laptops and stereos -- can easily find a second home and make you a few hundred dollars richer.
When it comes to cameras, go one step up. Thinking of picking up a point and shoot? Don't go for the bargain basement model. These often start at $100 or so and seem to feature plenty of power. However, for a bit more, you can pick up something like the Canon S100 that takes excellent low-light shots and will really perform in almost any situation.
Think long-term. This isn’t always possible for gift recipients, but as best as you can, try to plan out the space where you will put your electronics item before buying. Consider things like how much natural light (and, in the summer, heat) the device will be exposed to and how much airflow it will have on a day-to-day basis (the more airflow, the better.)
And while no one wants to think about housework when they’re eager to play with their new toy, try to keep in mind how easy or difficult it will be to clean and dust the gadget. Dust is one of the chief causes of problems with consumer electronics.
Article adapted from: http://www.cnbc.com/id/40032186/Six_Tips_When_Buying_Consumer_Electronics and http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CGgQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dinosauric.com%2Felectronics&ei=kwo8T4mbEsWC2wWCnv3zBg&usg=AFQjCNG6rqNh53cic2qQJ-s-dPNIz9Ewlw&sig2=UvVTKmLir8TMao_5tKiJ5A
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Winter Storms & Extreme Cold
While the danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.
One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.
The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.
Before winter storms and extreme cold:
Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
-Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
-Sand to improve traction.
-Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
-Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
-Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). Be alert to changing weather conditions.
Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
During winter storms and extreme cold:
Stay indoors during the storm.
Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
After winter storms and extreme cold:
Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
Adapted from: http://www.ready.gov/winter
One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.
The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.
Before winter storms and extreme cold:
Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
-Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
-Sand to improve traction.
-Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
-Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
-Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). Be alert to changing weather conditions.
Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
During winter storms and extreme cold:
Stay indoors during the storm.
Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
After winter storms and extreme cold:
Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
Adapted from: http://www.ready.gov/winter
Friday, December 9, 2011
How to Throw A Super Bowl Party!
The countdown to the big game is on, which means it's time to get your place primed for partying. Here are decorating tips from celebrity party planner Colin Cowie and from Jessica Stewart of the New York event-planning firm EMRG Media.
Food as décor
"Do a huge bowl of fruit with grapes and strawberries," Cowie suggests. "It's a beautiful, tropical centerpiece where people can help themselves." Stewart adds that a large punch bowl filled with liquid in, say, green, for the Green Bay Packers, can achieve the same look. Surround it with yellow cups Cowie also puts a new spin on displaying chips and dip. "Take a red cabbage and put your dip inside the cabbage, and put your veggies and chips around that. The way you present your food also becomes your centerpiece."
And don't forget the "it" dessert, cupcakes, which can easily be decorated with icing in your team's colors and make a budget-friendly centerpiece.
Keep it chic and relaxed
Cowie suggests focusing on the experience, not the décor. "I like to get a coffee table because it's low. I make it so everyone has a good view of the TV, and I put out lots of cushions and pillows and rugs so everyone can be comfortable." He ups the chic factor with some inexpensive touches that go a long way. "I put one or two candles on the coffee table, and I burn some incense to get the mood going." Find stylish black candles and tie a yellow ribbon around them to show spirit for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Stewart reminds hosts to relax and not go overboard with decorating or stress about logistics. "You think that you don't have enough, but step back and be realistic. Take a look at your space and realize it might not be as big as you think. You don't need a thousand balloons. Everybody always thinks big, but be realistic. Have fun with it."
Color is key
The competing team colors — the Steelers' black and gold and the Packers' green and gold — make building on the game-day theme a bit easier. Tablecloths, napkins, cups and even balloons are simple, affordable ways to get the color theme going at your party. Even your guests can help with the overall look. "Tell everybody to wear their team jersey, and that just adds color into the room also," Stewart says. "You use people as the accessories."
Cowie says decorating around a color scheme is a great opportunity to do the unexpected: flowers.
"This is not about putting up roses and elegant flowers," he says, but it can add a sheen of style. "Take five or six bud vases and put a few flowers in each of them. It's more about the installation rather than one big centerpiece." Try casual stems such as gerbera daisies, tulips or even sunflowers, which are great at adding a burst of color.
Get creative
Hit the 99-cent store for inexpensive items such as votive candles, football stickers to put on napkins, and ribbons to tie around wine glasses as drink markers, Stewart says. You can even use leftover wrapping paper from the holidays — green will certainly work for the Packers — to wrap around everyday items such as serving trays or plates to make things more festive.
Cowie even has tips for sprucing up the look of your bar. "It's a beer day," he says. "I like to put about 10 different microbrews" and flavor them with "long slivers of jalapeño peppers or a couple of slivers of lemongrass or wedges of lemon or lime." That not only adds a fresh flavor, but it also makes an elegant presentation.
Adapted from: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2011-02-03-superbowldecor03_ST_N.htm
Food as décor
"Do a huge bowl of fruit with grapes and strawberries," Cowie suggests. "It's a beautiful, tropical centerpiece where people can help themselves." Stewart adds that a large punch bowl filled with liquid in, say, green, for the Green Bay Packers, can achieve the same look. Surround it with yellow cups Cowie also puts a new spin on displaying chips and dip. "Take a red cabbage and put your dip inside the cabbage, and put your veggies and chips around that. The way you present your food also becomes your centerpiece."
And don't forget the "it" dessert, cupcakes, which can easily be decorated with icing in your team's colors and make a budget-friendly centerpiece.
Keep it chic and relaxed
Cowie suggests focusing on the experience, not the décor. "I like to get a coffee table because it's low. I make it so everyone has a good view of the TV, and I put out lots of cushions and pillows and rugs so everyone can be comfortable." He ups the chic factor with some inexpensive touches that go a long way. "I put one or two candles on the coffee table, and I burn some incense to get the mood going." Find stylish black candles and tie a yellow ribbon around them to show spirit for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Stewart reminds hosts to relax and not go overboard with decorating or stress about logistics. "You think that you don't have enough, but step back and be realistic. Take a look at your space and realize it might not be as big as you think. You don't need a thousand balloons. Everybody always thinks big, but be realistic. Have fun with it."
Color is key
The competing team colors — the Steelers' black and gold and the Packers' green and gold — make building on the game-day theme a bit easier. Tablecloths, napkins, cups and even balloons are simple, affordable ways to get the color theme going at your party. Even your guests can help with the overall look. "Tell everybody to wear their team jersey, and that just adds color into the room also," Stewart says. "You use people as the accessories."
Cowie says decorating around a color scheme is a great opportunity to do the unexpected: flowers.
"This is not about putting up roses and elegant flowers," he says, but it can add a sheen of style. "Take five or six bud vases and put a few flowers in each of them. It's more about the installation rather than one big centerpiece." Try casual stems such as gerbera daisies, tulips or even sunflowers, which are great at adding a burst of color.
Get creative
Hit the 99-cent store for inexpensive items such as votive candles, football stickers to put on napkins, and ribbons to tie around wine glasses as drink markers, Stewart says. You can even use leftover wrapping paper from the holidays — green will certainly work for the Packers — to wrap around everyday items such as serving trays or plates to make things more festive.
Cowie even has tips for sprucing up the look of your bar. "It's a beer day," he says. "I like to put about 10 different microbrews" and flavor them with "long slivers of jalapeño peppers or a couple of slivers of lemongrass or wedges of lemon or lime." That not only adds a fresh flavor, but it also makes an elegant presentation.
Adapted from: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2011-02-03-superbowldecor03_ST_N.htm
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tips for Getting the Best Holiday Shopping Deals
The holiday shopping is on, and as of November 1st the ads and store decorations have come out in full force. Hopefully you've been thinking about what gifts you're going to buy, keeping in mind your budget.
James Willcox from Consumer Reports wrote this article with his tips for getting the best deals on Black Friday. Following these tips will help you save during the shopping frenzy and keep within your budget plan.
1. Check out the ads before Black Friday arrives. Many retailers give shoppers a hint of what is to come on Black Friday. You can check websites like bfads.net, blackfriday.info and theBlackFriday.com to narrow your search for the best deals.
2. Shop locally. Research has shown that for electronics and products in demand, the various big chain stores will be very close in their price offerings, so you can stay close to home and not miss out on savings.
3. Check the QR codes. You've probably seen some "Quick Response" codes in magazines and catalogs. These are barcodes that can be read by smart phones with QR code reader apps. These codes give information about products, coupons, special deals and much more. Many merchants are going to be using these codes to attract shoppers who are buying through their mobile phones.
4. Sign up for email alerts. Many retailers are using these alerts to encourage customer loyalty and offer exclusive sales and bonuses. You can also find out if the item you want is in stores and can be shipped or picked up.
5.Check the store's return policy before you buy. Sometimes the normal return policy changes for items purchased on Black Friday. The store may have a shortened return period or many only give store credit for returned items.
6. Understand the warranty. You may think you know a manufacturer's standard warranty policy, but it could change for Black Friday promotional products that aren't made exactly the same.
7. Price match guarantees. Often, on Black Friday, merchants suspend their price match policies; however that doesn't mean you shouldn't ask.
8. Consider bundled product specials. In order to tempt you and get you to spend more, manufacturers and retailers will put a few of their products together for a "special holiday combo deal." The first thing to do if you are evaluating one of these bundles is to research the prices of the individual items online. In many cases the special combo package won't actually save you very much money. The other thing to consider is whether you really want all of the products in the deal.
9. Rethink Door Busters. Retailers use door buster super deals, particularly in electronics, to get you to come running into their store to snap up the incredible bargains. However, they often create derivative items especially for this event that aren't of the same caliber as products in the manufacturer's standard line. This is particularly true for TVs. Usually there aren't a ton of these "door-buster" models available since the retail price markup is small, so depending on how you're planning to use the TV, it might make more sense to pick up a standard model where there could be more room to negotiate on the price and you could get a good value on a better quality TV.
10. Know what you want and can afford. Once you're in the store, salespeople might try to steer you away from your targeted product into a more expensive one. The way to keep this from derailing your shopping trip is to do research prior to going into the store and to understand your budget constraints. If the special sale items aren't available, then rethink your options and check other retailers or online stores.
11. Don't get sucked into buying extras. Even if you've purchased the product you want, there may be accessories that you need, like cables. Salespeople often try to get you to buy the premium brand accessories which are marked up considerably. If you know what you will need ahead of time and do online research, you can find less expensive ones.
Black Friday can be a good shopping experience if you're prepared. So make a list, get educated and have a happy holiday shopping experience!
Adapted from: http://technorati.com/business/finance/article/consumer-reports-offers-12-tips-for/
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
7 Security Tips for Small Business
As security pros predict a rise in crime, small business owners can help protect their investments by safeguarding against burglary, robbery, shoplifting and fraud which, according to the National Sheriff's Association, cause an estimated 30% of all small business failures.
"Crime can be especially devastating for a small business," Joe Mac McConnell, tells What Works for Business. "The financial loss can be devastating, not to mention the threat crimes like robbery pose to customer and employee safety."
Here's a list of safety tips to help your small business build a barrier against crime:
1. Provide adequate interior and exterior lighting. Interior lighting should be visible to those outside. Exterior lighting should illuminate dark areas around buildings and parking lots.
2. Install an obvious video surveillance system to serve as a prevention tactic, help with identifying possible criminals and deter fraud. Once cameras are installed, place security signs at points of entry to publicize the presence of those cameras.
3. Utilize a safe with a mechanism to make periodic drops during the
day to minimize the amount of cash in registers. Immediately drop large bills to discourage potential robbers.
4. Use background checks and other methods to screen all employees before hiring as the best defense against internal theft. Train new hires about security and safety practices.
5. Install silent alarms to notify police and give them a better chance to catch perpetrators.
6. Reduce advertising banners on front windows and displays behind
windows, which can obstruct viewing into the store.
7. Instruct employees to be the first line of defense in loss prevention by greeting or acknowledging every customer who enters. Provide personal service to as many customers as possible.
As McConnell notes, while you can't completely eliminate the risk of crime, "Small business owners can help minimize risks by implementing a comprehensive security plan, including physical security technology, thoroughly training employees and troubleshooting potential weaknesses."
Adapted from: http://blogs.business.com/whatworks/2009/7-security-tips-for-small-business/
"Crime can be especially devastating for a small business," Joe Mac McConnell, tells What Works for Business. "The financial loss can be devastating, not to mention the threat crimes like robbery pose to customer and employee safety."
Here's a list of safety tips to help your small business build a barrier against crime:
1. Provide adequate interior and exterior lighting. Interior lighting should be visible to those outside. Exterior lighting should illuminate dark areas around buildings and parking lots.
2. Install an obvious video surveillance system to serve as a prevention tactic, help with identifying possible criminals and deter fraud. Once cameras are installed, place security signs at points of entry to publicize the presence of those cameras.
3. Utilize a safe with a mechanism to make periodic drops during the
day to minimize the amount of cash in registers. Immediately drop large bills to discourage potential robbers.
4. Use background checks and other methods to screen all employees before hiring as the best defense against internal theft. Train new hires about security and safety practices.
5. Install silent alarms to notify police and give them a better chance to catch perpetrators.
6. Reduce advertising banners on front windows and displays behind
windows, which can obstruct viewing into the store.
7. Instruct employees to be the first line of defense in loss prevention by greeting or acknowledging every customer who enters. Provide personal service to as many customers as possible.
As McConnell notes, while you can't completely eliminate the risk of crime, "Small business owners can help minimize risks by implementing a comprehensive security plan, including physical security technology, thoroughly training employees and troubleshooting potential weaknesses."
Adapted from: http://blogs.business.com/whatworks/2009/7-security-tips-for-small-business/
Friday, September 9, 2011
Avoid Being a Victim of Burglary This Fall
As the nights draw in, home owners should think about securing their homes against burglary, damage and vandalism.
There have been many studies documenting increases in burglaries during the cooler months. Throughout the fall and winter, criminals see opportunity in the longer hours of darkness and less secure homes. It is important for home owners to make sure that their security measures and home insurance are up to date. "Burglars will tend to go for the path of least resistance and look for homes that lack even basic security measures, so a few simple steps can go a long way to avoid a break in," says Martin Foulds a senior claims manager for Halifax Home Insurance Agency.
Here are a couple steps you can take to help minimize the risk of becoming a victim and to ensure you are promptly compensated if you are so unlucky.
Take simple precautions.
Most burglars are opportunists, so make sure your home isn't an easy target. Security measures that seem the most simple might actually be the ones that prevent a robbery from occurring. Security lighting, key-operated windows, door locks and dead bolts can go a long way towards deterring a burglar. Expanding on those measures might also appeal to you. Motion-sensitive lights and variable light timers are two of the cheapest and most effective ways to prevent crime.
Use extra preventative measures when gone for extended amount of time.
If you are out for a long period of time during the dark months, a timer switch on your lights at dusk will make your house seem occupied. For good measure, you could also put a timer on your radio to further dissuade thieves. Having a neighbor pick up your newspaper and mail will keep those things from alerting a burglar of your absence. If it should snow, the person watching your house could create car tire tracks or footprints in your drive way and shovel the snow away.
Check your insurance policy.
If you own your home you will probably have both buildings and contents insurance. Check that your buildings policy will cover you for winter damage from storms and burst pipes, as well as damage from vandals and break-ins. Not all insurance policies will cover emergency repairs such as broken windows and damaged doors. Some will offer this type of emergency cover as an extra. You should also check that you're not underestimating the value of your contents. As well as the more obvious valuables, think about what it would cost to replace clothes, CD collections, carpets, curtains and furniture. Remember, it is the replacement value of the item you are insuring that counts, not the amount you paid for it.
Be prepared.
If the worst does happen, the right type of action will ensure your case is dealt with quickly by your insurer. Report the break-in or vandalism to the police as soon as possible - you'll need an incident number. Then quote this number to the insurer and give as much detail as possible about what has been taken and any damage that has been caused. If your home has been left unsecured after a break-in, make sure the police and your insurer are aware of this.
Adapted from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/insurance/contents/8104399/Avoid-being-a-victim-of-winter-burglary.html
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
How to Know When It's Okay to Leave Kids Home Alone
Whether it's a snow day when school is cancelled, an unexpected business appointment, or a childcare arrangement that fell through, situations are likely to arise where you feel you have little choice but to leave your child home alone.
It's natural for parents to be a bit anxious when first leaving kids without supervision. But you can feel prepared and confident with some planning and a couple of trial runs. And handled well, staying home alone can be a positive experience for kids, too, helping them gain a sense of self-assurance and independence.
Factors to Consider
It's obvious that a 5-year-old can't go it alone but that a 16-year-old probably can. But what about the school-aged kids in the middle? It can be difficult to know when kids are ready to handle being home alone. Ultimately, it comes down to your judgment about what your child is ready for.
You'll want to know how your child feels about the idea, of course. But kids often insist that they'll be fine long before parents feel comfortable with it. And then there are older kids who seem afraid even when you're pretty confident that they'd be just fine. So how do you know?
In general, it's not a good idea to leave kids younger than 10 years old home alone. Every child is different, but at that age, most kids don't have the maturity and skills to respond to an emergency if they're alone.
Think about the area where you live. Are there neighbors nearby that you know and trust to help your child in case of an emergency? Or are they mostly strangers? Do you live on a busy street with lots of traffic? Or is it a quiet area? Is there a lot of crime in or near your neighborhood?
It's also important to consider how your child handles various situations. Here are a few questions to think about:
Even if you're confident about your child's maturity, it's wise to have some home-alone trials before the big day. Let your child stay home alone for 30 minutes to an hour while you remain nearby and easily reachable. When you return, discuss how it went and talk about things that you might want to change or skills that your child might need to learn for the next time.
Handling the Unexpected
You can feel more confident about your absence if your child learns some basic skills that might come in handy during an emergency. Organizations such as the American Red Cross offer courses in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in local places like schools, hospitals, and community centers.
Before being left home alone home alone, your child should be able to complete certain tasks and safety precautions, such as:
Before You Leave
Even after you decide that your child is ready to stay home alone, you're bound to feel a little anxious when the time comes. Taking these practical steps can make it easier for you both:
Be sure that you:
When you're ready to leave your child home alone for the first time, a few other steps can help both of you manage the transition.
You might have an older teen or a friend of the family come over to stay with your child. Don't call that person a "babysitter" — tell your child that the person is there to keep him or her company. You might also want to let your child invite a trusted friend of the same age to come over, and propose this as a trial run for later solo stays. Be sure to let the friend's parents know that you won't be home.
And don't forget that pets can be great company for kids who are home alone. Many kids feel safer with a pet around — even a small one, like a hamster, can make them feel like they have a companion.
So cover your bases and relax. With the right preparation and some practice, you and your child will get comfortable with home-alone days in no time!
Original Source: http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/home_alone.html#
It's natural for parents to be a bit anxious when first leaving kids without supervision. But you can feel prepared and confident with some planning and a couple of trial runs. And handled well, staying home alone can be a positive experience for kids, too, helping them gain a sense of self-assurance and independence.
Factors to Consider
It's obvious that a 5-year-old can't go it alone but that a 16-year-old probably can. But what about the school-aged kids in the middle? It can be difficult to know when kids are ready to handle being home alone. Ultimately, it comes down to your judgment about what your child is ready for.
You'll want to know how your child feels about the idea, of course. But kids often insist that they'll be fine long before parents feel comfortable with it. And then there are older kids who seem afraid even when you're pretty confident that they'd be just fine. So how do you know?
In general, it's not a good idea to leave kids younger than 10 years old home alone. Every child is different, but at that age, most kids don't have the maturity and skills to respond to an emergency if they're alone.
Think about the area where you live. Are there neighbors nearby that you know and trust to help your child in case of an emergency? Or are they mostly strangers? Do you live on a busy street with lots of traffic? Or is it a quiet area? Is there a lot of crime in or near your neighborhood?
It's also important to consider how your child handles various situations. Here are a few questions to think about:
- Does your child show signs of responsibility with things like homework, household chores, and following directions?
- How does your child handle unexpected situations? How calm does your child stay when things don't go as planned?
- Does your child understand and follow rules?
- Can your child understand and follow safety measures?
- Does your child make good judgments or is he or she prone to taking risks?
- Does your child know basic first-aid procedures?
- Does your child follow your instructions about staying away from strangers?
Even if you're confident about your child's maturity, it's wise to have some home-alone trials before the big day. Let your child stay home alone for 30 minutes to an hour while you remain nearby and easily reachable. When you return, discuss how it went and talk about things that you might want to change or skills that your child might need to learn for the next time.
Handling the Unexpected
You can feel more confident about your absence if your child learns some basic skills that might come in handy during an emergency. Organizations such as the American Red Cross offer courses in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in local places like schools, hospitals, and community centers.
Before being left home alone home alone, your child should be able to complete certain tasks and safety precautions, such as:
- knowing when and how to call 911 and the right address information to give the dispatcher
- knowing how to work the home security system, if you have one, and what to do if the alarm is accidentally set off
- locking and unlocking doors
- working the phone
- turning lights off and on
- operating the microwave
- knowing what to do if:
- there's a small fire in the kitchen
- the smoke alarm goes off
- there's a tornado or other severe storm
- a stranger comes to the door
- someone calls for a parent who isn't home
- there's a power outage
Before You Leave
Even after you decide that your child is ready to stay home alone, you're bound to feel a little anxious when the time comes. Taking these practical steps can make it easier for you both:
- Schedule time to get in touch. Set up a schedule for calling. You might have your child call right away if he or she is coming home to an empty house, or set up a time when you'll call home to check in. Figure out something that's convenient for both of you. Make sure your child understands when you're readily available and when you might not be able to answer a call.
- Set ground rules. Establish some special rules for when you're away and make sure that your child knows and understands them. Consider rules about:
- having a friend or friends over while you're not there
- rooms of the house that are off limits, especially with friends
- TV time and types of shows
- Internet and computer rules
- kitchen and cooking (you might want to make the oven and utensils like sharp knives off limits)
- not opening the door for strangers
- answering the phone
- getting along with siblings
- not telling anyone he or she is home alone
Be sure that you:
- Create a list of friends your child can call or things your child can do if lonely.
- Leave a snack or a note so your child knows you're thinking of him or her.
- Make up a schedule for your child to follow while you're away.
- Make sure the parental controls and filtering systems, if you have any, are programmed for the Internet and TV.
- Childproof your home. No matter how well your child follows rules, be sure to secure anything that could be a health or safety risk. Lock them up and put them in a place where kids can't get to them or, when possible, remove them from your home. These items include:
- alcohol
- prescription medications
- over-the-counter medications: sleeping pills, cough medicine, etc.
- guns (if you do keep one, make sure it is locked up and leave it unloaded and stored away from ammunition)
- tobacco
- car keys
- lighters and matches
When you're ready to leave your child home alone for the first time, a few other steps can help both of you manage the transition.
You might have an older teen or a friend of the family come over to stay with your child. Don't call that person a "babysitter" — tell your child that the person is there to keep him or her company. You might also want to let your child invite a trusted friend of the same age to come over, and propose this as a trial run for later solo stays. Be sure to let the friend's parents know that you won't be home.
And don't forget that pets can be great company for kids who are home alone. Many kids feel safer with a pet around — even a small one, like a hamster, can make them feel like they have a companion.
So cover your bases and relax. With the right preparation and some practice, you and your child will get comfortable with home-alone days in no time!
Original Source: http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/home_alone.html#
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