Sartell PD Holding Home Alone Safety Classes for Kids

(KNSI) – The Sartell Police Department is holding classes to teach kids how to stay safe when home alone.

For many parents, leaving a child at home can be a scary thought, and that’s a big reason why the department is holding four classes this year.

Sartell School Resources Officer Jill Lundquist says kids are getting left home alone now more than ever.

“We are seeing especially now, in a pandemic, kids are being home alone more now than ever. So having this class for kids is a really great thing. Obviously the the need is out there.”

The course will cover kitchen safety, internet safety, fire safety, severe weather, basic first aid, and making a 911 call.

Firefighters, ambulance crews, police, and emergency dispatchers will all help teach the class.

Lundquist talked about why she thinks taking this class is good for kids.

“Kids get the knowledge and the skills to know how to handle different situations. And it’s not just Mom and Dad, it’s people who actually work in certain roles or positions, like a police officer, a dispatcher, so we can bring a different perspective to kids on why they should be safe.”

The class is free and designed for kids ages 9 to 12 years old.

The four scheduled classes are already full; however, there is a waitlist.

Minnesota statute allows children age 8 to 10 to be left home alone for up to three hours. Kids 11 or older can be left home alone for up to 12 hours.

For more information or to get yourself on the waitlist, click here.

___