School bells are ringing across Nebraska and for the first time many children are at the age when they no longer need to go to day care after school and will be home alone for the first time.
Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross spokesperson Alyson Roach says it is very important families develop and practice a safety plan for children to follow. She says parents need to set clear rules.
Alyson Roach: 
If an older sibling is watching younger children make sure everyone knows the rules and what is expected of them. Roach says other safety tips include putting dangerous items under lock and key, make sure smoke alarms are in working order and post emergency phone numbers where they can be easily found.
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