Home and personal space safety

Home should be your safest place. A few habits about doors, keys and what you share online keep it that way, especially when you are home alone.

Answering the door

If you are not sure who is at your door, do not open it or let anyone into your home (Avon and Somerset Police).
Look first through a peephole, door camera or window. Use a door chain if you have one before opening.
Ask callers for ID. If they say they are from a company, call that company using the number on its official website or your bill, never a number the caller gives you.
Delivery drivers can leave parcels at the door or with building security. You do not need to open up to sign.
If someone refuses to leave or tries to get in, call 999.

Agree house rules with your parents: what to do if someone knocks, if the phone rings or if something goes wrong (NSPCC).
Have a written list of family and trusted adults' numbers in case you cannot reach your parents.
Know that you can call 999 (police), 998 (ambulance) or 997 (fire) in an emergency in the UAE.
Do not tell callers, delivery drivers or strangers online that you are home alone. Say 'my parents are busy, can I take a message?'
Keep doors locked and windows secure, even during the day.

Never hide spare keys under doormats, rugs or plant pots. The Royal Oman Police warn these are the first places burglars check.
Never put your name or address on a key tag (Nova Scotia Department of Justice).
If you lose a key or access card, tell your parents or building management straight away so it can be changed or cancelled.
Do not lend your key or access card to anyone, and do not let strangers follow you into a secure building.

Do not share personal information like your address, email or school with people you do not know (West Sussex County Council).
Posting holiday photos in real time can advertise that your home is empty (Crimestoppers). Post them after you get back.
Turn off location tags on posts and check that map or live-location features on social apps are off or limited to close friends.
Avoid posts that reveal your routine, such as the same gym at the same time every day, or photos that show your building name, door number or car plate.
Set your profiles to private and review who can see your posts (Crimestoppers).

Tick each one off when you have done it.

Walk through your home with a parent and agree the 'home alone' rules: who you can open the door to and who to call.
Check the location settings on your three most-used social apps and switch off location tagging.
Scroll back through your last 20 posts and remove any that show your address, building or daily routine.

1. Someone you do not recognise knocks and says they are from the electricity company. What should you do?

2. Where should you keep a spare house key?

3. A caller asks if your parents are home and you are alone. What do you say?

4. When is the safest time to post holiday photos?