PEKIN, Ill. - This year, the virtual and hybrid learning models adopted by many schools may cause some students to stay home alone while their parents go back to work. “Staying Safe at Home” is a new, virtual program offered by University of Illinois Extension and 4-H that will give children and parents the tools needed to keep students safe while home alone. Two separate sessions will be offered.

The first session, aimed at parents, will give parents and guardians tips on internet security, communication, and creating safety plans. It will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15.

The second session, geared towards youth, will touch on first aid, snack safety, and following the safety plans. It will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Both sessions will be free and open to the public; however, advanced registration is required by the Monday before the session takes place. The sessions will be held on the Zoom video conferencing platform. The Zoom meeting link and access information will be sent out the morning of each respective session. You can register for one or both sessions at https://go.illinois.edu/StaySafe.

The Staying Safe at Home series is led by 4-H Youth Development Educators Judy Schmidt and Emily Schoenfelder who serve in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. For more information about 4-H and other programs, visit the Illinois Extension website at https://extension.illinois.edu/fmpt.