By Special to the Town Crier

Your 10-year old wants to be left alone at home while you go to the pharmacy. But if the smoke alarm begins to buzz, will she know what to do?

Your 11-year old is invited to a pool party with a dozen other classmates. He’s a good swimmer, but does he know how to play safe in the water?

If you are unsure how your children will respond in a disaster or emergency situation, sign them up for Kid Power, an American Red Cross program specially designed to teach kids in grades three, four and five how to prevent and respond to fire and water emergencies.

“Kid Power is a fun and interactive way for children to learn about safety,” said Rosanna Bonfilio, youth education specialist at the Palo Alto Area Chapter. “Safety training can help children become more independent. If you feel your child is mature enough to be left home alone while you run to the office, make sure he or she has the tools and training to stay safe,” said Bonfilio.

In addition to fire and water safety, Kid Power will also highlight earthquake safety, rescue breathing and poison awareness.

“Fires and earthquakes happen without warning. Children are never too young to be trained in safety procedures,” said Bonfilio. “Parents in Silicon Valley are so busy that this may not be a priority. Just drop your kids off for a few hours and go home with a sense of accomplishment.”

Kid Power is scheduled 1:30-4 p.m., Oct. 14, at the Palo Alto Area American Red Cross office, 400 Mitchell Lane, behind MacArthur Park Restaurant and across from the Stanford Shopping Center.

The program is free but preregistration is required. Preregister by calling 688-0427 or e-mailing rosannab@paarc.org.

The Palo Alto Area Chapter of the Red Cross serves the communities of Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Stanford.

For more information, call Rosanna Bonfilio, youth education specialist, at 688-0427.