Sue Sitter/PCT Lake Region District Health Nurse Samantha Wentz poses near jars of gauze for pre-teens to use in first aid kits they will make at the Health Unit’s “Safe at Home Alone” classes.

Lake Region District Health Unit will offer free classes on Tuesday, May 31, at the community room of the Pierce County Courthouse to help families prepare their pre-teens to stay safe at home alone.

Samantha Wentz, health unit nurse, said training sessions, called “Safe at Home Alone” will be offered to area youngsters age 9-12.

“That’s when they’re starting to be at home by themselves for awhile,” she said of the age range.

The classes will be taught twice on May 31. The morning session runs from 9 a.m. to noon, while the afternoon session runs from 1-4 p.m.

“They’re actually almost full already,” she said of the classes.

Wentz added she might consider expanding the number of openings in each session if demand goes up.

Sessions will feature safety tips and lessons from Rugby Police Department, Rugby Fire Department, Heart of America Medical Center’s physical therapy department, and Pierce County NDSU Extension office.

“We’re covering basic information that kids need to stay safe and healthy while they’re home alone,” Wentz said.

“The city police will do a lesson on internet safety and staying safe from strangers,” she said. “Then, the fire department will do a lesson on staying safe in emergencies or in case of a fire.

“I’m going to teach them to make a first aid kit to take home,” she added. “NDSU Extension is going to talk about making healthy snacks and being safe in the kitchen. Then, they’re going to make their own healthy snacks while they’re here.”

Wentz said parents interested in reserving a spot for their child should call the health unit office at 776-6783.

She said the free classes were made possible through donations by local businesses to pay for the first aid kits and the snacks. She added she planned to make the classes an annual event to help youngsters start their summer off safe.

“I plan to offer this every summer when school gets out,” she said.