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BEAUFORT, S.C. - Many remember the Home Alone movie series of the 90s and the lead character’s battle against crooks and bandits at home. His absent-minded parents left him ‘Home Alone’ because they were enthralled in their own duties and responsibilities, but don’t worry children, the Marine Corps is looking out for you.
Air Station Order 5100.27A outlines the age restrictions for children able to be left alone at home during the day, overnight, with a sibling and while traveling to and from school. The order is standard for each of the Tri-Command bases and communities and is in reference to Marine Corps Order 1710.30E, which leaves childcare decisions up to
station commanders.
In recent months, there have been a considerable amount of calls to the Provost Marshal’s Office in regards to young children being left alone in public, at home or in vehicles.
According to Amanda Sutcliffe, Tri-Command marketing manager, to go along with the Marine Corps order, families receive a handout which educates new residents about the guidelines for unattended children in Tri-Command housing and facilities.
For example, “children under the age of 14 are not allowed in the fitness center unattended, children under the age of 10 are not to use the playgrounds unattended and the pool has the same rules as the fitness center,” Sutcliffe explained.
Unattended doesn’t necessarily mean parents have to supervise. To use the Tri-Command facilities, Sutcliffe stated, “an adult, 18 or older, is allowed to
supervise children.”
The Marine Corps order allows siblings or friends age 10 or older to assist younger children walking to and from school.
Some of the children live in a dual-working household and parent’s may rely on their children to be responsible in the safety of their home, but the state and the Marine Corps has a say in that as well.
Air Station Order 5100.27A states children under the age of 10 are not to be left alone, and children are not allowed to babysit a sibling unattended until they are 12 years old. Children are not to be left unattended overnight until they are 16-years-old. When using a babysitter, the order suggests babysitters complete the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Course, which is offered by Marine Corps Community Services.
Even when age requirements are met, parents must still provide emergency procedures for children to follow and a list of emergency contacts.
According to Staff Sgt. Matthew Haight, resource officer for Laurel Bay schools, not abiding by these guidelines could lead to a child neglect investigation, which is a violation of state law. Subsequently, the service member could face charges by the Marine Corps as well.
Leaving children alone is a risky gamble that could turn out to be deadly.
According to www.ggweather.com/heat, a website dedicated to the research of heat stroke and related incidents so far in 2011, across the nation, there have been 27 deaths recorded relating to children dying from heat stroke because they were left unattended in a vehicle. Of those deaths 92 percent were children under the age of 10 and all were recorded in Southeastern states, with the exception of one incident in Montana.
In a matter of an hour, on an 80-degree day, a car’s internal temperature could reach 123 degrees when left in direct sunlight.
“Parents are not allowed to leave children under the age of 10 in a car unattended,” said Haight, a Southbridge, Mass., native.
Knowledge and using the resources provided by MCCS, friends and family could avoid a dangerous situation for military children. If an inappropriate situation is observed, residents are encouraged to call Provost Marshal’s Office at 228-6710.
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.16.2011 10:20 |
| Story ID: | 77139 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,799 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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