Summer is supposed to be a time of fun and relaxation, but for parents it can also be a time of stress and constant worry.

During this time of year, many working parents begin to question when it is appropriate to leave your child home alone for the day.

Police officials say children age 12 and up are usually prepared for the responsibility, but it is important to be prepared for the worst case scenario.

"Parents and kids should set up some type of disaster plan or a crisis plan for those unforeseen things that could happen at anytime. Not to scare the kids but to make them prepared," says Captain Matthew Markon with the Superior Police Dept.

Parents should always designate a trusted neighbor or friend whom their child can contact in case of emergency.

They should also work with their kids to find a hiding place in the home in case someone breaks in.

And it's very important to keep in phone contact with your child throughout the day.

"Even if it's those simple short phone calls to let the kids know that mom and dad will be late or for the kids to let mom and dad know we're going to go down the block with our friends," says Captain Markon.

"My nine year old boy I feel he's old enough where I can send him to the park but I still need to check in on him. We send a cell phone with him so he can call home if he needs help or if we need to check in on him," says parent Julie Jordan.

Children should be warned to never open the door when home alone unless they clearly recognize the person on the other side.

Police officers want children to know that predators can have a friendly appearance.

"I would define a stranger as anyone that you don't immediately recognize as a family member or a friend who you see frequently and can call by first name. Anyone else should be suspect," says Captain Markon.

It is also vital that parents lock up dangerous items in the home such as guns and prescription drugs.

According to the "Office of National Drug Control Policy" prescription drugs are the second most abused illegal drug among 12 to 17 year olds, right behind marijuana.

"The parents ought to know what type of prescription drugs they have and what quantities they have in order to keep track of it for their own benefit and to make sure that the kids or anyone else is getting into their drugs," says Captain Markon.

Police want kids to know if there's an emergency they should never be afraid to call 911.