NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – With a few weeks left of summer vacation, parents might be struggling with how to keep their kids occupied while they’re at work.

TV 10-55′s Katie McGee spoke to CBS News medical contributor Dr. Holly Phillips for tips on how to keep your kids safe, if you have to leave them home alone.

- Keep things like fire arms, medications and sharp silveware under lock and key.

- Make sure kids know their numbers: Emergency contacts – not just 911, but mom & dad’s cell phone numbers, too.

- Leave nutritional choices when it comes to food.

- Fit in a few “practice runs” to test out your child’s new independence. Maybe leave them home alone for 15 minutes while you walk the dog or take the trash out.

- Outline a clear list of house rules, like keeping TV time to a minimum.

For more tips and the full story from TV 10-55′s Katie McGee and CBS News’ Dr. Holly Phillips, watch the video below. Let us know in the comments: What’s your biggest fear about leaving the kids home by themselves?