Durham Regional Police are reminding residents that the Kids Safety Village of Durham Region will be closed until the end of August for construction upgrades.

Popular events at the village, including the 2018 March Break Madness and the Easter Eggstravaganza were cancelled in 2018 as the village, located at 1449 Athol St. in Whitby, undergoes an expansion of its main teaching building to include a fire safety component.

Regular programming is expected to resume in September 2018. Visit www.durhamsafetyvillage.com for updates and information and to secure your 2018 bookings for your classes..

The following is a list of safety tips Durham Regional Police are providing to local families for our Summer break:

• If left home alone, ensure your children know who to contact in case of an emergency

• Children left at home alone should never answer the door or telephone

• Look into local community activities your kids can participate in

• Complete reference checks on any potential babysitters you may use over the holidays

• Go over internet safety tips with your kids as they may be online more often during the week

• Work with family and friends to help organize day trips and activities

• If travelling, ask a neighbour to pick up mail and consider timers for lighting in your home. Avoid posting on social media while out of town as this gives criminals the heads up that you are away