Summer is over, and kids are heading back to school all over the country. Probably, you have already bought new clothes, organized your kids’ schools’ supplies, and prepared in every possible way. Nevertheless, it is necessary not to forget about home security. Is your child going to be safe when coming back home and staying alone for a while waiting for you to come back?
Nowadays, there are plenty of technological options to boost home security, such as for example, home security systems, smart locks, CCTV cameras, and intruder alarms. To ensure your kids can manage on their own, go over our ‘back-to-school’ guide together and check if you did your best to prepare for a new school year.
- Plan the route to and from school: Try to find the best way with the least street crossings. Instruct your child to obey all signs and traffic lights. Ask your kids to avoid areas with not many people around and not to bring unwanted guests or strangers back home.
- Teach children and childminders not to go inside the house if there are signs of a break-in: The last thing you want your kids to do is to walk in on a burglar. If the door is open, broken or they see a shattered window, they should not go into the house and instead get help from a neighbor, call you or return to school to find a teacher.
- Make sure children and childminders know how to lock the door: Children should know how to lock all doors correctly. Teach them that they should never open the door while home alone, even for deliveries or mail.
- Use a home security system or CCTV camera system: A modern CCTV camera system allows you to monitor everything that happens at home right from your smartphone. If you don’t have one already, consider getting an alarm system that will alert you every time your children get back home safely. Some security systems feature automated locks, text alerts, and two-way voice capabilities. That means you can speak to your child if something goes wrong or if there is a visitor asking for you.When placing the cameras, make sure to focus on potentially hazardous areas, including bedroom windows, entrances and stairs.
- Show your children and childminders how to use the alarm system: Make sure children know how to properly use the alarm system. You should also show them the panic button and what to do if there is an emergency. Make sure your kids can recognize burglar, smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide alarms and know how to react when these alarms are activated.
- Establish some rules on social media and Internet usage at home and at school: Warn your children about the dangers of making new friends online and help them avoid cyberbullying.
- Make an emergency plan in case of fire: Work on an emergency plan together and determine how your child will exit if there’s a fire. Show your child how to effectively use a fire extinguisher.
- Keep communication open: Ask your child to text or call when they get home each day. Encourage them to call you if there are any problems so you can help to resolve any issues that may arise.
Protecting children is the number one priority of every parent. You can teach them about security and make an action plan in case of emergency, but unfortunately, you can’t be there for them when things do happen.
However, a modern home security system might make it seem like you can. If you need any security advice please don’t hesitate to contact our Power Right team!
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