Keeping your home safe is more than just one parents responsibility. It falls onto the whole family to pitch-in wherever possible and do their part. In this article, we go through the seven tips that parents and grandparents can teach children so that they too are aware of potential dangers and what they need to do to keep their home safe.
Lock all doors and windows when you leave the house
Make sure that everyone in the family knows to check that all doors and windows are locked before leaving the house. If possible, install locks that can only be opened from the inside so that kids can't open them without an adult present.
Keep valuables out of sight
Any valuable items like jewelry or money should be kept out of sight and in a safe place. If kids know where these things are kept, they may be tempted to take them.
Don't open the door to strangers
This one is pretty self-explanatory but it's important to make sure that kids know not to open the door to anyone they don't know. If someone comes to the door asking for help, they should go and find an adult instead.
Don't give out personal information
If kids are using the internet, they need to be aware of not giving out any personal information like their name, address or phone number. They also shouldn't be meeting up with anyone they've only met online.
Be aware of fire hazards
Make sure that kids know what to do in the case of a fire and that they know about common fire hazards in the home. Things like candles, matches and lighters should be kept out of reach.
Know who to call in an emergency
Ensure that kids know who to call in an emergency, whether it's the police, fire department or ambulance. They should also know your address in case they need to give it to someone.
Have a family plan
In the event of an emergency, it's important to have a plan in place so that everyone knows what to do. This could include things like where to meet up, who to call and what to do if someone can't be found.
Bonus Home Security Tips
Apart from the tips mentiond above, there are a few other ways parents can keep their home secure and keep the kids in the loop.
Easy-to-use Home Security Systems:
Many home security systems on the market these days are designed to be user-friendly, even for kids. Some systems come with mobile apps that allow you to arm and disarm the system from your phone, as well as get alerts if any doors or windows are opened while you're away. There are also some great home automation features that can make your life a little easier, like being able to turn lights on and off or setting the thermostat remotely.
Video Monitoring:
If you want an extra level of security, you can install video cameras inside and outside your home. These days, there are plenty of affordable options that allow you to view live footage from your phone or computer. You can also set up alerts to let you know if any motion is detected.
Conclusion
Keeping your home safe is a joint effort and it's important that everyone in the family knows what they need to do to help out. By teaching kids these simple tips, you can give them the tools they need to keep themselves and your home safe.