It’s never too late to teach your kids all about safety.
Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or you have a full 9-to-5 job, making sure your kids know how to keep themselves safe is a top priority. However, in teaching them safety lessons, it’s essential that you consider their developmental age and their capacity so as not to overwhelm them. It’s also important that you don’t instill fear, but instead encourage awareness and confidence.
In case you’re still unsure about what to teach your kids, here are 6 of the things you need to include in their home safety lessons.
1. How to lock deadbolts locks
The addition of deadbolt locks to your doors is a great way to increase your home security. They are stronger and a lot more resistant against kicking and brute force. However, just like any home safety device, deadbolt locks are only as good as how they are used. If they’re seldom used or locked improperly, they can also be your home’s weakest spot.
2. Answering the door only when there’s an adult inside
Children should never answer the door by themselves, particularly if they are alone. If they have to respond to the person outside, teach them the importance of checking the peephole or the window first to see who it really is. Whether it’s someone your kids know or not know, have them call you or any adult present.
3. How to arm and disarm your security system
If your children are old enough to control security devices, it’s a great idea to start teaching them about your security system. This will enable them to get inside your home without triggering an alarm and to secure your home if ever you need to leave for work.
Most systems use codes for arming and disarming. When setting them up, choose a combination that your children and the rest of the family can easily recall. It’s also a good idea if you can have a system that can be controlled with your smartphone so you can monitor who gets access to your locks and when.
4. Using an emergency escape plan
An emergency escape plan should be a priority when it comes to teaching your kids about home safety. Knowing what to do in case of a burglary, natural disaster or a fire is as essential as knowing how to prevent them.
In creating your family’s escape plan, teach your kids the quickest way to get out of the house. You should also include emergency contact numbers so your children will know who to call out for help. List down these numbers on a piece of paper and keep it where your children can easily pull it out. For better retention and recall, you can try acting out these scenarios with your kids.
5. Being careful on social media networks
Aside from physical security, your children should also know how to protect themselves online. Posting details of your vacation or being left home alone can invite potential intruders and burglars to target your home.
You should also teach them to avoid giving out personal information that can put their safety at risk, such as the time they leave for school or when they get home.
6. Participating in your home security plan
Children should be encouraged to help with home safety even in their little ways. Asking them to pick up their toys in high-traffic areas of your home can reduce the chances of someone slipping and falling. Bicycles and outside toys also need to be locked so that they can’t get stolen.
About the author:
Rose Cabrera is passionate about sharing home security ideas and helping her readers secure their biggest investment. You can find more of her works by visiting TopSecurityReview.com.
