Best Tips for Home Safety for Children

The first and most important step to ensure your home's safety is to install the perfect and reliable home security system that will be sturdy and durable. After that, you should also educate children about home safety. Parents must ensure that children know how to respond in case of an emergency.

Here are several practical tips that all children should know about home safety.

1. Lock Doors and Windows Properly

This is one of the basic practices. However, many people sometimes forget to lock all doors properly, which leads to thefts and break-ins. Open windows and doors for extended periods make a home vulnerable to theft. Therefore, it's important to teach children to check that each door and window is locked correctly. Even if they are in a hurry to leave, they should know how to close windows and doors. Another way is to connect the security system to smartphones so you receive notifications when a door or window is left open while you're away.

If children are old enough and have smartphones, you can install a home security app. It helps remind kids to lock doors. It's useful to explain the consequences and dangers of leaving a home unlocked.

2. Protect Personal Information About Home Values

It's important for children to know what they shouldn't share with people outside the family. Teach them not to post their home address on social media. Another standard practice is that only adults or parents should answer the door when someone knocks.

3. Use a Child-Friendly Security System

Use an easy-to-understand home security system for children. Also, teach them how to use it properly. Children should know how to use the home alarm system in case of an emergency. Make sure they are familiar with the sounds of the alarm and know how to act in case of trouble.

When installing a new security system, study all its features and specifics. Then tell children about the capabilities and how it works. Make regular checks of doors and windows upon entering the house, before bedtime or when leaving. Train children to operate the security panel and understand how the alarm works.

Another tip is to teach children to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Let them perform home safety tasks independently. This will boost their confidence and help them quickly learn the skills.

4. Create a Home Safety Checklist

If you leave children home alone, ensure they know the safety rules and a checklist for keeping the house secure. Here are several tips you can include in this list.

• They should not let strangers inside if parents are absent.
• They must stay in contact with you by phone or message when you're not home.
• Grills, stoves, or ovens must be turned off.
• In case of any accident, teach them to go to a pre-determined safe place or call 9-1-1.
• Teach them how to properly lock doors and windows, as well as operate the digital home security panel.
• Remember your parents' phone numbers and work locations to contact them in an emergency.
• Exchange contact information with trusted neighbors and let them know when you leave children alone at home.

5. What to Consider Before Giving Children House Keys

If your child is mature enough and you're considering giving them the house key before leaving, there are several things to take into account.

• Is your child forgetful or responsible with their belongings?
• Are there reliable neighbors who can help?
• Is your child mature and grown enough to be responsible for holding the door key?
• Does your child know how to respond in case of an emergency?
• Does your child know how to contact you or the help services in case of an emergency? Or if they need assistance or feel unsafe?

Considering these questions will help you better understand when it's appropriate to give a house key to your child.

6. Keep Track of the House Key

Even if you consider your child old enough to hold a house key, find ways to track the key for maximum safety. You can buy a digital key that can be tracked through an app or teach the child to keep it in their bag.

It’s better not to hide a key under a mat or in flower pots outside. First, these spots are the most common places to hide keys. Second, most thieves study behavioral patterns of residents to find out where they hide keys and other valuable items.

7. Use Smart Technology

Technology makes life easier in many aspects. It is the best way to integrate technology into home security. You can enter or lock your house using an app. Moreover, you will be able to monitor who enters and exits the home. The app can be downloaded or installed at any time.

This is an excellent option if you have children because it doesn't compromise security and gives you peace of mind when you're away from home.

Conclusion

In general, it's important to teach children how to respond during emergencies and explain how the security system in their home works. This gives them a sense of responsibility and makes them more mature.