Backpacks? Check. School supplies? Check. A solid plan for safety and security? Let’s add that to the back-to-school checklist, too!

As kids return to their school routines, walking home, spending time alone, or coming back to an empty house, it’s easy to focus on homework and activities while overlooking security. But a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your family safe and giving you peace of mind.

Here are a few smart steps to help keep your kids and your home protected this school year:

1. Map Out a Safe Route

Help your child plan a safe, direct path to and from school or the bus stop. Encourage them to walk with a friend or neighbor and remind them to stay alert, no earbuds or phones while crossing streets. Go over what to do if a stranger approaches, and set a clear rule to head straight home unless you’ve agreed otherwise.

2. Set Clear At-Home Rules

If your child will be home alone, establish guidelines ahead of time. Whether it’s using the kitchen, having friends over, or managing screen time, rules help kids make safe choices when they’re unsupervised.

3. Use Smart Security Technology

Today’s security systems do more than sound alarms, they help you stay connected with your family in real time:

• Teach them the basics: Make sure kids know how to arm/disarm your system confidently.

• Unique passcodes: Assign individual codes so you’ll know exactly who got home (and when).

• Smart locks: Forget lost keys, use keyless entry codes with instant alerts when the door is unlocked.

• Sensitive area sensors: Add extra protection to areas like medicine, liquor, or gun cabinets.

• Video monitoring: See when your child gets home and check in anytime with live feeds.

• Life safety devices: Monitored smoke detectors provide fast alerts for emergencies like fire.

4. Keep Everyone on the Same Page

Between practices, lessons, and busy schedules, it’s easy to lose track. Use a shared calendar app or simply snap a photo of a wall calendar so everyone has the schedule on their phone. Staying organized is part of staying safe.

5. Create and Practice an Emergency Plan

If a fire or other emergency happens, your child needs to know exactly what to do. Walk through escape routes together, practice regularly, and teach them how to use tools like a fire extinguisher.

6. Talk About Online Safety

Social media can unintentionally share too much information. Remind kids not to post about being home alone or share personal details online. Setting boundaries now helps protect them in the digital world, too.

Stay Connected With Confidence

Back-to-school season is full of new routines, but your family’s safety should always be a constant. With the right mix of planning, communication, and smart security solutions, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your loved ones and your home are protected, even when you can’t be there.

We’re here to help with customized solutions that fit your family’s needs, from live video to instant alerts. Because feeling connected is the first step to feeling secure.