It’s back-to-school time and with kids going back to school it’s important to not overlook the safety and security of your kids and home. Put security on your back-to-school checklist!

Children walking home, being home alone for any period of time, and entering an empty house can pose many safety and security concerns. With a little guidance, rules, and helpful devices, parents can help their family stay safe.

Plan and practice a safe route to and from school or bus stop

With your child, plan a direct route to school or the bus stop. Encourage them to walk/bike with friends or neighbors. Remind them to be alert, no distractions from cell phone or ear buds when walking. Unless planned ahead, make sure they are coming directly home after school. Remind them what to do if someone they don't know approaches them. 

Rules for safety at home

Establish basic rules for when your child is home alone. Whether they can use the stove or oven, visitors, and screen time.

Use an alarm system with alerts

If you don’t have one already, consider getting an alarm system that will tell you when your child returns home from school and many other features no matter where you are. This can include as little or as much as you desire.

Key component to this- Make sure your child knows how to effectively use the system

• Alarm system- child returns home, disarms system with specific code alerting you they returned home and which child. Bonus picture can show you if they are alone or not.

• Door locks to help avoid lost or stolen keys. The child can simply enter the code on the door lock, alerting you when the door opens.
• Sensors placed on sensitive areas such as gun or liquor cabinets will alert you if these are opened.
• Video Monitoring- Keep an eye on activity while you are at work. See when they return home from school.
• Life Safety Devices - This includes Monitored Smoke Detectors, which will alert you in case of a fire in the home. 

Maintain a family schedule

It can become crazy with school and extracurricular activities, with the potential to lose track of where family members are or should be. Create a monthly calendar using an app of each family member events all in one place. If not using the app take a picture of the calendar and share with family so each can have it on their phone.

Make an emergency plan for fire

In case of a fire while they are home alone before or after school, be sure they know exactly what to do. Go through the plan together and practice. Show your child how to effectively use a fire extinguisher.

Social media and internet usage

Create social media guidelines and outline the appropriate usage. Warn them about dangers of posting photos or status updates that could lead to unwanted visitors knowing they are home alone.

We can help you stay connected to your family and home with customized solutions to fit your families needs. Check in with live video feeds, receive notifications of activity at home and much more!