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!

As children start walking home, spending time alone, or entering an empty house, a host of safety and security concerns may arise. Fortunately, with the right guidance, established rules, and some helpful devices, parents can take proactive steps to ensure their family's safety.

1. Plan and Practice a Safe Route

Begin by mapping out a direct route to and from school or the bus stop with your child. Encourage them to walk or bike with friends or neighbors for added safety. Emphasize the importance of staying alert and avoiding distractions like cell phones or earbuds while walking. Ensure they know to come straight home after school unless previously arranged. Remind them of what to do if approached by someone they don't know.

2. Set Rules For Safety at Home

Establish clear rules for when your child is home alone. This could include guidelines on using the stove or oven, having visitors, and managing screen time. Clear expectations help children make safe choices when unsupervised.

3. Install an Alarm System with Alerts 

If you don’t already have one, consider installing an alarm system that can notify you when your child arrives home from school, no matter where you are. These systems can be customized to meet your needs:

• Teach Your Child How To Use The System: Make sure your child knows how to properly arm and disarm the system.
• Code Based Alerts:  When your child disarms the system using a unique code, you’ll be notified that they’ve arrived home, and some systems can even show you which child it was.

• Smart Door locks:  To avoid lost or stolen keys, install smart locks that allow your child to enter a code. You’ll receive an alert whenever the door is opened.
• Sensitive Area Sensors: Place sensors on gun or liquor cabinets to be alerted if these areas are accessed.
• Video Monitoring: Keep an eye on activity at home, like when your child returns from school, through live video feeds.
• Life Safety Devices: Monitored smoke detectors can alert you in the event of a fire, providing an additional layer of safety.

4. Maintain a Family Schedule

With the busy schedules of school and extracurricular activities, it’s easy to lose track of where everyone is supposed to be. Create a shared family calendar using an app that allows everyone to see and update the schedule. If you prefer not to use an app, take a picture of a physical calendar and share it with family members, so everyone has a copy on their phone.

5. Make an Emergency Plan for Fire

In case of a fire while your child is home alone, they need to know exactly what to do. Develop and practice a fire escape plan together, and teach your child how to use a fire extinguisher effectively.

6. Monitor Social Media and Internet Usage

Establish guidelines for social media and internet usage, highlighting the importance of online safety. Warn your child about the dangers of posting photos or status updates that could signal to others that they’re home alone.

Stay Connected With Customized Solutions

We can help you stay connected to your family and home with solutions tailored to your needs. From live video feeds to activity notifications, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your family is safe, even when you can’t be there.