Leaving our children home alone is never ideal, but sometimes that’s the only option you have. A last minute work meeting comes up, your babysitter cancels, or an emergency arises. If you are worried about your children’s safety, here are some tips that you can follow to maximize their security.
First Aid Kit
Keep a first aid kit handy and accessible for your older children, but out of reach for the younger ones. You never know when there will be an accident at home. Include bandages, tweezers to remove splinters, and Bendralyn in case of a minor allergic reaction. If any of your kids have allergies, make sure they have access to their EpiPen and needed medications.
Save Emergency Contacts
It’s important to have a number of contacts that your children can reach in case of an emergency. Write down the numbers and put them on the fridge, or put the emergency numbers in your childrens’ cell phones. Put 9-1-1, your primary number, your work number, nearby family numbers, and trusted neighbors or friends. Be sure to include your security alarm company number too.
Talk with Neighbors
Arrange for your kids to be able to go to your neighbors’ home in case of an emergency. Whenever you are about to leave the kids alone, send your neighbor a text to give them a heads up that your children are home alone.
Package Delivery
If you are expecting to receive packages, simply tell your kids to leave the door shut. The FedEx or UPS delivery men will leave the package outside your door or will leave instructions for pickup. Most goods don’t need a signature, but you can always check online beforehand to make sure.
Strange Visitors
Tell your kids to never open the door to a stranger. They should not turn off the alarm and open the door. Inform your kids to never tell the visitor that they are home alone either.
Lockup Hazardous Items
Lockup or remove any hazardous objects that can cause accidents, such as lighters, matches, guns, alcohol, ammunition, and knives. Also, put away medications and household cleaners that can be poisonous if swallowed, such as bleach and flammable liquids.
Walk the Kids Through the Alarm System
Show your kids how to interact with the alarm systems so they feel comfortable working with them. They should be able to set it, turn off certain features, and manually trigger it in case of an emergency. However, we recommend that you don’t show them how to disable it completely.
Install Security Systems with 360 Alarm
For full control of your house when you are on-the-go, we recommend installing residential camera systems and monitoring your home on your smartphone. We can install doorbell cameras to keep an eye out for unwanted visitors or an eye on your packages. We also offer intrusion detection systems, to keep burglars away from your home. Our systems are completely customizable, to fit your individual needs. Get in touch with us today, for a free consultation!
