Simple Home Safety Tips for Parents
You may feel comfortable in your home, but an emergency situation can happen in the blink of an eye.
And as a parent, you have the added responsibility of ensuring your children’s safety.
Here are several tips to help you enhance your family’s safety.
You Can Install a Security System
While you may feel secure at home during the day, 38% of burglaries happen during daylight hours.
A security system is a great way to monitor activity around your home and protect your most valuable possession, your children.
You Can Join Your Neighborhood Watch Group
Establish a rapport with your neighbors. They can be your eyes and ears when you aren’t at home, and you can do the same for them.
Be on the lookout for suspicious activity such as any unknown individuals in your neighborhood, unfamiliar cars or people wandering around a neighbor’s yard.
You Should Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked
Be sure to keep your doors and windows locked at all times, especially when you are outside. You may be distracted by the children, or busy tending to your yard and not even see or hear someone approaching your home.
If someone approaches you, be aware of your surroundings and keep the kids in sight. One criminal will often distract a homeowner while another walks into your house.
If someone approaches you trying to sell you something, politely, but firmly decline. If they become aggressive or agitated, make it clear the conversation is over and quickly head inside.
Teach Your Kids, “Don’t Open Doors for Strangers”
Criminals stake out homes where women, in particular, are alone or with small children. They may approach your door offering a repair service, and then push their way in using brute force.
The best line of defense is to simply not open the door and to instruct your children not to open doors to strangers.
If someone is outside your home, keep an eye on them from a window to make sure they leave.
Some criminals will walk around the house looking for another entrance. Alert the authorities if they linger or look like they are wandering around your home.
You Can Ask Your Neighbors for Help
If you are expecting a technician or service provider, try to have a neighbor or a friend at home with you when they come.
It may be a well-respected service company, but you never know whom they may employ. Keep your valuables out of sight and try to keep the worker in view at all times.
You Should Be Careful When Discussing Personal Information
Be careful what you reveal to people you don’t know. Take note of who may be listening to your conversations. This tip applies at home or out in public.
That technician in your kitchen may be eavesdropping on your phone conversation. People can easily find out your name, your address and your daily routine.
You Should Create an Emergency Plan
Identify home evacuation routes and practice emergency procedures with your children. Place emergency contact numbers in a visible spot.
Choose one room as a safe room, a place where you and your children can go in the event of an emergency.
This room should have access to a phone, a door that locks and a window for escape. You hate to think of a situation where this is needed, but it’s always best to be prepared.
You Should Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay abreast of any crimes in your area by tuning into your local news for incidents of burglaries, scams or other incidents. These two sites provide updated local crime data.
- Spotcrime
- Crime reports
Let us ensure your home is safe and secure! Contact us a 281-506-8466 or visit us online!
