Keeping Kids Safe After School

The National SAFEKIDS Campaign recommends that no child under the age of 12 be left at home alone. But, even a 12 year old needs some guidance and precautions to stay safe when they’re at home alone. Whether it’s an occasional occurrence or a permanent solution, here are tips to make your home safer.

• A security system may provide the greatest peace of mind. You know that you will get a call in the event that the alarm goes off, whether it signals a break-in, a fire, or that your child has pushed the ‘panic’ button for some reason. The police or fire department are also dispatched immediately if the alarm goes off.
• If you’re considering a security system, check out our previous post for tips to choose the best home security system. Wondering if you can afford a system, compare home security services for your address with Allconnect.
• Change the batteries and test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors every six months.
• See “Choosing the Best Door Lock for Your Home” by State Farm to determine whether you have safe locks. Do they deter would-be intruders? Do they allow quick exit in the event of a fire?
• Do you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, in your garage, and on every level of your home? If there is a fire, do you want your child to attempt to use the fire extinguisher or do you want him to simply leave? Consider your child’s age, strength, and ability to react in a stressful situation and make sure he knows exactly what he should do.
• Consider the role of the phone in safety situations. If the home loses power, cordless phones will not work. Make sure you have an old-fashioned phone or a charged cell phone that will work during a power outage. If you do not have a landline, emergency services may not be able to trace the call. Make sure your child is able to give the address and directions to the home from a cell phone.
• Compile a list of emergency numbers: police, fire department, all of your contact numbers (your direct line, cell phone, a main office number), neighbors’ phone numbers, and poison control. For an older child, you may also wish to include emergency numbers for utility companies just in case there should be a water leak or gas leak.

Following these tips for keeping your home safe for your kids after school can help provide peace of mind.