The new school year is almost here; for some, it may have already started! As summer fades and the new school year begins, it’s time to think about more than just new notebooks and fresh outfits. From new classes to seeing friends and meeting new teachers, a lot can happen at once. That’s why now is the best time to brush up on back-to-school safety! Personal safety and securing your home are all part of keeping your family safe and secure.
There are steps you can take inside and outside the home to ensure your kids are safe, so they can enjoy the new school year as they should.
Back to School Safety
Here are some essential reminders to help make this school year safe and enjoyable for everyone:
Road & Traffic Safety
Even though the new school year is starting, the weather is still beautiful! It also means that students, including your kids, might be walking or biking to school. It’s important to go over road and traffic safety with your kids, including how to properly use a crosswalk, where to cross, looking both ways before crossing the street, and never assuming drivers will stop! The more they know about street safety, the better prepared they are to stay safe.
Emergency Preparedness
Schools often conduct drills for various emergencies, but it’s equally important for students to be prepared at home. Make sure your child knows how to contact you or another trusted adult in case of an emergency. Review your family’s emergency plan regularly and ensure that your child is familiar with it.
Stranger Danger
Educating children about stranger danger is crucial for their safety throughout the school year. It allows them to recognize potential threats, trust their instincts, and reinforces the importance of seeking help from trusted adults if they are approached by an unfamiliar individual, or are in a situation where they feel uncomfortable.
Personal Safety & Cybersecurity
More and more of the world is becoming centered on the internet, including online learning and other studying practices. On top of that, more of the youth is engaged in social media communication that can be harmful if not properly used. Be sure to teach your children the importance of keeping personal information private, using strong passwords, and have open conversations about the apps and websites they may be using.
Smart Home Security System for Back to School
While protecting our kids from harm at school or on their way to school is important, you must be keeping your family safe and secure at home! There are many ways to keep your family safe at home, but there are ways to add a layer of protection like a Smart Home Security & Automation System.
A Smart Home System allows you to check in on family members while you are away, keep them safe from disasters such as fires and floods, and even provide emergency response if needed.
Smart Home Solutions offers home security and automation accessories that can help your family including:
Video Doorbell:
If your kids arrive home from school before you arrive home from work, you can check to see that they have made it home safely. You can check from anywhere you are on your smartphone or tablet. It is also important if anyone comes to the door when your children are home alone after school!
Glass Break Sensors:
These sensors can help thwart any threats that may attempt to break a window or glass door to gain entry to your house, alerting you and the authorities immediately.
Outdoor Video Cameras:
Cameras can alert you of an unknown individual around your house using motion-detecting technology. If the individual may be a safety risk, you are able to immediately alert the authorities.
Smoke/CO Alarms:
While your children get to bed early for school the next day, it is important to have Smart Home smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in case there are any emergencies in the middle of the night.
Make Safety a Part of Your Back To School Routine
While it is important to practice safety and security all year round, the start of a new school year is the perfect time to remind your children of these habits. Make safety part of your back-to-school routine every year and add the extra layer of a home security system.
You can browse which plans are best for keeping your family safe and secure on our website here, and with the right equipment, you can be ready to go for the school year in no time!