5 Home Security Tips for Families with Kids

• April 19, 2017
• by Carlos Lopez

It’s the middle of the night, and your home security system is blaring. You roll over, hoping that it’s just been triggered by that loose wire again, but something tells you that this time is different. As you turn off the alarm, you can hear strange noises that tell you there’s someone in your home. Your heart clenches, and your first thought is, “What about the kids?”

Developing a home security strategy when you have children at home adds an extra layer of assurance to your security plans. You don’t have to panic yourself or them over the details of home security to develop a firm strategy that will keep everyone safe in the event of an emergency. In fact, having a plan in place can make things easier and less scary for everyone.

1. Decide on a Plan.

Consult with your spouse and older children to help develop a plan of action in the event of a home security emergency. Decide how you will react if someone breaks into your home. Do you expect older children to help the younger ones get out? Will you confront an intruder while your spouse gets the children to safety? Where should they go? Discuss all of these possibilities with your spouse and older children to ensure that if an emergency does arise, they know how to react.

2. Practice.

Reacting in the middle of the night is a challenge for anyone. Reacting in the middle of the night on the grounds of a discussion that you’ve had only once is harder. Instead of leaving it to chance, take the time to practice your responses with your spouse and kids during daylight. This doesn’t have to be scary, and in fact, you should make it as age-appropriate as possible. It’s just a technique for ensuring that your kids know how to respond.

3. Pack “Go Bags” for the Kids.

Depending on the emergency, you might not always have time to grab them, but keeping “go bags” at the appropriate exit from your home can make things easier in the event of an emergency. Include clothing, toiletries, and essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula for little ones. Keep in mind that it may be a while before you can return to your home and pack accordingly.

4. Arrange Your Home Appropriately.

Have you ever thought about how long it would take you to get to your kids in the event of an emergency? What about whether or not you’re between your kids and the entrance to the house? Even if it means rearranging bedrooms, make sure that you can get to your kids quickly and efficiently if someone does try to break into your home.

5. Remember the Important Things.

Your kids are your most precious possessions. It can be tempting to confront a thief who breaks into your home, but if you’re wasting your energy protecting things, it’s harder to protect the people who matter most. If someone does break into your home, make getting your kids out safely your first priority. Then, call the police to deal with the rest. All the rest of your possessions can be replaced. Your kids, on the other hand, are priceless.

If you want the comfort and peace of mind that comes from having a home security system in place, contact us. We’ll work with you to put together a security system that is ideal for your home, teach you how to use it, and discuss how to take full advantage of it when you have kids at home. Your kids are precious to you, and we’re here to help you make sure that they’re protected.

Back to view all blog posts

Comments

Name (required) Email (will not be published, required) Comment