Summer Safety & Security Tips: Kids Home Alone

Summer means many kids will be spending more time at home without direct supervision. That means fun for them, but often some apprehension for you.

Consider these Summer Safety & Security tips for kids home alone:

Emergencies

1. Create and review an emergency plan so kids feel confident about what to do. Make sure kids know what the smoke or security alarm sounds like and what to do when a central station operator calls.
2. Make a list of important phone numbers including how to reach you and a family member living close by or a trusted neighbor.
3. Make sure they know where to find flashlights and batteries if there is a power outage.
4. In the event of a tornado, make sure kids know that the safest place to take cover is the basement. If you don’t have a basement, they should go to an inside room without windows on the lowest floor, says the CDC.
5. Review how and when to use 911.

Strangers

1. You never know who is going to show up at the door. Kids may not be confident about who they should or shouldn’t talk to.
2. Remind your children that if they don’t know the person at the door, they shouldn’t open it. Make it easy with a doorbell camera so you can talk with anyone who rings the doorbell right from your smartphone or tablet, as if you were home.

Security

1. Make sure the kids know to keep the doors and windows locked when they are home alone. Review the security system and its use.
2. Consider the addition of an Image Sensor or live video in the home so you can peek in and check on them from anywhere.
3. Set up no-show alerts if the children are to be home at a certain time, so you get an alert if they aren’t home on time
4. Check in on your kids while you’re at work with our Interactive Services on your smartphone and see for yourself that they are safe and sound at home. Get emails and text messages when they go in and out so you know when they left and returned.

Don’t spend your summer worrying. Arm your kids with these important security tips and you can breathe easy. Read on for more important summer safety tips for kids here.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned and operated, Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have developed a reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have many choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about us. 

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410.546.2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Kid Summer Safety & Security

Summer is here and that means school is out. Differences in routines can mean added concern for parents. Being involved and aware is one of the best ways to make sure your kids stay safe this summer. Make it a point to:

• Know where your children are at all times
• Participate, whenever possible, in their activities
• Set boundaries for your children. Make sure they know who/where they are and aren’t allowed to go visit.

Nothing can substitute you being there at all times, but even though children’s schedules change in the summer months, yours likely does not. So when you can’t be there, prepare your children for a safe summer with these best practices:

Stranger/Danger

1. Reinforce that children trust their gut if they are uncomfortable in any situation. Empower them to say NO!
2. Create a plan with your children about what to do if they are lost.

Neighborhood

1. Review with your children which trusted neighbors they can go to if they need help.
2. Discuss boundaries.
3. Remind them to always tell you or another trusted adult where they will be and to always take a friend along.

Home Safety

1. Educate and test your children on how they can reach you. Also teach them how to use 911 when appropriate.
2. Make sure your children are comfortable locking doors and windows in your home and teach them how to use your security system.
3. Check in on your children while you’re at work with our Interactive Services on your smartphone and see for yourself that they are safe and sound at home. Get emails and text messages when they go in and out so you know when they left and returned.

First Aid

1. Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit at home and your children know where it is and how to use it.
2. Be sure to keep a list of emergency numbers where it is easy to find for your children.

Heat Protection

1. Hydration is so important. Keep drinks well stocked and remind them (and yourself!) to drink often, especially after heavy activity in the hottest parts of the day.
2. Train your children to be aware of the signs of heat related illnesses, and seek medical attention. 

Ticks

Ticks are responsible for a variety of illnesses that can be serious including Lyme Disease. Some suggestions for keeping ticks at bay include:

1. Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, tucking pants into socks) when in high risk areas.
2. Stay in the center of walking paths and keep away from overgrown areas.
3. Perform tick checks on family members every day.

Read more child safety tips from the CDC.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned and operated, Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have developed a reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have many choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about us. 

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing, Doorbell Camera and LiftMaster Garage Control as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410.546.2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews here.