Home security gives families a sense of tranquility. However, this does not mean that the little ones in the house know all their rules. Due to the summer holidays, more children stay at home alone. So it’s never too late to talk about home safety and surveillance, and establish a protocol for when they spend time alone.
Family conversation
Make time to have a family reunion, or schedule a conversation during dinner. Take advantage of that moment to make the children know that the system at home is for safety and for emergencies. This is the right time to discuss good practices and action plans for different emergencies in the home, such as fires or medical events.
Emergency procedure
Regardless of the type of emergency, children should know how to use the security system for help. These systems are equipped with call functions that are activated when the alarm is triggered. Speak with your children what they have to say to the operator when the alarm is triggered for an emergency. The practice should also include what to say when the alarm is activated accidentally.
Role play
Once the emergency plan is established, it is time to plan a general rehearsal. Practice with the little ones how to control a fire, how to follow established escape routes and how to alert the authorities. This is the right time for them to practice what they will tell the agent handling the emergency call.
Daily safety practices
Home security systems safeguard you from potential emergencies that occur in your department. However, good practices need to be carried out on a daily basis. Set an easy-to-remember panel code so you can teach the little ones how to turn the security system on or off. Try to make the keyboard code and the deactivation instructions a secret among the family. It also teaches children not to activate or deactivate the system without the authorization of a relative (usually, dad or mom). And to emphasize that they never deactivate the alarm for strangers, without exception.
Navigate the system
Triggering your home security system alarm can be costly if the alert is not canceled before it reaches the emergency service. Talk with the children about how to prevent the alarm from being triggered accidentally, emphasizing good practices and reiterating the procedure of disabling false alarms and notifying the insurance company. Keep doors and windows closed during the day not only safeguard your home, but also prevent a false alarm.
Working closely with security technicians is one way that most homeowners choose to avoid false alarms. If you have young children or pets, inform them so that technicians know where they can properly place the sensors. For example, it avoids that they are near the curtains and plants or near elements that move easily with the air.
The best way to keep your family safe is by giving them information about the home security system. The more children know about safety practices, and how to use them, they will be better protected when an emergency situation arises.