What To Teach Your Children About Home Security

September 27th, 2023

Do you work in an office and sometimes have to leave your children home alone in Princeton? If so, a home security system can provide you with peace of mind knowing they are safe until you return. 

Even if you feel that your child is already at the right age and responsible enough to be on their own, the situation is still a nerve-racking experience. So before you leave them home alone, you have to teach them about home security.

How To Use The Security System

If you have a security system installed, it is important for your child to know how to use it. Give them a hands-on demonstration on how to arm and disarm it. Explain what the system does, how it works, and what needs to be done when they get home or leave the house.

Many alarm systems these days can be connected to our smartphones and other mobile devices. Because of that, you also need to teach them how to answer the phone in case the security company calls.

Don't Talk To Strangers

This is one of the first rules of safety that most parents teach their children. You need to tell your children that this rule also applies to anyone who knocks on the door or rings the doorbell when you are not home. Younger kids often open the door quickly without checking to see who it is first.

See to it that they always check the identity of the person on the other side and never open the door to a stranger. Many Princeton security systems also come with doorbell cameras that allow you to see who is at the door without having to open it. They can also send a notification to the parent's device, alerting them to the visitor. You can then communicate with the visitor through the app even when you aren't physically at home.

Locked Windows And Doors

You should emphasize the importance of keeping all windows and doors locked. Open windows and doors provide an intruder easy access into the home. Since children can often be forgetful, you want to remind them to double-check the windows and doors the moment they get home.

Set Boundaries

Next, make sure there are boundaries for when they are home alone. They should have a clear idea of what is off-limits when the parents are gone. Younger and more active children are going to be more prone to injury when left on their own. Teach them how to act responsibly indoors when you are away. For example, tell them they should stay out of the kitchen until you get home.

Stay Home

Finally, see to it that they know once they are home, they need to stay there until you get back. They have to be aware of the many reasons they should not go outside. Discuss different scenarios that could happen if they decide to leave the house before you return.

You should also have a plan in place in case there is an intruder while you are away. For example, tell your children to sneak out of the house and go directly to a trusted neighbor's home.

Ultimately, your security system is going to ease your worries when it comes to leaving your children at home. So talk to the professionals at your local security company in IL today to see what upgrades you can get to ensure your security system is up to par.