It’s that exciting time of the year for many children and parents as the new school year begins. As a parent myself, I have a “to-do” list that is probably similar to many other parents’ lists. During this time I typically have a frenzy of tasks to complete such as shopping for school supplies, planning after school activities and buying new clothes or shoes for my children. While all of these tasks are important to complete, there is one more important job that should that should also be completed: reviewing back to school safety tips with your child. Here are important things to review with children while preparing them for school:
- Make sure your child understands the school’s rules and safety plan.
- Make sure you child understands how to stay safe while riding the school bus.
- Map the route that your child will use to walk to school.
- Explain that it is important for them to always use the same route, and if they are going to make any changes or stops on the way home, they need to let you know.
- Prepare your child for the possibility of an emergency by having them hold onto a list of important phone numbers, including 9-1-1. Also make sure that they memorize their full home address. Give them a card with important numbers and contacts to carry with them in their backpack as well.
- Develop a set of rules and safety plans that your child should follow if they are home alone after school.
In addition to the above tips, WH Security offers a home automation system called, “Interactive Security Services”. This interactive system includes add-ons where you can control your door locks, thermostat and lights from anywhere you have an Internet connection. Through the use of this home automation system, a user has information about when kids get back from school by receiving alerts when the system is unarmed, doors are unlocked and more. To find out more, or to schedule a free in-home consultation, call a WH Security representative at (763) 477-3664 or visit the Interactive Security Services page. We all have busy lives, but taking the time to make sure children stay safe and are aware of back to school safety tips is critical. I look forward to getting home from work each day and hearing about my children’s day and all the interesting stuff that took place. Without knowing they are safe and secure, this may not always be possible.