DIY Security Systems
Your home is the safest place for your children, but this does not mean that you should not teach your children. As much as you want to be able to monitor your children 24/7, there are just times when accidents can happen.
The most common accidents around the home often involve slips, falls, and choking on toys. Other common accidents are knife-related injuries, burns, and ingesting of poisonous substances. After accidents, the most important thing to teach your children is home safety instructions on how to interact with strangers. Here are some simple guidelines that you can follow to help teach your children about safety rules at home.
What Are the Safety Rules at Home?
Here are some of the few but essential answers to the question, “What are the safety rules at home for children?”
The Emergency Contact List
Communication is essential in today’s world, and every child in your home must be taught how to use a telephone regardless of age. It is an essential part of what the safety rules at home are.
In the USA, it is easy to remember the main emergency number “911”. However, it is not merely enough to have your children memorize this number; they should also know how to properly speak to an operator so that the 911 operator can send them the help that they need.
Aside from knowing the 911 emergency number, you should also have a list of emergency contacts such as the local police department, fire department, paramedics, and trusted family friends in a visible and easily accessible place.
Knowing emergency numbers is not enough. Your children must also know how to identify dangerous situations and the proper emergency personnel to contact. One effective way to teach your children how to identify these situations is through role-playing. You can also use these role-playing sessions to teach your child how to state their name and complete address properly.
Operating a Security System
If your home has a security system installed, it is important to teach your children how to properly operate the system, such as how to activate it when they come home from school or deactivate a false alarm. Many home security systems also come with a panic button that will alert local authorities.
It can be stressful and scary for children when a home security alarm goes off, and they are alone. This is why it is important to take them away from how the security system works in your home.
Stranger Danger is Still Important
“Stranger danger” is an idea that has been taught to countless generations of children, and in today’s ever-connected world, teaching your children how to recognize and interact with children safely is more critical than ever.
If you shop online regularly, you probably have delivery personnel who visit your home. Of course, there are always the “usual” strangers, such as door-to-door salesmen, missionaries, and even the occasional person who is looking for directions.
It is critical that you teach your children never to let strangers inside your home, no matter how friendly or familiar they seem. If they are alone in the home, they should not open the door even to people that they know. You can install security cameras or door cameras so that your children can see who is at the door without having to open it.
Know the Family Escape Plan
If you have a family escape plan for times of disaster, every member of your family should be aware of this plan. There are two crucial parts to your family’s escape plan: how to get out of your home as quickly as possible and where your family should meet in case you are not together during the emergency.
Draw up a diagram of your home and walk your children through the quickest and safest escape routes. It will help if you explain why you chose these particular paths through your home to help them remember these routes.
For example, if there is an earthquake, your child will need to go through the path without any heavy furniture topple over. In case of fires, however, the quickest path away from the fire and going outside is the best.
Water Safety Practices
The safety rules at home when it comes to water covers two areas: bathrooms and pools, and water and electricity safety.
After accidental slips and falls, drowning is the most common form of water-related accidents in the household. Children can drown in a bathtub or pool even if there are only a few inches of water, which is why you should always supervise children under six when they are swimming or taking a bath.
Water and electricity never mix, so you should teach your children how to handle electronics and appliances from a young age properly. Even something as simple as never plugging anything into an electric socket while your hands are wet should be taught and repeated as often as possible.
Off-Limit Places
To make your home as safe as possible, you should relegate certain areas in your home as off-limits to your children. These areas are high-risk when it comes to accidents, so your children should never be allowed in these areas without supervision.
High Furniture
Children love to jump in, on, and around high furniture, but one misstep can lead to serious accidents.
Stoves
It’s great to have your child want to learn how to cook at an early age, but you should always be there in the kitchen. They should never operate your stove, oven, or any kitchen appliance without adult supervision.
Medicine Cabinets
Most medication is not intended for children, and ingestion will lead to poisoning. Medicine cabinets should be kept out of reach, and they should be locked.
Conclusion
Now we’ve answered the question, “What are the safety rules at home for children?” Your children must understand the reasoning behind these rules. Understanding the reason makes it easier for the children to accept and remember these rules.
Don’t be discouraged if your children forget or question these rules during the first few times; being patient with them and walking them through these rules will further show your children how important it is to follow them.