As a parent, your main priority is your child’s safety. One of the best ways to keep your children safe is to teach them basic child safety rules and procedures. Taking the time to inform your child about the basics of personal safety will help them be better prepared in the event of an emergency.
While many aspects of personal safety might seem obvious to you, they may not to your child. Below are safety rules and procedures that every child should know.
Using an Emergency List
In every household, there should be a list of emergency numbers. Numbers should include 911, and contact information for trusted family members and friends. Inform your children when these numbers might be necessary and where to find them. The refrigerator is a good place to put an emergency contact list.
Knowing Contact Information
Your children should know and memorize basic contact information as soon as they are able. This information includes their full name, home address and their parents’ names and phone numbers. This information can be extremely useful, especially if they ever find themselves lost.
Operating a Security System
If your child is old enough and responsible enough, explain to them the importance of the security system and what it is used for. Teach your children what to do when the alarm goes off, both in the case of an accident and an actual emergency.
Remembering Stranger Safety
The basics of stranger safety are extremely important. Tell your child not talk to strangers or take anything from someone they don’t know. If your child walks home from school, remind them never to go anywhere with a stranger. Explain to your children to never open the door for anyone, especially for strangers, when you are not home.
Keeping Away from Medicine
Until they reach a certain age, your children should not be going into the medicine cabinet. If they need something, they need to ask an adult to get it and administer the proper dosage. If you have younger kids, consider getting a lock for the medicine cabinet.
Understanding Fire Safety
Don’t let your child play with fire, and always watch them around an open flame like a candle. Explain the dangers of fire and why it’s never okay to play with fire. You can also take the opportunity to also go over your family’s evacuation plan in the event of a fire.
Crossing the Road
Lastly, teach your children to cross the road correctly. This includes looking both ways twice, and using crosswalks. Additionally, tell your children to never play in or alongside the road.
By understanding these basic safety rules, your child will be better prepared in the event of an emergency. Not only will this help keep them safe, but it will also give you peace of mind.
With Sonitrol security systems, you can add an extra layer of protection for your home and loved ones. Learn more about our residential security systems and how Sonitrol can help keep your family safe.
