Safety on Social Media: Unlocking Secure Travel Posts
Watch What You Share On Social Media Platforms Safety when posting on social media when going on vacation should always be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Once again, school gets in session and there are many holidays that follow. There is Columbus Day, which has a three-day weekend for some; Thanksgiving; and Christmas, which can have a week or more of vacation. Each one of those holidays is about a month apart and takes a lot of planning. Starting with Columbus Day, many families will take a small three-day vacation to catch their breath from all the hustle and bustle of life. Some might go camping for the last time or just go to a family spa resort for some downtime. Safety on Social Media During the Holidays Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of the biggest holidays where you have families that are traveling to see other families, whether it be in another town or in a different state. As much fun as we have during all three holidays, we have to be careful of what we post on social media. So many people look to social media as a way to communicate to their friends and families. While that is a good idea, it is also a good place for a burglar to grasp that your home is not being protected by another person or remote security monitoring. This is why safety on social media while on vacation is such a major issue. Social Media Tips for Protecting Your Home As a homeowner who loves social media, what can you do to protect your home? Many of us try not to use social media while on vacation so we can have family time. However, we know that doesn’t always work. You can choose not to go online at all. Alternatively, uninstall apps from your smartphone that could show your location. Of course, not bringing your phone at all is impossible, as your phone also helps keep you safe. You can also use your phone to remotely monitor your home security through a special app. Here are some tips to help you out: 1. Go on Vacation Quietly Don’t announce your trip on social media. Many of us like to share when and where we’re going on vacation, but that’s a bad idea. We might want feedback on local activities or events, however, you should still be careful. Safety on social media when you’re away is a top priority for most families. It doesn’t have to ruin your fun if you follow some simple rules. When you and your family are on vacation, don’t post any information or pictures until you get home. If you post on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or others, burglars can use that information to target your home. 2. Stay Safe On Social Media When Going On Vacation If you must post on social media, consider who sees your accounts. Then, secure your profile. Smartphones have GPS trackers, so if you have yours on, turn it off. You usually find this setting under your phone’s location settings. Staying safe on social media during vacation should always be a priority. When your mail piles up for a week, your home becomes a target. This shows everyone no one is home to get the mail. You can ask the post office to hold your mail. Also, tell your newspaper to stop delivery for the week you’re away. If you don’t want to do this, make sure a friend, neighbor, or family member gets your mail daily. You may also want to put your lights on a timer. And, ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to watch your home. If you know anyone trustworthy who will house sit, that would be excellent. 3. Don’t Post at All or Overpost Don’t check in to any location on your Facebook or Instagram. If you don’t want that to happen, you need to turn the location GPS off so it doesn’t automatically locate you. Plus, you don’t have to post every picture that you take while you are on vacation. Save all your photos and post the best ones when you get home. The more you upload to your accounts, the more you are leading a burglar to know that you are away. These are all great ways to stay safe on social media when going on vacation. The less you say, the more you and your home are staying safe. 4. Contact Your Security Company When you and your family are going to be away from home for an extensive period of time, contact your security company. If there is any unusual activity that comes through to your security company, they will get in contact with you and you can verify that it is someone that you know at your home. 5. Opt for Remote Security Monitoring You are going to feel a lot better if you can keep an eye on your home while you’re away. You can keep track of your security system and even video surveillance through your smartphone on vacation so that you know everything is okay. As we start planning our upcoming holiday vacations, let’s take a few minutes to think about what we want to come home to. We could either come home to a place that was well-kept and watched over by someone that is responsible or we could come home to our place being broken into. It all leads to what you post on social media. Staying safe on social media when going on vacation, is something many of us don’t think that what we post on the internet through our Facebook or Instagram accounts is going to affect us later. Some individuals will get lucky to not have their home broken into, but others won’t be that fortunate. Safety on social media when on vacation is an area that takes little time and effort, but has great value to protect your home. Protect Your Rochester, Syracuse, or Buffalo
What Can Security Cameras See?
The Answer Isn’t As Simple As You Might Think We live in a time where home security is everything. With the high number of break-ins that have been occurring all over the country while homeowners have been at work, vacation, or simply running a few errands, it is important to make sure the home is secure. Security cameras can help protect your home or business. Some homeowners experience break-ins while at home, and this creates a very scary experience. Imagine watching television or sleeping, and then suddenly meeting a burglar. Nothing ever feels the same after such an event. If a break-in occurs, a security system alarm can scare them off before they get any further. Most of the time, the alarm’s presence deters a burglar. They look for homes without security systems. Specifically, they seek homes without security cameras. Benefits of Home Security Cameras There are a number of benefits to home security cameras that you should be aware of. They are: They keep the bad guys away – Just the sight of an outdoor security camera will help keep the home from being a target. There is a good chance that a burglar will case a home before they rob it. If a camera is spotted, they will most likely have a change of heart, if you want to call it that. Evidence – Home security cameras record footage that can be used as evidence to help the police capture the burglar. The footage can also be used to recover the stolen items. Keep track of family – You can access your cameras remotely so that you can keep an eye on your kids or any elderly relatives that are in the home. Check in on Fido – If you have pets in the house, remotely accessing your cameras is a great way to see how your pets are doing. Dogs, especially, can get into some mischief. You can see exactly how your pet passes their time. Save money on homeowner’s insurance – When there are cameras present in and around the home, your insurance company will love it. It is possible to save 15% or 20% on your insurance rates just by taking this step to deter theft. Peace of mind – You get the peace of mind that you and your family will be safe and that you have a lesser chance of having to track down your belongings. As you can see, there are many benefits to having home security cameras in and around your home. The Legalities of Recording People Of course, you have the right to record people who come onto your property. Clearly visible video cameras strengthen this right. This tells people they are being recorded. If they don’t want to be on video, then they shouldn’t step foot on your property. Regarding audio, some states require both parties’ consent before you record someone speaking. Fortunately, New York is not one of those states. This means the camera’s presence alone is enough. Of course, placing a camera in a bathroom will create legal problems, but no one who wants to secure their home would ask a security company to do that anyway. You can place cameras around your home’s exterior doors and in areas like the kids’ playroom, living room, and inside entryways. This way, if an intruder comes in, you can record them entering your home from the inside. Naturally, SPS Fire & Security will advise you on what you can and cannot do, and where to best place your home security cameras. What Exactly Can Security Cameras See? High-definition video is important because you want the clearest picture possible. You’ve probably seen grainy video footage from convenience stores and banks on the news. However, the higher the camera quality, the better the footage. Nonetheless, a camera can see who enters and leaves your home. It shows what they hold in their hands, people who come to your door and knock, and even license plate numbers if you point the camera where people park in front of your home. Your camera can record a burglar’s face, what they take out of your home, the car they drive, and even its license plate number. Turn to SPS Fire & Security for Protection with Security Cameras SPS Fire & Security integrates state-of-the-art technology into your home or business so that you are protected. We serve homes and businesses in the Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo areas of New York. To learn more about how we can help you, call us at 585-770-0348 for a free consultation.
You’ve Had a Break In, Now What?
Protect Yourself from Future Break-Ins Now that you’ve had a break-in, what are your options? You could continue as you are and ignore extra safety steps. Alternatively, you can contact your local security company to get a security alarm and better protect your home. If you still believe your dog will protect your house after a break-in, you might be putting yourself at risk. After a break-in, many people ask themselves several questions: Where did the burglar get in? What did they steal? Why did they choose our house? What made them pick us? Then, they consider other options. A burglar might have broken in through easy-to-reach windows, like those in a downstairs bathroom or bedroom, or a sliding glass door. In that case, you could install security sensors or check your window and door locks for damage. Furthermore, hundreds of people live in communities with low burglary rates. Because of this, many residents don’t feel they need to lock their home or car doors. However, even one home burglary in your community should tell you to start protecting your home. How Are You Going To Protect Your Home Now That You Have Had A Break In? The main questions now that your property has been the victim, is what are you going to do to protect you and your family? Are you going to continue to live in the world where you think that you are ok to do exactly what you did before all this happened? Or are you going to step up your game for the next time that a burglar decides that your home is once again their target? Are you going to invest in a security system that has all the protection you need, such as sensors for your windows and doors, video surveillance, motion detectors, and better locks for your doors? Those are all of the things that you need to think about. Costs If you think security alarms are too costly, consider how much you spend on your dog’s vet visits. You could invest that same amount into your home’s safety. When you look for the right system for your home, the best approach is to have a technician visit your property. They can discuss your needs and costs. You can start small, and then add more protection for your family and home as you feel you need it. If you have kids, you should definitely protect your home when they are there. Your children are a blessing, and you never want anything bad to happen to them. So, when your children get off the bus and can stay home alone for a bit, as a parent, you want to protect them and, at the same time, know what they’re doing. You can get video surveillance or sensors that monitor when your kids get home and when they lock the front door. Having an alarm when your kids are home is always a good idea, especially if someone has ever broken into your home. Your kids might not feel safe alone anymore if that has happened, but knowing an alarm protects them will make it easier. And here is something else to think about: Was your home broken into because you were a good target through a friend or a kid’s friend? Many times a burglar is someone that is in contact with a person that knows you or your family. Perhaps you have expensive jewelry, such as a wedding ring or another piece of jewelry, that is of value to you. Perhaps you had to do the dishes and set your rings aside. If you forget to put them back on, they are now sitting in your home. How would you feel if your valuable wedding ring that your spouse gave you on your special wedding day was stolen? It would be devastating. Do you lock up jewelry you aren’t wearing? Even if you do, there is still the potential that your jewelry and any other valuables could be stolen. What Is Your Next Step to Protect Your Home? 1. Contact A Security Company Set up an appointment for a technician to come take a look at your home. The technician will talk about the different packages they offer. Explain to them what has happened to you and your home. They will talk with you about the equipment and what best suits you. 2. How Much Are You Willing to Invest in Your Home? What you invest in your home says a lot about how much you are willing to protect your home. The more you put in the more you will be protecting. When choosing a security package for you home, always think about the important things you are trying to protect. 3. Check Locks On Windows and Door Double check all locks on windows and doors. Replace any that are not working properly, especially when you are away from home for any amount of time, lock windows and doors. Never leave a key or code in any hidden place outside the house for someone to see. Don’t even do it if it is for your kids. If they cannot remember the code for the system or the home key, chances are they aren’t mature or responsible enough to stay home alone. 4. Once The Alarm Is in, Monitor Daily Activity Monitoring daily activity through your new alarm system will give you a good idea of whether or not you have purchased enough protection. You can monitor the activity through the alarm company website on the computer or through the alarm company app on your smart phone. Whatever you decide as far as protecting your home, be smart about it. Don’t think that doing nothing will keep you safe, especially since you have been burglarized. Make the investment that can and could change not only your life but your family’s life, too.
Avoid these 10 Common Home Security Mistakes
Could Your Security Be Compromised by Making Too Many Home Security Mistakes? You want to ensure your home is as safe as possible because any home can be burglarized at any time. Even if you’re not home when it happens, a burglary can shatter your sense of security. When your sense of security is compromised, it is nearly impossible to feel safe in your home. That’s why it’s good to have a security service outfit your home with a system that suits your needs, such as protection against intruders, fire, and carbon monoxide. In the meantime, there are some common home security mistakes to avoid. Be Vigilant and Avoid These Home Security Mistakes You must stay watchful always when it comes to your home security. You should feel safe at home, not like anyone can walk through your door at any time and threaten your family or belongings. Below are 10 common home security mistakes to avoid: 1. Don’t Hide Your House Key Under a Doormat Even amateur burglars check under doormats or rocks near your door. They may even look in potted plants. If you need someone to come into your home while you’re away, coordinate with them beforehand or leave a key with a trusted neighbor. 2. Put Away That Ladder If you leave a ladder outside, you almost invite someone to use it to break into a second-story window. Make sure the ladder is in your garage, and lock upstairs windows. 3, Use Strong Locks Don’t put cheap locks on your windows and doors. Choose heavy-duty ones. Many burglars know how to break standard locks, so you want to make breakage as difficult as possible. Even with a home security system, you don’t want to make breaking in too easy. 4. Always Lock Your Doors Forgetting to lock doors or set your alarm system can leave your home open. People most often forget to lock the garage door. It’s also one of the easiest spots for a burglar to break into. All it takes is a wire coat hanger and an emergency release lever within reach. You can lock your garage door with a key lock or install a Gaplock. 5. Don’t Just Rely on Your Dog A dog that barks when someone unfamiliar is around your home is great. If the dog sounds loud and vicious, it can scare off an intruder. Nonetheless, you should still have an alarm system and lock your doors. While your dog can sound very intimidating, they usually don’t attack people, so this means your dog most likely won’t stop the intruder. 6. Avoid Fake Surveillance Cameras Dummy cameras can look real, but they aren’t. Even battery-operated cameras with a light might not deter a burglar. Experienced burglars can usually tell the difference between fake and real video surveillance. Fortunately, you can buy real security cameras that you can access remotely from your smartphone. This lets you track what’s happening. Plus, burglars think twice. 7. Ensure Good Outdoor Lighting Dark areas create great hiding places. Not having enough lighting can make it easy for a burglar to watch your house or hide where no one can see them, just waiting for a chance to go inside. 8. Don’t Leave Empty Item Boxes Outside Christmas is a prime time when empty boxes of expensive items end up in outside trash. Burglars see this, and it tells them you have expensive items in your house worth stealing. They will take the items, then pawn or sell them. If possible, keep the boxes inside until you can break them downand put them in trash bags or take them to a closed dumpster. 9. Don’t Post on Social Media That You Will Be Gone It can be fun to share your beach pictures while you’re there, but it’s not a good idea. Even if you think your Facebook posts are secure and your friends list seems trustworthy, you never know who will decide to take the opportunity to break into your home and take your belongings. 10. Don’t Leave No or Only One Light On While Away Some people leave no lights on while they’re gone. Others leave only one on. A burglar who might be casing a home with one light will notice that same light stays on all the time. This is a clear sign no one is home. Put lights on a digital timer or operate them remotely. This allows you to make sure different lights are on every night. Keep Your Family Safe by Avoiding the Common Home Security Mistakes So here you have 10 common home security mistakes that you can avoid so that your home can be as safe as possible for you and your family.
A Security Alarm vs. Man’s Best Friend
Monitored Alarms vs. Dogs Take a look at the picture above. How well do you think the dog in lying in the garden is going to save that house? Chances are that that homeowner’s best friend isn’t going to hurt a fly. The chances of a dog protecting your house are slim. Many burglars that know there is going to be a dog on the property they are invading will do their research beforehand. The top three things a burglar will do before making your home the target are: drive by a number of times in a week or month to figure out what times you will be gone and for how long; figure out if there is a security alarm and, if so, where the electrical box is; and to see if your family has a dog. If there is a dog on the property, chances are the intruder is going to bring a bone or piece of meat to distract your furry friend. Top Five Reason Your Dog Is Not The Best Security System Here are the top five reasons why your dog doesn’t make the best security alarm: 1. Family Dog To Watch Dog If you are teaching your dog to protect your house, that’s great. At the same time, you could be gearing yourself up for a lawsuit. Your dog might scare off a child, but do you think it is going to scare off a burglar? Maybe not. Is it going to scare off someone who is welcome on the property, such as the mailman, UPS delivery guy or a police officer? Sure, it could at the worst time and harm a non-intruder. When that happens, you could face a major lawsuit against you. Is that something you are willing to risk? Choose wisely and make the decision to get a security alarm so the family pet can remain the family pet. 2. Dogs Need Outings Like People Your dog won’t work as an alarm if they aren’t present all the time. When your family goes on vacation and takes the family dog, that leaves your home unprotected. Your dog needs to be taken for walks and definitely likes to go for car rides. Once again, your home becomes unprotected in terms of your dog being used as a watchdog. When you have a security alarm, you are contacted by the security company if something happens while you’re away. If you feel the need, like most homeowners do, you can use your electronic devices, such as your Smartphone, to check on your home. 3. Your Dog Doesn’t Provide Camera Surveillance How does your dog tell you that one of your children’s friends stole an expensive piece of jewelry off of your night stand? The dog doesn’t. By having camera surveillance through your security alarm company, you are able to monitor your kids and your home from anywhere you are such as work, running errands, etc. If there is activity on your property and it sets the alarm off, your alarm company and the proper authorities will be contacted. If it happens at a specific time and you know that one of your kids or even a neighbor is in the home with your permission and they trigger the alarm, you can check the video and call the alarm company to let them know it was a false alarm. 4. Your Dog Gets Injured or Stolen by the Intruder When a burglar breaks into your home, they don’t want to be bothered by your dog. If your furry friend is going to be a problem for the intruder to get in and out fast, chances are they might injure your dog. If the person who is robbing your house has any knowledge of what full breed dogs are worth, they might steal the dog and try to sell it. The protection of your dog is another reason why having a security alarm is great, especially the video surveillance cameras to capture the face of the burglar if they aren’t wearing a mask. The triggering of the alarm also immediately gets the authorities involved and the video footage can be used to capture the thief. 5. Your Security Alarm Gives You a Break on Homeowner’s Insurance By having the alarm system you could be saving 5-10% on your homeowners insurance. Who doesn’t like to save money? Dog or Security Alarm? If all this talk about security alarms hasn’t convinced you, ask a professional. As pet owners, it’s important to treat our furry friends as a bigger part of the family. If anything were to happen to your dog that you could have prevented, you would feel regretful about not getting the security alarm. Security alarms not only protect your dogs and family, but also protect your home from fires, floods, carbon monoxide, and many other home-related incidents. Don’t put off calling your security company, make the decision today. Call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348 to learn about your home alarm options.
Top 10 Reasons to have a Home Security System
Every Reason Why You Should Have a Home Alarm The expense of having a home security system installed can be well worth it because not having one could cost you and your family a lot more than just money. Even if you feel that your home is not at risk of being robbed, anything can happen at any time. Those that have experienced home intrusions, whether they have been home or not, never expected it to happen. Even when not present at the time of the intrusion, their sense of safety is forever compromised. So if you don’t have an alarm system or you need to upgrade your existing system, now is a good time. Below, we explain the top 10 reasons why. 1. Protect Your Family and Home from Intruders An intruder can come into your home at any time. They may think that no one is home only to find that someone is. This can be a very frightening experience. Imagine walking downstairs for a middle of the night drink of water to find a stranger in your kitchen. Unfortunately, people have been hurt by intruders in these cases and it is a very frightening experience. A home that doesn’t have a security system is 2.7 times more likely to be targeted by thieves. The simple presence of an alarm system can be a deterrent. Even if a burglar breaks in anyway, the alarm system gives the occupants enough time to get to a safe location. Most of the time, the sounding of the alarm runs the burglar off before they can do any additional damage or cause anyone inside the home any harm. 2. Protection from Fire and Carbon Monoxide Fires can happen at any time and so can the release of carbon monoxide if you have anything in your home that uses gas as a fuel source. Home alarm systems have built-in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors that warn the family if there is danger. But not only does your home alarm system serve as an early warning system of fire, but the fire department can be notified as well so that they can arrive at the home as soon as possible. This is the primary difference between your typical smoke detector and the smoke detector built into the alarm system – a typical smoke detector can’t signal authorities of a problem. As for carbon monoxide, it is possible for the problem to build over time and it is toxic to humans. This odorless and invisible gas can’t hide from a good carbon monoxide detector. When you are made aware that this poisonous gas is being released in your home, you can find the source and put a stop to it before the problem becomes deadly. 3. Give You and Your Family Peace of Mind With a home security system in place, you have peace of mind that you, your family, and your home will be safe. You know that your family can be protected while inside the home, that you will be properly warned if there is a fire in the home, and that you will be aware if carbon monoxide is being released. Your home is supposed to be a safe place, so it is important to ensure it is exactly that. 4. Your Valuables Are Protected This goes hand-in-hand with the home being protected from intruders. However, it goes much deeper than that. Having a home security system means not having to track down valuables. Unfortunately, many thieves will take electronics and other valuables and sell them to individuals or pawn shops. These stolen possessions can be very difficult to get back even with the help of law enforcement. 5. External Monitoring External monitoring means that you have someone else watching your home 24/7. If you have to go out of town on vacation or business, you don’t have to worry about your house not being watched. The monitoring service keeps track of what is happening and will ensure emergency services are dispatched to the home if there is a problem. You will also be notified. 6. Save Money on Homeowner’s Insurance Insurance companies love it when a home has a security system. Because the security system reduces the chances of property damage or theft, you get a discount. This discount offsets some of the cost of the home alarm system. 7. Fast Medical Assistance If you need medical assistance immediately, the alarm system has a button on it that you can push so that emergency services are notified. This can be much faster than having to make a call, especially when unable to dial or stay on the phone with 911. While this function is ideal for anyone, it is especially beneficial to the elderly or anyone with disabilities or illnesses. 8. Increase Home Value A home with a home security system is going to be worth more than it would be without one. It is also beneficial to have as many people are coming in and out of the home during the selling process. You never know when one of them may be walking through the house simply to case it. If they see the alarm system, they are most likely to take it off of their target list. 9. There are Options There are different options that you can add to a home security system. Those options include outside cameras that allow you to see what is happening outside, remote monitoring so you can see what is going on at home when you aren’t there, and even power management by being able to control thermostats and lights when you’re away. If you forget to lock the door before you leave, you can do it from wherever you are. 10. Ease of Use A home security system is also easy to use, giving you a simple way to keep your home safer. It is amazing how this one system can make a significant difference in how safe you feel
Back to School Bus Safety: Ultimate Tips for a Safe Journey
Keep Your Kids Safe All Year Believe it or not, school buses are the safest way for children to get to and from school. Each year, the bus drivers are required to give school bus safety drills for knowing how to get on or off the bus and the proper behavior during the bus ride. This is an important security measure because what makes the bus unsafe is when your child(ren) or other children on the bus are not following the safety rules for getting on and off the bus or how they are supposed to behave during the ride. As kids get ready to wait for the bus they get excited because their friends that might not be in their class at school are on the bus. Upon the bus arriving to the house, there are many school bus safety tips that the children should know. It is very important to follow the rules to avoid any traffic-related accidents with the school bus or injuries that might happen while on the bus. Bus Safety: Practice Makes Perfect Young children might not understand bus rules. These rules differ from family car rules. However, you can help! Practice school bus rules in your car. This helps your kids learn what to expect for school. Waiting for the School Bus: Safety Tips Many kids wait for the bus in their driveway. Some go to a bus stop. No matter where they wait, the same safety tips apply. When waiting, children should not stand near the road. When you see the bus coming, they should not rush. Instead, they must wait for it to stop fully. Once the bus stops and doors open, children should get on. They must use the handrail on the left. If more than one child gets on, don’t push or shove. How Children Should Behave on the Bus Children on the bus must respect safety rules. These rules keep them safe. No parent wants a call about an injury. If a child gets hurt, they should tell the bus driver right away. Once on the bus, children should find a seat fast. They should look for an empty seat or one with just one person. For safety, two people per seat is good. Three is the most allowed. More than three can be dangerous. If your child sits in a seat and a friend is nearby, they should not yell. Instead, they should talk quietly, like in a classroom. To avoid injuries, children should not stand in the aisle. Their backpacks should not be in the aisle either. Sometimes, kids bring instruments or sports gear. If this happens, they should find an empty seat for both themselves and their large items. When your child reaches school or home, they must stay seated until the bus stops completely. Once it stops, children can carefully and quickly grab their things. They should then walk to the front in a single line. At the bus stairs, they should use the handrail on their right. You never know if stairs are slippery or wet. Outside the School Bus: Safety Tips After your child gets off the bus safely at their stop, never do a few things. These tips keep all children safe. First, if your child forgets something on the bus, they must never turn around. They should not walk back to the bus. The child should go straight to a parent at home. If it’s homework, the parent can call the bus garage. They can get the item. Otherwise, it can wait until the next school day. Bus drivers walk through the bus to clean it. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, the driver will tell them how far to stand. Often, a driver will say to walk to the mailbox. Other times, if no mailbox is there, the child should stand ten steps from the front of the bus. Once your child stands at the crossing spot, they need to look both ways (left, right, then left again). They must make eye contact with the bus driver. The driver will give a special hand signal to cross. If the driver waits a bit longer to let you cross, don’t cross on your own. The driver might see a car you don’t. Or, something inside the bus might distract the driver. No matter your age, or if the driver doesn’t know you need to cross, never cross behind the bus. That is completely unsafe for everyone. In Conclusion Knowing your bus rules makes riding any bus easier. Following inside and outside bus rules can stop many injuries. It also helps drivers get kids home safely. Be smart on the bus, and don’t play around.
Take the Fear Out of the Kids Walking Home
Peace of Mind by Keeping Your Kids Safe Keeping your kids safe is always a top priority. The first day of school brings mixed feelings; safety often worries you. Everyone wakes up early, rushing to beat the morning bell. Yet, once the chaos ends, everything settles into a routine. This continues most weekdays until spring arrives, and everyone is ready for summer break. By the end of summer, however, everyone wants to go back to school and start the routine again. It’s almost like a common form of insanity. Every year, parents and kids hope to do things better than the year before. Ultimately, keeping your kids safe means everything. One thing that should never change, unless for the sake of improving, is teaching and reminding your children about staying safe on their way home from school. If you are a parent who allows your children to walk home or they have to walk home from a bus stop, it is imperative to teach them how they can keep themselves safe. Even if they ride home with a friend or they have to come home to an empty house, equipping them with the proper knowledge keeps them safe and brings you peace of mind. Kids Home Alone? Learn how to Keep them Safe. Being Realistic about Safety We all know the world isn’t always kind. So, teach your kids safety tips that make them aware of danger without scaring them. You don’t have to tell them about abductions or injuries. Instead, simply let them know that some people aren’t nice. If a stranger comes up to your child or tries to pick them up, your child should know something is terribly wrong. Therefore, the buddy system is important. If a child can’t walk home with a friend or neighbor, then enroll them in an after-school program. Alternatively, have a family member or friend pick them up from school. It’s better to be realistic than to worry and just hope nothing bad happens. After School Safety Tips The following are after school safety tips based on the different after school scenarios. These tips will help you make informed decisions about your child’s safety and also give you the tools to effectively talk to them about what they should or shouldn’t do when coming home after school. 1. School Pickup Your child will most likely exit the school to find you in the curbside pickup line or parking lot. If you won’t pick up your child that day, tell them who will be there. If someone other than the designated person tries to pick them up, create a plan. That plan can involve your child calling you to check if the person should be there. Alternatively, your child can go to the school’s office; it’s a safe place. Once in the office, someone can call you or another “safe adult” you’ve chosen. Also, tell your child and anyone picking them up the exact parking spot, if possible. Agree on a meeting time. That way, if your child isn’t at the car by the agreed time, you know something could be wrong. 2. Walking Home If your child needs to walk home from school or a bus stop, work with your child to determine a route so that you know that route. Explain to them that they should never take shortcuts because they could get lost or you could have difficulty finding them in an emergency. Walk the route with your child to show them safe areas along the way. Teach them about crosswalks and watching for uneven sidewalks. If you know anyone who lives along the route, make sure your child knows which house is theirs in case they need to go to them for help. However, while someone may live along the route, that doesn’t mean that person would be home during an emergency. This is why the buddy system, mentioned earlier, is important. It is ideal that a child never walk alone. If other kids in the neighborhood are also walking home, they should all walk together. 3. Home Alone Around the ages of 11 and 12, children can usually start staying home alone after school. This isn’t something that needs to be made public knowledge. Your child should have a key to the house, but it shouldn’t have any identifying information on it such as a “house key” label. If they lose the key, you don’t want a stranger coming to the home and using it to get in. All doors and windows should be locked, the child should know how to set the alarm system, emergency contact information should be in prominent locations, and children shouldn’t answer the door or phone. If answering the phone is necessary, your child should be instructed to say you are “busy” and that you will call them back. Trusted neighbors should know when your child is going to be home alone and for how long. Additional Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe Other things that you should know about keeping your kids safe include: Don’t write your child’s address on or in their backpack, lunchbox, or on their notebooks. If they would lose one of these items, a criminal could obtain the information. A criminal can also use this information to pretend like they know your child and lure them. Instruct your child to not get into vehicles with people they don’t know. Even if it is to get a ride home with a friend, your child may not know the parent. If they don’t know the parent, you probably don’t either. While walking home from school with a friend is fun, the route may be different and you may not know it in case you have to track your child down. Make sure your child tells you well in advance that they want to walk home with a friend so that you can see the route and so you can make sure your child will be safe at their friend’s