As September rolls around, a significant shift occurs in many households: kids going back to school. This period marks a return to routine, but it also brings unique home security challenges. With children out of the house for most of the day, homes are often left unattended, making them potential targets for burglars. In this blog, we’ll explore the impacts of kids going back to school on home security and provide actionable steps parents can take to safeguard their homes and families.
The Impact of Back-to-School Season on Home Security
- Increased Vulnerability: With children and parents out of the house for extended periods, homes are more vulnerable to break-ins. Burglars often look for signs that a house is empty, such as an absent car or a lack of daytime activity.
- Lack of Supervision: Older kids or teenagers who come home before parents are sometimes left unsupervised, making them potential targets for intruders. They may forget to lock doors or be unaware of security protocols.
- Routine Predictability: The regularity of school schedules can make it easier for burglars to predict when a house will be empty. This predictability can be exploited by those with nefarious intentions.
Steps to Enhance Home Security when kids are going back to school
- Install a Home Security System: A comprehensive home security system is a fundamental step in protecting your home. Modern systems offer a range of features, including monitoring, pet friendly options and add-ons to make your life easier. Many systems can be monitored remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to keep an eye on your home even when you’re not there. Smart systems can even be controlled remotely.
- Use Cameras: Installing CCTV cameras can deter potential intruders and provide valuable evidence if a break-in occurs. These can be viewed remotely and some offer notifications too.
- Set Up Security Protocols: Teach your kids about the importance of home security. Ensure they know how to lock doors and windows and whom to contact in case of an emergency. Establish a routine where they check the locks and security system as soon as they get home.
- Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Avoid leaving valuable items like laptops, tablets, and jewellry in plain view. Store them in secure places to reduce temptation for would-be burglars.
- Maintain the Appearance of Occupancy: Use timers for lights and electronics to give the impression that someone is home. A well-lit house is less likely to be targeted.
- Neighbourhood Watch: Get involved in or start a neighbourhood watch program. Communities that look out for each other are often safer. Encourage neighbours to report any suspicious activity.
- Secure Entry Points: Reinforce doors and windows with additional locks – check your locks are up to standard and consider additional security in these key areas. It’s also a good idea to educate your teenagers about the importance of locking the door when they get home.
Your Security Systems
Ensure that your security system includes an alarm that will go off if someone tries to break in. The loud noise can scare off intruders and alert neighbours to the situation. A monitored system can even alert you and other keyholders to an activation when you’re away from home. Always switch your alarm on when you go out, and when you go to bed. Make sure your teenagers know how to use the system too. You can create a personal code or order an additional setting fob for them. Its a good idea to give grandparents or anyone else who may be bringing the kids home after school a lesson in your alarm too. Having said that, a lot of our customers had Keybury alarms in their homes growing up and now have on in their own homes. In this case, grandparents will be pros!
Regular maintenance checks on your security system ensure it is functioning correctly. This means batteries will be checked and replaced when needed, and software kept up to date as needed. Keybury maintenance cover also gives you 24 hour emergency support. So if your alarm goes off or is bleeping, we’re on hand to help. And don’t forget to regularly test your smoke & carbon monoxide alarms. This reminds us; make sure your kids know the difference between each alarm. Can they identify the noise of the intruder alarm, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in your home? Knowing which is bleeping can be a life saver.
Conclusion
The back-to-school season should be a time of excitement and new beginnings, not worry and fear. There’s enough for parents to worry about with new schools and new classes and new teachers. Whilst we can’t help your children to settle in, we can reduce other anxieties around home safety and security. Taking proactive steps to enhance your home security helps you to keep your home as a safe haven for your family. Something much needed after a busy day at school!
Planning ahead, investing in a reliable home security system, educating your children about safety protocols, and staying vigilant in your community are all essential measures to protect your home and loved ones. With these strategies in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is secure, even when you’re not there. Want more ideas? Read this blog next.
We are Keybury Fire and Security. It’s our family business to protect your family and your business. We install and maintain CCTV systems and Intruder Alarm systems in homes across Yorkshire and Lancashire. We also install and maintain fire alarms and security systems in business premises across the North of England.
Schedule your free home security survey with us today. Book online or call 0800 458 7486 or email enquiries@keybury.co.uk.