Teaching Your Children the Basics of Safety
June 15, 2014A parent’s worst nightmare is knowing their child is in danger. While it is impossible to ensure a child will never be in danger, there are safety basics all children should know that can help protect them in emergency situations.
Here are some safety precautions to talk with your kids about:
1. Home Security
Installing a home security system helps to protect your home from potential burglaries. If you have a home security system, explain to your kids the purpose of the system. Many parents are worried about scaring their children and neglect to talk to them about home security, but it is important for children to be aware of its purpose. Of course, use your discretion about details based on their age.
If looking to find a security system for you home, look for recommendations from friends or do a keyword search like Salinas ADT home security in order to find the best results for your home security needs.
2. Stranger Danger
Teach your children the basics of stranger danger. Kids are extremely perceptive and usually can tell when someone is not who they say are, so teach them how to recognize suspicious behavior in adults.
Emphasize that a child can always ask a stranger for help, specifically an official or someone in charge, but that strangers should not ask kids for help. Also, teach your child that if a stranger asks them to go with them because they are their parents’ friend, they should ignore them, say no, and get away from them as quickly as possible.
3. Drop, Holler, Run
If in a dangerous situation, a child can protect him or herself by mastering the drop, holler, and run technique. If a child feels like they are in danger, or if a stranger tries to grab them, they should drop whatever they are carrying, scream as loudly as possible, and run away from the stranger.
4. Stop, Drop, Roll
The basics of fire safety can save a child’s life. Children often hide in a closet or under the bed in a fire situation, which actually places them in more harm. Teaching them to stop, drop, and roll can save them from hiding in an area a fire fighter might not be able to reach.
5. Emergency Numbers
Leave a list of emergency numbers in an area your children can reach such as on the fridge or in a drawer near the phone. In the event of an emergency, teach children whom to contact.
6. Name, Address, and Phone Number
Even at an early age, help your children memorize their full name, address, and phone number. If they ever need to call 911 or talk to the police, knowing their information can help them if they are in danger.
7. Social Media
Now that social media is apart of most older kids everyday life, be aware of the dangers it can present in your children’s lives. Explain to them to keep personal information to a minimum, and monitor who they are talking to and how much personal information they are giving out.
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