Back-to-School Safety Rules at Home for Kids and Parents

Home Safety Rules When No Ones In

As your children return to school, it's natural to feel excitement and concern. While you're thrilled to see them embark on a new academic year, you may also worry about the potential risks an empty home may face.

At PhoneWatch, we understand the importance of protecting your family during this time. Our monitored alarm systems offer comprehensive security solutions that can give you peace of mind and offer key back to school safety.

After School Home Safety Tips for Kids

• 24/7 Protection: Our professionally monitored systems are always on guard, even when you're not home. In the event of a break-in or emergency, our trained operators will immediately notify you and contact the authorities.
• Customisable Solutions: We offer a range of alarm systems to suit your specific needs and budget. From basic protection to advanced features like smart home integration, indoor security cameras, and outdoor security cameras. All which help set vital safety rules at home for optimum house safety for kids.
• Expert Installation: Our skilled technicians will install your alarm system efficiently and securely, ensuring optimal performance.
• Reliable Support: Our dedicated customer support team is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns.

Family-Friendly Home Safety Features with PhoneWatch

• Door and Window Sensors: Our door and window shock sensors detect unauthorized entry into your home.
• Motion detectors: Our Camera Motion Detectors alert our Alarm Receiving Centre team if any movement is identified inside your home when your alarm is armed, and sends images for us to review and if necessary dispatch the Gardaí.
• Smoke Alarms: Our smoke alarm detects smoke and alert you of potential fires. It’s monitored 24/7, even when your alarm is off.
• Alarm fobs: Allow you to easily arm and disarm your system without needing to enter a code. Our alarm fobs are handy to give to your children or child minders. These are ideal to incorporate into your back-to-school safety plans, and give your kids alarm fobs and teach team how to use it.
• Smart Home Integration: Control your alarm system, lights, and other devices remotely using your smartphone or tablet on the PhoneWatch App. Also use our PhoneWatch doorbell for extra home security. 

Additional Burglary Prevention Tips

Don't Advertise Absence 

Don’t broadcast your plans on social media especially if your social media profiles are public. It can be tempting to give back to school updates but back to school safety is the priority. Little notifications like “Just dropping the kids to school” can provide potential burglars with vital information about your schedule and routine. They will then know when your home is likely to be unoccupied. 

Teach your kids about internet safety

Ensure your kids are also using the internet safely and not disclosing information that could compromise your home security. Preventing your kids from oversharing on social media may be difficult but the first step is having a conversation on the importance of not sharing too much information online and embedding it into safety rules at home. In order to constantly reminder you children of the potential risk scenarios online. 

Stranger Safety

Review guidelines with your child about interacting with strangers, even when they're at home. Burglars can use information shared online to target your home. 

Arm your alarm

It’s important to have your house alarm armed even when you are home. If you do not have a house alarm, you should consider getting one. PhoneWatch, as Ireland’s most popular house alarm, have conducted research which found that homes with a monitored alarm are 4 times less likely to experience a break in. Children home safety is every parent’s priority, so ensure your children know how to use your alarm in case of an emergency, especially the panic modes that alert the Alarm Receiving Centre.

Use timers for lights

Use timers to turn on lights, TVs, or radios at different times throughout the day. This can create the illusion that someone is home. Which is convenient when you’re leaving your home to collect and drop off the kids to school. A handy home safety tip is to use your alarm app to schedule lights and appliance to turn on and off. PhoneWatch’s app has this beneficial feature.

Keep valuables out of sight

Ensure expensive items such as computers, tablets, phones, or jewellery are out of sight or stored in safes or other inconspicuous and secure locations. Also be mindful of where you store your car keys at night, so they are not easily retrieved during a break-in. 

Additional Fire Safety Tips

Have a fire escape plan 

When you’re reviewing back to school safety, fire safety should also be taken into consideration. Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family, designating meeting points outside the home. 

Do not leave appliances plugged in

Ensure all appliances are not left on prior to leaving your home. A safety rule at home could be to try to encourage your kids not to leave items plugged in when not in use and always to double check nothing is left on prior to leaving for school. 

Have home alone rules for kids

If your child is old enough to stay home alone when they return from school, establish clear guidelines and set home safety tips for them to action, including not opening the door to strangers and using kitchen appliances responsibly. Teach your child about electrical safety, including not overloading outlets and cords and not playing with electrical appliances. 

Consider smart home technology

Use smart home technology like PhoneWatch’s smart plugs, which can connect with your home alarm to remotely control lights, thermostats, and security systems, giving the appearance that someone is home. 

Keep your kids' toys organized

Toys are often made from highly flammable materials. Be sure that children know to always keep all toys away from fires or heaters. Make sure older kids know not to leave electric scooters plugged in while nobody is home. 

Do not leave candles unattended

As the nights get darker, always keep a close eye on candles and ensure they are turned off when you are not home. 

Childproofing Your Home: Simple Steps for Safety

Creating a secure environment for your children starts with understanding and implementing basic safety rules at home. From installing safety gates and outlet covers to securing furniture and storing hazardous items out of reach, these simple steps can make a big difference in preventing accidents. Prioritizing children home safety means being proactive, regularly checking for potential hazards and educating your children about safe behaviour. Whether it's locking cabinets, using corner protectors, or ensuring windows are childproof, every measure contributes to a safer, more comfortable home for your family. Having a monitored alarm system and teaching your children how to arm and disarm the alarm if they are old enough, can be a great advantage and a key part of back-to-school safety. Therefore, your child can disarm the alarm when they come home from school and partially are it, so that they can freely walk around your home but still be protected from any possible break-in attempts.

Contact Us Today

Don't wait until it's too late. Contact PhoneWatch today for a free consultation and learn how our home security solutions can protect your family and give you peace of mind. Which is important as the school year begins again, and families establish back to school tips.

Marguerite Cotter, Marketing Director of PhoneWatch, said “Back to school is a busy time for many of us.  The school run is an opportune time for burglars to target your home. Remember burglars are savvy and in most cases have been watching a home to build up a knowledge of the comings and goings. So even if the school run only takes you 20 mins – always make sure you leave your home safe and secure, because a burglary can take as little as 5 minutes.”

FAQ about Home Safety Rules for Kids

How can I make my house safe for kids?

To make your house safe for kids, start by implementing essential house safety tips such as installing safety gates, securing furniture, and using outlet covers. Keep hazardous items like cleaning supplies and sharp tools out of reach, and ensure windows and cabinets are childproof. As part of your back-to-school safety routine, teach children how to use monitored alarm systems like those from PhoneWatch, so they can safely disarm and rearm the system when arriving home. Regularly review safety rules at home including fire safety with your children to reinforce safe habits and prevent accidents.

What are good house rules for children?

Good safety rules at home for children include never opening the door to strangers, avoiding the use of kitchen appliances without supervision, and keeping toys away from heaters or open flames. Encourage responsible internet use to protect your home from digital threats and teach kids to always check that appliances are turned off before leaving the house. These home safety tips help children develop awareness and responsibility, especially when they’re home alone after school.

 What are 5 ways to be safe at home?

Here are five effective home safety tips to keep your family secure:

1. Install a monitored alarm system to protect against break-ins.
2. Use smart home technology like smart plugs and timers to simulate occupancy.
3. Teach children fire safety, including having a fire escape plan and not leaving appliances plugged in.
4. Secure doors and windows with sensors and motion detectors.
5. Establish clear safety rules at home, such as not sharing personal information online and keeping valuables out of sight.

These practices are especially important during the back-to-school safety season when routines change, and homes may be left unattended.