With sad reports on the evening news and horror stories we read in the paper, defending your family seems like a growing priority. For parents who sometimes wish they could just wrap their kids in a protective bubble, here are three ways to help keep your family safe everyday.
1. Online
One of the biggest threats is actually inside your home. Hackers and predators from across the globe can access your computers and mobile devices through the Internet. Perhaps the best way to protect your children from dangers on the web is by having open communication about Internet safety in your family. Make sure that children feel free to talk to you about anything they may see or read online that makes them feel uncomfortable or raises a warning flag.
The Family Online Safety Institute recommends placing desktop computers in the living room or other open space where parents will easily be able to monitor the screen. You can also ask your kids to use their smartphones, tablets, laptops and other mobile devices in the main rooms of your house rather than their bedroom. Limit your kid’s online time, and make sure that the computer is completely powered down at the end of the session.
2. At Home
A great way to protect your house and family from burglars and other threats is with plenty of lighting. Keeping doorways, steps and porches well lit at night or when you are away will help to detract intruders. Of course, it is important to conserve energy, too. So look into solar outdoor lights to line your walkways or stairs.
Today, most homes are protected by automated security systems. These provide homeowners with greater piece of mind by serving as an alarm at night and when families are out of the house. And with a smartphone, you can monitor your home and even lock doors remotely.
3. In The Car
Safety when driving might seem obvious. But there are many distractions on the road, and it is a good step to be reminded of safe driving strategies on a regular basis. Car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by roughly 70 percent according to the University of Rochester. Unfortunately, nearly 80 percent of child safety seats are not installed correctly. The best position is in the middle back seat where airbags will not harm them.
Make sure you’re driving a vehicle that’s up to date with the safety and environmental standards. More and more parents are choosing hybrids not only for their safety records, but also for the environmental records too.
For children of the appropriate height and weight to graduate from a car or booster seat, make sure to talk to them about the importance of seatbelts. Seatbelts save thousands of people every year.
Shuttling a van full of children to soccer practice, driving through traffic while talking on the phone or searching for directions on a GPS while quieting a barking dog in back are all busy situations that will make it difficult to focus on the road let alone remain aware of drivers around your vehicle. Make a commitment to remove as many distractions as possible. This might mean waiting until you arrive at your destination to make a phone call or pulling over to input GPS coordinates.
With these tips, reminders and strategies, you can help keep your family safe everywhere you go.
Image from www.homesecurity.inmyarea.com
