4 Ways to Keep Your Family Safe During an Emergency

A major fear of parents is that their children will be put into harm’s way. There are a large number of emergency situations that can arise at any time, possibly putting your children in danger. Being prepared for any possibility is the best way to ensure your family will be safe during these times. There are 4 ways to keep your family as safe as possible in case of an emergency.

Prevent Break-Ins With Alarm Monitoring

Break-ins are a very real possibility for any family. An alarm monitoring system will allow you to keep track of your house whether you are inside the home or not. Having a system set up and visible will deter criminals from coming by, preventing break-ins from happening. There is affordable alarm system monitoring that you can set up for your home to protect your family. A professional should come out and program your system to be sure it is in proper working order before you begin using it.

Teach Kids About Home Security Systems

Kids need to understand how home security systems work. If older children are ever left alone, they need to be able to set the system so they can stay safely inside the home. You need to discuss with your children the importance of security, and then teach them how to use the system correctly. They need to know the location of the equipment, as well as the steps to take if they hear the alarm go off. It also needs to be stressed to your children how important it is to keep the passcode confidential. They should never share it with friends, as anyone can overhear and use the code to their advantage.

Set Steps for Severe Weather Situations

Severe weather is bound to occur, no matter what state you live in. Whether your area experiences tornados, hurricanes, snow storms, or just bad thunderstorms, you should set steps for any severe weather situation. Have a plan ready that you and all your family members know so you can take cover when needed. You should have contact information for other members of the family so they can be reached if they are not home. There should also be a meeting place set when everyone is out. The steps should include finding other family members, gathering necessary supplies, and taking cover in a safe place.

A pre-made supply bag should be readily available in case a situation like this arises. That way, you can quickly grab the bag before you take cover, ensuring your family has everything they need to survive. The bag should include:

• Water bottles
• Non-perishable food items, such as granola bars
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• Candles and matches in case the batteries run out
• A map to get to a safe location if you are currently not in one
• A first-aid kit

It is best to have multiple bags like this ready to go. There should be a couple in different locations of the home, and one in every vehicle the family owns. This way, you have the best possible chance of being able to get to a bag when needed.

Make Fire Evacuation Plans

A fire is another common emergency you should prepare your family for. A fire evacuation plan should be made so that everyone knows how to get out if a fire should take over the household. A number of exits should be indicated so there are multiple possibilities for getting out of the home, no matter where the fire is located.

Keeping your family safe should be your first priority. Be sure to follow these 4 ways to keep your family safe in an emergency situation in order give everyone the best chance. Having a fire evacuation plan, steps for handling a severe weather situation, teaching your kids about home security, and installing an alarm monitoring system are all great ways to ensure your family is safe no matter the circumstances.