While older parents remember playing outside for entire days while they were growing up, only heading home in time for supper, most cannot imagine allowing their children to do the same thing today. Today’s world is so much more dangerous for people of all ages, but especially for children, and even the home can have its own dangers from chemicals, toxins, slippery surfaces, predators, and burglars. Here are four ways that parents and guardians can keep their families safe in the modern world.
Beef-Up Your Internet Security
The Internet can be a hugely dangerous spot with problems coming from child predators, viruses, malware, phishing and more. Criminals can exploit pictures of children, ruin hard drives and discover passwords all without entering the home. Besides practicing basic online safety, parents should invest in high-tech Internet security programs and be sure to update them regularly.
Use a Security System with Alarms
Either a DIY or a professionally-installed home security system can protect a home whether it is occupied or unoccupied. Some companies, like Sleep Well, realize that whether you’re home or not, your house should be protected. The system should include multiple cameras on a variety of angles around the house, including all doors to the outside. It should also include motion detectors in rooms with views to the doors as well as door and window sensors. Many home security systems come with options for viewing video on a mobile device.
Protect from Poisons
Poisons present around the house as seemingly innocuous substances. However, in the wrong hands, paint, batteries, cleaning products, and over-the-counter medications can be dangerous poisons. Parents should store all of these items in high cupboards or behind childproof locks and should have the Poison Control Center number clearly posted near a telephone.
Use a Video Baby Monitor
While video monitors were once considered high-tech and parents opted for audio-only monitors, decreases in price have made video monitors possible for most families. A video baby monitor will help parents check on their children at any time of the day or night without having to open the nursery door. Cameras should have high-quality infrared light for clear night vision and should also be able to pan, tilt and zoom to give parents the peace of mind that their children are safe.
While no family should live in constant fear, parents and guardians should take steps to keep their homes safe. Predators are everywhere, creating both physical and virtual presences. Even everyday products can be unsafe. By taking simple steps now, one can avoid unnecessary heartache later.
