Home Alone? Here’s How to Keep Your Kids Safe this Holiday Season

The chilly winter air is just hitting Jacksonville, and with it comes a lot of changes to our day to day lives -- at least for the next few months.

Holiday decorations are going up, packages are arriving at your door, and the kids will spend a lot more time at home due to winter break.

And while we love spending as much time with the family as possible, it’s not always easy to do it. If you’re working this winter and the kids are home alone, you’ll likely be especially concerned over their safety.

And that means you’re in the right place! In this blog, we’ll explore how a smart home alarm system can help keep your family safe, and other intelligent tips that go beyond smart technology.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading!

See Also: Why a Security Camera System Is Essential for Your Home Safety

Talk to Your Kids

It may seem simple, but kids love to be heard. They’re much more likely to engage and obey safety tips if you’re open and willing to include them in the decision making.

So, the first step is all about talking to your kids. Want them to call you as soon as they get home? Do they need to remember to arm the security system before they leave? There are plenty of ways to ensure your home and family’s safety, and it all starts with a simple conversation.

Set up Internet Protections

We live in a connected world. The Internet allows us to communicate with anyone in the world with a few taps on a keyboard.

And while that simplifies shopping, staying in touch with friends and family, and even integrating technology, it can also present its own dangers.

Make sure to set up internet security features like firewalls, anti-virus software, and even site blockers to ensure the safety of your children when you’re not around.

Alarm Systems

Another way to protect your property and your family is with an integrated alarm system. Alarm.com offers plenty of options that allow you to stay connected to your home, even when you’re miles away.

Take advantage of your system’s integrated features, like motion detectors, pressure sensors, and smart locks to get the most out of your system.

You and your kids can even download the Alarm.com app to access the system remotely. That way, even if your kids get home early, they can easily disarm the alarm before they walk through the door.

Smart Locks

Speaking of smart locks (which you can also access via your Alarm.com app), you can get the most out of them by installing them on all internal and external entryways.

For instance, your kids may have forgotten their keys before they left the house. No worries! An access code or biometric scanner on your doors means they won’t have any trouble getting in or out.

But smart locks aren't just for entryways. You can also secure sensitive areas of your home -- like cabinets and rooms you don’t want your kids to access. Simply engage the lock as you would before you leave and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the additional security.

The best part? You’ll receive a push notification via your Alarm.com or Control4 app whenever the locks are engaged. That means you’ll always know the exact moment when your kids are home and when they leave the house.

Protecting Packages

The holiday season also means receiving packages on your doorstep, which can draw attention from potential “porch pirates” -- pesky thieves who target recently delivered items.

As you can imagine, this can lead to other potential dangers. In addition to talking to your kids about it, make sure you contact your post office or delivery service to determine other delivery arrangements if you’re expecting a lot of deliveries.

And don’t forget to upgrade your surveillance system with predictive analytics software, which can see where potential thieves are going before they get there -- and you can take necessary action.

Communication Is Key

Staying in communication is easy nowadays -- between smartphones and tablets, you’re never without a communication device.

Make sure your kids keep you informed about what they’re doing and where they’re going throughout the day. After all, smart technology can make it easy to communicate but it’s not the only thing that matters.

One of the ways Control4 helps is with their new Intercom Anywhere feature. You can directly access your home’s video intercom system via your mobile device and enjoy easy, HD communication with your family from anywhere.

However you choose to do it, make sure your kids are safe this year, so you can focus on what really matters -- like finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

Want more smart tips on how you can use integrated home security technology to protect your spaces this year, next year, and beyond?

Let’s talk! Just click the button at the bottom of your screen to begin a free and easy chat with one of our representatives right now!