As the festive season approaches, parents and caregivers must remain vigilant about the safety of their children, ensuring that both home and outdoor environments are secure. While many enjoy the lighthearted antics of the 1990 classic Home Alone, the reality of children facing danger is far from amusing. In the movie, young Kevin McCallister fends off burglars using creative booby traps, but in real life, children are more likely to face various risks, from home invasions to accidents or health emergencies. Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT, emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to protect children, especially when parents are away or during busy holiday periods.
One of the key safety measures parents can implement is thorough training in the use of their home’s security system. Children, along with any caregivers such as domestic workers or au pairs, must be well-versed in security protocols, knowing exactly what to do in case of an emergency. This includes knowing how to contact emergency services, how to activate alarm systems, and how to handle situations such as medical incidents or fires. Having remote security monitoring through a reputable company, as well as fire detection and secure access systems, are crucial in ensuring the safety of a home, especially during times when children may be alone or unsupervised.
Hattingh advises against allowing children to open gates or doors for strangers, regardless of what the person claims. This seemingly harmless action can provide criminals with the opportunity to access the property. Delivery drivers, in particular, can be targeted by criminals who use the pretext of a package delivery to enter a home. A reliable access control system allows parents to monitor who is at the gate at any given time, providing an added layer of security. Today’s security systems even allow for real-time monitoring of both the inside and outside of a home, which gives parents peace of mind knowing they can keep an eye on things from a distance.
Beyond home security, there are several essential safety habits children should adopt when out in public. Hattingh stresses that children should avoid walking in the street or shopping malls with their phones out, particularly when wearing headphones, as it makes them more vulnerable to potential threats. Being aware of their surroundings at all times is crucial. Children should also avoid engaging with strangers, especially in situations where they may be lured into a dangerous situation. A common tactic used by criminals is a woman asking a child to use their phone for an emergency call, only to abduct the child once the phone is handed over. Teaching children to always go out in groups and to make secure arrangements for their transportation is vital for reducing the risk of such incidents.
At home, parents must ensure that all security gates are locked and keys are safely stored out of children’s reach. Children should also be instructed on how to activate alarms or security systems in areas of the house that are not in use. Additionally, if they are home alone, activating garden beams can provide an extra layer of protection. Hattingh suggests that emergency numbers should be saved on speed dial and children should be encouraged to report any suspicious activity they observe in the neighborhood, such as unfamiliar vehicles or individuals. In such cases, security companies can be called to investigate and take appropriate action.
Another major safety concern, especially during the summer months, is the risk of drowning. Hattingh highlights drowning as a leading cause of accidental death among young children. She recommends that children be taught from a young age about the dangers of water, drawing parallels to the importance of road safety. Just as children are taught not to cross streets without an adult, they should be instructed not to go near water without supervision. Consistently reinforcing this rule, much like other household safety rules, is crucial for protecting children from accidental harm. Ultimately, while the festive season is a time to relax and celebrate, Hattingh reminds parents that ensuring the safety and well-being of their children should never take a backseat.
