The new year is the perfect time to reevaluate your family’s safety plan. Your family is important to you, and keeping them safe should be a top priority. Here are some safety tips for your family this new year.
Establish a Fire Evacuation Plan
You never know when a fire emergency will emerge in your home, so to keep your family safe, it’s beneficial to establish a fire escape plan. Every year, over 350,000 house structure fires occur, and each fire is a devastating event.
If you don’t have smoke detectors installed, now is the time to purchase and install them. If you already have smoke detectors, check the batteries and replace them if necessary to make sure they work in the event of an emergency.
Additionally, create an evacuation plan with your family and practice it. You and your family should know how to get out of the house and where to meet up if there is a fire.
Talk to Your Family About Substance Abuse
Substance abuse affects everyone in your family, especially your children. Children who come from substance abuse families experience a toll on their emotions, minds and bodies. That damage lasts a lifetime.
You as a parent may not abuse substances, but it’s still important to talk to your children about the dangers of using things like alcohol and drugs. They may receive education at school, but that education should be reinforced in the home as well.
It will keep them safe both now and into the future if they know how to say “no” to dangerous substances.
Buckle Seat Belts
One of the simplest things you can do to increase your family’s safety is to remember and remind family members to buckle their seat belts. Car accidents are unexpected, and the strap across the bodies of your family members could be the line between life and death.
Seat belts are put in place to save lives and prevent major injuries. In 2019, about 90% of people used seat belts on a regular basis. Be a family that helps get that number to 100% in 2021.
Prevent Falls
Seniors and children are the most at risk for falls in the home. A fall could result in serious injuries, so taking preventive steps will help keep your family safe.
Some ways to prevent falls include:
- Cleaning up toys, pillows or blankets that block high-traffic areas.
- Keeping electrical cords close to walls.
- Placing handrails on staircases.
- Installing non-slip mats in showers and tubs.
- Putting up gates in stairways if you have toddlers.
- Always keeping one hand on your child while changing them on a changing table.
The best way to keep your family safe from falls is to prevent them in the first place. These preventive tips for falls are also beneficial if you have an emergency and need to escape the home.
Save in an Emergency Fund
People save up emergency funds in case of unexpected expenses. Emergency funds can cover the cost of medical treatment, help you pay for basic needs in case you lose your job or any other emergency.
Most banks and financial advisors suggest that everyone has an emergency fund. It’s like a safety net for your financial needs and will be there whenever your family needs it.
Secure Weapons
Not every household has weapons such as guns, bow and arrows, or knives, but if you are a family that does, make sure they’re secure. The last thing you want is your child handling a loaded pistol and accidentally firing it.
All weapons should be unloaded at all times and locked in a safe or put up where a child cannot reach or access them. Keep ammunition locked in a separate place as well. Additionally, when you enter a new home of a friend or family member with your children, ask if there is an unlocked gun in the home and reconsider playdates if there is. Talk to your children about gun safety.
Be Cautious Providing Information Online
With worldwide internet access, more and more people are providing personal information online. Talk to your family about online safety. One way to keep online information safe is to stay up-to-date with security software, which will help you defend against viruses and malware.
Many people have also made the switch to online banking, which is an efficient way to bank. However, it’s a gateway to some of your most personal assets. Use two-factor authentication for the apps where your most personal information is stored.
Also, don’t use names or other personal information for passwords. It’s an easy way for hackers to get into your accounts.
Monitor Your Children
Whether online or in-person, you should monitor your children. If you leave to go somewhere or your child is going somewhere, make sure you know where they are. Also, examine their online activity, especially if they have social media.
Today’s society is much different than it used to be. Make sure your children know how to contact you if they feel unsafe or are in an emergency so they can stay safe.
Stay Safe in 2021
2020 has proven that unexpected occurrences happen, and it’s best to be prepared to keep your family safe from any harm. Use these tips in this new year to take the proper measures to ensure your family stays safe.
Keep safety first in 2021.