End of the School Year Safety Tips

As the weather warms and the school year comes to a close, students start to think of summer, and summer break. Parents, on the other hand, start to think of eight hours of unsupervised time their children will be facing. With new routines, time spent home alone or new caregivers being introduced, parents may be concerned about keeping their kids safe this summer. Here are just a few tips that can help take some of the worries away this summer.

Slow Down and Be Aware When Driving

Although this should always be on the top of your mind, driving cautiously, especially through neighborhoods is even more important once school is out and kids are playing in yards rather than the confines of a playground. Watch out for bouncing balls, abandoned bikes or lost toys as signs that a child may be running after it, and into the street in front of your car. There will also be a lack of crossing guards at crosswalks so make sure to double-check that it’s really clear.

Line Up Trustworthy Childcare

Making sure you line up childcare before school ends means that you can take the time to do research and make sure you are comfortable with the person or facility you choose. Lining this up in advance also guarantees that there are no lapses in supervision and there’s no reason for your kids to be unsupervised during the day. If you are inviting a sitter into your home, make sure they know how to use any alarms or safety devices like the Nightlock Door Barricade, you may have in place.

Plan Activities

A bored child is one who will easily find mischief. Planning activities that will keep your child occupied during the sometimes lazy days of summer will keep them active, stimulated, and will make it easier for them to go back to school when the time comes. Summer camps, community educations classes, youth groups or mission trips are all great ways to help your kids stay engaged and safe instead of disconnected and bored this summer.

Protect Those Staying Home Alone

If you have kids who are old enough to stay home alone this summer, this doesn’t mean you won’t worry while at work. In fact, you might worry more. Before turning them loose, lay down some rules and guidelines and make sure they know there will be consequences for not following them. Also, you’ll want to make sure your home is protected and that your teen knows how to operate the safety measures that are in place. Teach them how to initiate panic mode on your alarm or how to slide the Nightlock Door Barricade into place to quickly and easily secure an entrance. When they are home, encourage them to leave the barricade in place, particularly on patio doors.

Inform Friends of Your Rules

For kids, summer is all about hanging with their friends. For you, this means supervising and being responsible for more kids than just your own. Make sure both the children that will be spending time at your house, and their parents, know your rules and expectations. Also, make sure the parents know your schedule and when you will and won’t be home. Nominate a trusted group of parents to make aware of your exact schedule, the safety features you have in place in your home, and what will be expected of their children when they are over.