8 Family Safety Tips to Protect Your Loved Ones
In today’s world, safeguarding your family’s safety and security is more important than ever. While you can’t control everything, you can take certain precautions to reduce dangers and protect your loved ones.
Crime Stoppers Bermuda strongly supports a preventative approach to family safety. Here are eight key pointers to get you started.
1. Install a home security system
A modern home security system is a highly effective way to prevent burglaries. It deters most opportunists, but also alerts you to any issues for a fast response where needed. For comprehensive protection, choose a system with CCTV cameras, alarms and motion sensors.
2. Educate your kids on stranger danger
Make sure your children know the importance of not talking to or accepting anything from strangers. Role-play scenarios with your kids to help them understand what to do if approached by a stranger. The more prepared they are, the less likely they’ll fall victim to abduction or other crimes.
3. Always lock up
Whether you’re leaving the house briefly or retiring for the evening, make it a point to secure all doors and windows. Turn it into a regular family practice. Doing so deters potential burglars who typically seek out homes with convenient entry points. A couple of extra minutes spent on locking up can help you avoid the inevitable guilt that will come if you are burgled.
4. Secure your Wi-Fi network
Cybercrime is on the rise and an unprotected Wi-Fi network can be an easy way in for hackers. Ensure your network is password-protected and consider a firewall for added security. Teach your children about the risks of sharing personal information online too.
5. Know your neighbours
Knowing your neighbours can help increase family safety. When neighbours know your usual activities, they can spot anything odd and tell you or the police. Being watchful as a community often helps prevent crime in the neighbourhood.
6. Keep emergency numbers handy
Make sure every family member, including children, knows how to contact emergency services. Keep a list of essential numbers like police, fire and medical services on your fridge or another easily accessible location.
7. Don’t advertise your absence
If you’re going on vacation, don’t post it online or let mail pile up which will show that you’re not home. Use timers to turn lights on and off to make it look like your house is occupied. Ask a neighbour to get your mail and sometimes park in your driveway.
8. Stay informed and involved
Be aware of crime rates and trends in your community. Attend local safety meetings and connect with groups like Crime Stoppers Bermuda to stay updated on best practices. Your vigilance can improve not just your family safety, but your community as well.
If you have any information on a crime, Crime Stoppers encourages you to report it through our anonymous online form or by calling 800 – 8477. You won’t be asked for any personal information and everything you report will be heard in complete confidence.
