As Summer approaches, online classes come to an end and children will be spending more unstructured time playing, both indoors and out. At The Newland Smith Team we have been thinking a lot about this Summer, and child safety has been top of mind for us.
Many of us are busy with Zoom meeting and work-from-home responsibilities. At the same time, our windows and doors are open, pools are filled, and our children are looking for ways to occupy their creative little minds. even a minute or two of inattention, can lead to devastating consequences. It’s important to ensure that your little ones, and the neighborhood rug rats are as safe as possible.
Here are some ways to make your home safer, and to make Summer a lot more fun for everyone:
For safety around open windows- remember that a screen cannot support the weight of a child. Install window stops and guards to prevent windows from opening all the way, and open double-hung windows on the top instead of the bottom.
To keep children from sneaking out the door while your back is turned- install door alarms that alert you when a door is open either with a chime or voice prompt. This is especially important with doors leading to a pool area!
If you haven’t already, install a pool alarm- to ensure that you’re aware if someone or something falls into your pool. Install an alarm on your pool gate so you know if someone has entered that area as well.
Consider a wearable sensor or monitor- so that you can find your children if they wander off. Some will alert you if the child wanders too far, or turns it off, while others contain a GPS tracker that can find a little wanderer.
Children and hot cars don’t mix, so take the time to install a car seat alarm or mobile app. That way you’ll receive an alert when you arrive at your destination in order to ensure you get your child out the car in a timely manner.
Remember, a bored child is more likely to get into mischief. Make sure you are providing plenty of activities including puzzles, games, crafts, and art supplies to help your children stay busy and engaged.
Our goal is a safe Summer for all our family, friends and clients! If you have any questions on homes and safety we’re here to offer our insight based on years of experience with homes and homeowners.
Happy Summer!
The Newland Smith Team