Back to school is an important time of year, particularly when it comes to security in Boise and the surrounding regions. Keeping our children safe is a point of emphasis, and school periods are a time when we expect them to shoulder a lot of responsibility. The key to keeping them safe is ensuring that our children know precisely what is expected of them and how to achieve it.
Home Security
Home security in Idaho is crucial for keeping your family safe. Make sure that your children know how to read the control panel and arm and disarm the system. Consider upgrading to a system with remote access, which will allow your kids to enter and secure the home with their iPod or smartphone.
Backpack Safety
Invest in a high-quality backpack, which should have heavily padded shoulder straps. Once the child has gotten his or her books and supplies, load the backpack and weigh it. Target a weight that is less than 10 percent of the child’s weight; anything more than that can cause real injuries.
Emergency Information
For ideal home security in Idaho, don’t assume that your child will remember important information. Compile that information on card stock, and perhaps laminate it. Then store the card in a zippered compartment of the backpack or a similar location.
Buddy System
Children are much safer in numbers, so stress the importance of operating in pairs or larger groups whether going to or coming from school or the bus stop. Buddies can be siblings or neighbors or whomever the child feels comfortable with and works well with.
Walking to School
When it comes to school-time security in Boise, the walk to the school or the bus stop is the most dangerous time. Cover the basics with the child at the beginning of each school year, and children 10 or younger should likely be accompanied by an adult. If there’s a sidewalk, use it; if not, always walk facing traffic. If crossing the street is necessary, do so at a corner or intersection.
Bicycling
Children can ride a bike to school rather than walk. To do so, it’s necessary to have a bike helmet and to ensure that it conforms to all local riding laws. For ideal helmet security in Boise, it should have a proper fit and not show any signs of wear beyond cosmetic ones.
Bus Stop Behavior
When it comes to school and home security in Idaho, the potentially deadliest times are when children are unchaperoned. This is particularly true at bus stops due to the proximity of traffic. In order to avoid harm, it’s very important that the child be paying attention at all times. In order to achieve that concentration, they should not play or use their cell phone, iPod, Nintendo 3DS or similar devices.
Bus Conduct
Ensure that the child knows how to get on and get off the school bus properly. Despite strict laws, there are deaths and injuries each year because some drivers don’t follow the rules of the road. When the bus arrives, stand at least six feet away. If the child has to cross the street to get on the bus, do so at least 10 feet in front of the bus. Follow the same protocol when exiting the bus.