Caroline Miller asked:




Practice home security drills for your family members and you

First things first, safety is always a priority for your family and you. As much as possible, take more responsibility in ensuring that you provide adequate home security drills so your family members are safe and protected.

The following are some of the home security drills that you and your family could do in order to ensure that security in your residence is observed at all times.

Check, check, check

Make sure that all other entrances – this includes gates, doors and the like – are locked preferably using deadbolt.

Check the front, rear doors as well as the doors in the garage, the door in the patio, the service doors, the sliding door glass, the gate of the pool, the door in the guest house.

As much as possible, never leave any “hidden” keys outside the house. Always leave the extra house key with a colleague or a neighbor you could trust.

Make sure to also keep the doors locked even if you and your family are in the house. Locks on windows must also be installed.

However, windows of bedrooms mustn’t be locked using permanent grills because these can be used as emergency exits.

Always check your intrusion and burglar alarms to make sure they are working.

Flashlights must also be available and readily accessible in particular areas of the home. The batteries of these flashlights must also be checked as often as possible.

Educate, educate, educate

While inside the home, try to rehearse with your own family the necessary drills for safety and security. Help everyone to be aware of the appropriate procedures to do when danger arises and just how to get and ask help.

Making variations in your regular routine also helps as these avoid patterns that are predictable.

Help all members of the family know where to go when a particular crisis arises. There should be a safe and secure haven in your house. This is basically an internal designated room.

Also, a communication two way system must – as much as possible – be installed. This safehaven must also be furnished with a prepared kit for emergencies.

Try to have the following supplies and items in your safe and secure haven. Food that is good for at least five days, fire extinguisher, matches, candles, flashlights, facilities for toilet, extra batteries, first aid kit, stove, beddings.

Try to also include items that you could use for leisure and comfort such as books, clothing and games.

All in all, having home security drills for your family members is a good way to help keep your house and home secure and safe.