CHAPTER TWO
Family Protection
by Douglas McLeod
Edited by Caroline Bielskis
Imagine living in the early days of the Wild West. You and your family are finding your way in a new life on the frontier, and must learn a new way of existing. Keeping your home and family safe and alive are priorities.
Many things in your life have a dual purpose, and provide utility as well as protection. Guns are used for security, as well as for hunting. Dogs are more than pets. They act as an alarm system when they detect a possible danger, and also as protectors, if someone or something tries to attack. Fires provide warmth, light and protection, and also keep predators away.
You not only look out for your own family and property, but also those of your friends and neighbors. As an adult, you make decisions that are in the best interest of your family, and situate yourself so that you have others to depend upon, and they on you. Everyone works together, and each person has a set of responsibilities. Even the children have age appropriate chores, and the older children help watch out for the younger ones.
You have various benefits and challenges, depending on where you live, and adjust your lifestyle as necessary. In town, your neighbors and services are closer and you have more protection from wild animals, but you’re subjected to traffic noise, erratic human behavior and other hazards of living close to other people. Out in the country, you have privacy and space, but may be more vulnerable to attack because of the isolation. Since your neighbors are a mile or more away, they aren’t as accessible as they are when you live in town.
Regardless of your situation, knowing your environment and the challenges associated with it is critical. You use strategy and planning to survive and create a good quality of life for yourself and your family.
Although we live in a very different world today, and have numerous benefits because of our technological advances, most older security methods can be applied to modern life and combined with modern methods. Using all resources available is the most effective security plan. Good lighting, alarms, weapons, having a plan for all members of you family and cooperating with neighbors and other people in your community are still the first steps in making your home and family safer. Depending on your family budget, and love of technology, you may use the latest in security systems, or you may stick to the tried and true basics. Either way, there are several things that you can do to increase your home security.
The most critical element of any security plan is educating yourself and applying what you’ve learned to accomplish your goal – also known as "strategy". In fact, you’ve already started by reading this book. Choosing to do nothing, or making the wrong choice, can cause loss of property and, most importantly, may put your family in harm’s way.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The first step in assessing your security needs is determining the level of crime in your area, and the possibility of intrusion or attack. Depending on your budget, which mandates where you live and what level of technology you’re able to afford, you can have a security system that uses only non-tech methods, a system that has all the bells and whistles of current technology, or something in between.
Obviously, those with more money have the ability to surround themselves with everything technology has to offer. They can have high walls or gates, cameras, elaborate detectors and alarm networks, security guards, etc. They can have a system that tells them everything anyone does from the time they step foot on the property, no matter which room they’re in. This type of system is extreme and unnecessary for most people. If you’re feel that you have to spend a fortune to feel safe in your home, relax! Never buy more than you can afford. The stress from the debt you’d go into installing a system you can’t afford would cause more harm than the fear of a possible intruder. There are security systems to fit all budgets, and everyone can create and employ an effective home security strategy.
Think about your family make-up, dynamics and lifestyle. If you have young children, you’ll use a different strategy than someone with teenagers, or those with no children at all. If you have teenagers, it’s important to assess the level of maturity and responsibility they have. If you have an active social life and have a lot of people coming and going from your home, you’ll utilize different methods than those who live a more quiet life. Families who travel a lot, or have such a busy life that their home is empty most of the time, have different needs than families who stay close to home. Design your security plan according to your specific needs.
The following checklist will help you get started:
Budget. Determine what your budget will allow for security measures
Brainstorm. Use the form in appendix ??? (Home Security Needs Assessment).
(The point of this exercise is to get a clear idea of what your needs are. Don’t think about cost; just list everything that comes to mind. You’ll eliminate things later. Walk around your home, inside and out, and list the strengths and weaknesses columns, and add notes in the improvements column. Be creative, think about, landscaping, noise makers (alarms), such as a bell on a gate, etc. Think about fire safety and other potential hazards as well.)
Resources. There are many free resources in your area. Start with your local police and fire departments. You can contact them and ask for a free home security and safety inspection. They can make suggestions that you can add to the list you’ve already started.
FIRE PROTECTION
Home security is more than just crime prevention. Remembering to include fire prevention in your home security plan is a critical. Smoke alarms are required by law, save thousands of lives every year and property as well. Be sure to check your alarms every three months to assure they’re working properly. I always recommend extra alarms, particularly if your home has multiple levels or isolated areas, and be sure to have an alarm and fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
My friends Bob and Cathy have a beautiful home with gated security and all the latest technology. Sally was cooking dinner one evening, and they decided to go visit a neighbor while it was in the oven. Although many people leave home while something is in the oven, it isn’t wise. The oven caught fire and the kitchen burned. Fortunately, they had a good alarm system in their home, which alerted the fire department. The kitchen was severely damaged, but the rest of their home and property were saved. Although Bob and Sally had an elaborate alarm system that most of us can’t afford, they’re behavior is what caused the hazard. By following some simple rules and using common sense, we can safeguard our home from many dangers with or without expensive equipment. I’ll go into more detail on alarm systems later.
LANDSCAPING AND PRIVACY
One excellent method of home protection is security landscaping, which provides privacy, beauty and a barrier from the outside world. This requires planning, because privacy landscaping can also increase your vulnerability by providing a hiding place for predators. For example, if your home is surrounded by thick foliage, someone can break in anytime of the day – and they can take their time, because your landscaping is providing a screen and no one can see them. Keep the foliage trimmed so that it still provides some privacy without increasing your vulnerability by completely screening your home from view. (If you want to have your home hidden from view, or if you live in an isolated area, you’ll need to utilize other resources, like dogs, cameras and alarms to compensate for the security weakness created by such a high level of privacy.)
It’s important to keep the outside of your home clutter free and allow your neighbors some visibility, and to have a Neighborhood Watch system where neighbors agree to call the police if they see something unusual going on.
When properly installed and maintained, landscaping remains a security device and an attractive addition to your home, but doesn’t cause a hazard or eliminate the windows as a fire escape. The type of plants you choose, and where you locate them, make the difference between simple home beautification and extra security.
Planting thorny plants around your perimeter fence and under your windows is very effective. Rose bushes and Bougainvillea are both thorny plants that are good for security and are colorful and beautiful. Be sure to assess your level of gardening ability – or lack of it – and choose landscaping that fits. Bougainvilleas require less maintenance than roses do. If you don’t want to worry about pruning, special plant food, etc., do your research and make selections that are low maintenance. Speak to your local nursery or garden center to get the information you need, or use the library and the internet. If you don’t install a fence, a thick hedge is another excellent choice for security and privacy.
Keep the all plants under windows trimmed so that the window can still be opened. All plants near the building must be well-watered so they won’t become a fire hazard. Remember: windows are not only entrances for intruders; they’re also escape points for your family in the event of a fire or other emergency, so keep them clear.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Neighborhood Watch Programs, where signs are posted in the area, have a proven record of reducing crime. Although people have become less trusting overall, everyone needs to depend on other people in some way. Unlike the early settlers, who generally put down roots once they chose a place to live, most people today change jobs and move several times throughout their lives. Because of this, we often don’t have the bonding and familiarity that is required to create trust in our neighborhoods.
You need to be creative and find a way to become acquainted with your neighbors. You don’t have to be best friends, but you should be familiar with everyone around you: on both sides of your home, across the street and in back of you. Take a walk around the block in the evenings or on weekend mornings and say "hello" to your neighbors. Introduce yourself and have a brief chat with them. Then, invite people to discuss a Neighborhood Watch program. You’ll get more people interested than you expect.
Neighborhood Watch programs are easy to set up, and have many benefits including the potential for strong friendships within the neighborhood. If you have children, they will make friends in the neighborhood, and you’ll need to know their parents.
Here are some guidelines for starting a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighborhood:
Contact your local police department and ask about resources they provide for Neighborhood Watch Programs. They usually post signs in your neighborhood, and will come to a meeting to provide information and answer questions. You’ll also get to know the police officer that has your neighborhood beat, which is always a good thing.
Get to know your neighbors and encourage participation from everyone. Once you establish contact, organize a potluck dinner at a local park to facilitate a nice comfort level among the residents.
Some people reel back in horror when we suggest becoming acquainted with their neighbors, but one of the biggest mistakes we make in home safety is our keeping to ourselves. We often do it because we’re too busy for the family and friends we already have, and can’t really handle any more, or we want privacy and want to avoid the "nosy neighbor" syndrome. The fact is most people today are too busy handling their own life to immerse themselves in your business. And if you do have the occasional nosy neighbor, politely explain to them that you prefer to keep your business to yourself. If they seem offended, take them some flowers from your garden the next day or some other peace offering. Dealing with other types of difficult neighbors can often be handled the same way. Most people will cooperate with you if you approach them with respect and explain your position.
If you’re still reluctant to create an acquaintance with your neighbors, keep in mind that there have been many cases where a family took a vacation and came home to find that criminals had rented a moving van and emptied the house of all its contents. This can be avoided if people communicate with their neighbors and watch out for each other. If you’ve never met your neighbors, then they would probably assume that you’re moving. It’s a double-edged sword. When you get to know your neighbors, you risk having too much unwanted involvement, but it’s better than having people turn a blind eye while you’re victimized.
FENCING
A perimeter fence or wall is usually the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions home security, and is the first line of defense. The cost varies depending on the style and materials. It’s best to choose fencing that is difficult to climb over, with a pointed or spiked feature along the top.
If you don’t want to install a fence or wall, or spikes don’t appeal to you, plant a hedge as mentioned in the section on Landscaping and Privacy. Don’t compromise safety for privacy, or for beauty. Make informed and sensible decisions and you’ll be headed in the right direction.
LIGHTING
As with landscaping, lighting is an aesthetic element as well as a safety element. Good lighting is a deterrent for criminals. The most concerning break-ins are those that occur when the residents are at home asleep. Although the intruder may intend to rob you, if someone in the home awakens and the intruder is caught off-guard, the crime could escalate to assault or even murder.
Strategically placed light fixtures that are on all night, along with others that are equipped with motion detectors are the best deterrent. Having lights on timers is another way to use lighting to your advantage. Most criminals will choose a house that has poor lighting over one that is well-lit. They don’t want to take the risk of being seen by a neighbor a passer-by.
ANIMALS
Using animals for security and protection is an effective and time-proven security method. Well trained dogs are one of the best crime deterrents out there, and offer companionship and unconditional love at the same time. What a deal! The right type of dog, with the right training will not only alert you by barking, but will also protect you by attacking an intruder. They can also be taught to patrol a territory, such as the garage or back yard. Dogs have been known to protect children as well, but this is an area that should be approached with utmost caution. Some breeds, or dogs with inadequate or inappropriate training, are out of control and may attack at random – including family members.
It’s important to remember be aware of the disadvantages to owning a dog. They are living beings that may act on their own, and require attention, love and care. A trained attack dog is also a dangerous weapon. Owners of attack dogs have gone to jail for not controlling their animal. If you choose to go that route, be aware of the potential dangers and the level of responsibility you will have if your dog attacks and harms someone. Another problem with owning a dog is that various sounds may make a dog bark at night, which is aggravating for you and your neighbors. Well trained animals generally don’t react to unthreatening things, but it’s always a risk. Some dogs are more sensitive and nervous than others, and sometimes you don’t become aware of it until the dog is grown. If you choose to incorporate dogs into your home security plan, remember that it requires expensive training, and a strong commitment from you and your family.
RELOCATING
Before deciding on a new community, research the area so that you make a well-informed choice. There’s no such thing as guaranteed safety, but you can make educated and informed decisions if you have good information, so it’s well worth the time and effort.
First, check out the crime statistics for the area. You can ask the local police department, but sometimes they are reluctant to be specific. There are several websites that tell about the demographics of various areas, and some of them allow you to compare two cities. (See the list in Appendix ???). These sites usually include crime statistics as well as economic data and other information. Some of them break down crimes by type, others provide more general information.
Take a walk around the neighborhood and talk to current residents. You’ll learn a lot from those who already live there. Ask local people about their satisfaction with the area, how many children are around (if that’s important to you), if they have a neighborhood watch program and neighborhood activities, and what they know about the house, condo or apartment you’re about to move into – particularly if you’re planning on buying. Most people are happy to talk. If they aren’t, let that be a sign that the neighborhood may not be a desirable place to live. Sometimes a house is priced well below market, and there’s usually a reason. In many cases, it has to do with high crime in the area, traffic issues, or a defect in the building.
Analyzing traffic patterns is an important part of your research. Traffic in the neighborhood greatly affects your quality of life and your safety. High traffic areas are more susceptible to crime because they provide easy accessibility. A criminal will try to make things as easy as possible, and will look for situations that have a quick and easy getaway. Get a map of the area and look at the street system surrounding your neighborhood. Make a note of major streets and where traffic signals and stop signs are. Go to the neighborhood at rush hour and observe the level of traffic at that time. You’ll want to know if traffic will detour down your street during the busy times of the day before you move in.
PROTECTING YOUR HOME FROM THE INSIDE
Once your home is protected from the outside with proper landscaping, lighting, fencing, an alarm, a Neighborhood Watch Program, and possibly a dog or two, walk through and determine what changes you can make to protect your home from the inside. Use the ‘Home Security Needs Assessment’ worksheet for the interior to get started.
DOOR & WINDOWS
Be sure all doors and windows are in good condition, and good quality locks are installed. The goal is to keep intruders out while giving your family an effective escape in an emergency.
Open windows are the most common entrance for an intruder. In hot summer months, it’s nice to have the windows open while you sleep, but it also makes your home a target for predators. There have been many cases where women and young girls have been kidnapped, raped and even murdered after having a predator enter their home through an open window.
Using security screening, along with the exterior safety elements you’ve installed, will help make your home much safer. It is better to leave a second floor window open, rather than a first floor window, but you’re still at risk. If the second floor window is accessible by a nearby tree, trellis or if the architecture of the building enables access, treat it windows as though it’s on the ground floor.
Security bars have come a long way, and go nicely with many architectural styles. I know there’s a stigma with bars, and they give a neighborhood an intimidating feel, but it’s worth a look to see if there are security bars that will look good on your home and are within your budget.
Individual safety requirements vary, depending where you live. I was visiting a friend in Los Angeles, and was surprised to see that every home in his neighborhood had installed security bars. He told me that, although he lives in a middle class part of the city, it would be foolish not to install good protection on the entrances.
The level of crime in urban areas is primarily due to two things: overcrowding and substance abuse. A drug addict will break into a home any time of the day, with little concern for getting caught. The easier your home looks to access, the more attractive it is to petty criminals. It’s important to keep in mind that they want an easy target, because their goal is to get money as quickly and easily as possible. The more you do to make your home difficult to break into, the more likely they will leave you alone.
ANSWERING THE FRONT DOOR
Most people don’t think about safety when the doorbell rings. Criminals count on the trusting nature of other people, and some are so bold that they’ll walk right up to your front door.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to remember when answering the front door:
DON’T allow young children under 13-years-old to answer the door unless you have visual access to the door yourself from where you are. (Know your child. If they’re immature or small for their age, wait until they’re older.)
DON’T allow anyone you don’t know inside your home. Whether they just need to use your phone in an emergency, or if it’s dark, cold and snowing outside, or even if it’s a woman. Sometimes men dress up as women in distress to gain access a home. They know that most people don’t see a woman as a threat and would be more willing to help "her". Sometimes the criminal is a woman, working alone or with other men or women. I’m not saying that you should live a life of paranoia and never extend a hand to someone in need. The world would be a sorrowful place if we lived like that. We all need help at some point in our lives, and it’s good to help people, but you need to be conscious of the fact that criminal minds depend on your good and helpful nature to catch you off-guard. What I’m saying is that you need to use good sense, and always take care of yourself and your family first. If you want to help someone, make the call for them or hand them your cordless phone. You can even give them hot tea on a cold night. Just don’t let them into the house.
DO require an ID from all service people, sales people or workers that come to your door, and call the number on the card to check them out. This has always been advised, and I recommend you train all of your family members to take this seriously and make it a habit. If they’re arriving at an odd hour, get their card and tell them you’ll call them to set up an appointment. If you need to use an excuse, tell them you’re ill, and don’t want to be bothered. We’re taught not to lie, but lying to at stranger to protect yourself and your family is a good self-defense tactic. If they don’t give you an I.D. and/or business card, get a good description of them and their vehicle, and call the police immediately.
DO have a peephole in all your exterior doors that enables you to see who is at the door. If the peephole is blocked, or you can’t see anyone, don’t open the door.
DO install a front door with a hatch (if it’s within your budget) so you don’t have to open the door at all just to talk to someone and check their I.D. Many of these doors are very attractive and will increase your family’s safety while adding to the value of your home.
DO Install a small window that gives you a clear view of your front doorstep.
WEAPONS
A gun is usually the first thing that comes to mind when weapons are mentioned, but there are many other weapons you can use to protect your family. Guns are very controversial today, and for good reason. Too many people acquire a gun without getting the proper education, and consequently neglect to handle the weapon responsibly.
A gun in careless hands is one of the most common dangers to citizens, particularly children. There have been too many accidental shootings, some resulting in death, because of a gun owner’s irresponsibility with their weapon – usually by placing a loaded gun where anyone could easily get to it. In purchasing a gun to protect their family, they put their family in danger because they didn’t have the knowledge they needed or simply ignored the rules. This is a sad fact, and can be avoided by good education and religiously following the simple safety rules.
Firearms are not to be taken lightly, and no one should own one without taking a gun safety course. Learn how to store, handle, shoot and care for the weapon, as well as how to disarm an intruder with proper self-defense tactics in case they somehow get a hold of your firearm. Be sure to register the weapon and go through the proper procedures for your state or county, and educate yourself on the laws in your state regarding the use of firearms for protection. There have been cases where a homeowner shot an intruder and was arrested. Be sure your weapons are properly registered and documented, because you will have to answer to the authorities if you use a gun that isn’t – even if you use it in self-defense. Before you choose to use a firearm, be sure that you’re willing to deal with the consequences.
I’m a martial arts expert, with over 40 years experience, and am trained to disarm an attacker, but I still own firearms. I prefer rifles to handguns, because it’s easier to hit a target with a rifle. However, a gun would be my last resort. In most situations, an intruder will catch you by surprise, and if you have your gun properly stored, you won’t have time to get to it. If the intruder has any idea that you’re going to get a weapon, they will likely try to get to it first, take it from you, and use it against you. A good hands-on course in extreme and realistic self defense would be more useful, and I highly recommend it.
There are other things that can be used as weapons that are already in your home. This is much safer for your family than having a gun around. Household items can be used for protection in an emergency, such as
Throw a cup of bleach or liquid soap into an intruder’s eyes.
Use a mop or broom to strike or poke someone.
In the kitchen: forks and knives as weapons, plates, cups, or anything to throw, stab or hit with.
Any blunt object: vases, lamps, statues, etc. to hit or throw.
Shields: chairs, pillows, garbage can lids, or anything you can use to block your body.
Cosmetics: hair spray in the attacker’s eyes, hair pins, brushes, etc.
Sporting equipment: bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, etc.
Tools: hammers and screwdrivers.
Walk through your home and check the cupboards and closets. Make your own list and see how many potential weapons you can come up with. Place some things around the house, under furniture, behind books, etc. for easy and immediate access. As always, if you have young children, be sure to keep the area near the floor hazard free.
When sharing information with children, be sure to use good judgment in showing them household items as potential weapons. Know your children, and assess how they will handle the information before sharing it with them. Be sure that all family members understand completely that this information is to be used only under very serious circumstances, because some of these tactics can seriously and permanently harm someone. It is very important that all members of the family understand that there is a great responsibility with this type of knowledge. These extreme methods of self defense are not to be used in normal life conflicts. Always consider the maturity and level of self control a family member has before giving them self-defense skills.
THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN HOME SECURITY
New technology has given us many home safety devices that are reasonably priced, easy to install and can be purchased at your hardware and electronics stores. Most insurance companies will reduce your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance premiums if you have an enhanced security system on your home.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Motion/Infra red lights. These lights pick up motion and bodies of heat. I’ve installed motion/infra red lights on my own home. I live in a rural part of Maui where there are a lot of small animals wandering around at night. By aiming the sensors high, the lights only pick up larger, human sized objects. I use to leave my outdoor lights on all night, but since I switched over to this system, the lights are only activated by motion or heat. This system has increased security as well as lowered my electricity bill.
Cameras. These should be installed at your front back doors and inside your home. If you have a perimeter fence around your property, install cameras at the gates, and parts of the fence that are the most accessible. Most electronics stores stock these cameras, and will explain to you how to install them. Some of them are motion sensitive, and only record when there is a moving object within range. Some parents have installed "nanny cameras" in their home to assure their child is being well-treated by the babysitter.
Alarm Systems. An alarm is an excellent addition to your home security plan and works as an extra layer of protection, along with the other security measures. It’s important to remember that an alarm system is not a guarantee, especially if it’s the only safety feature you’ve invested in. Even the most expensive and elaborate systems can be penetrated. There are many types of alarm systems that are low cost, yet very effective. You can install a system yourself, or have it done professionally. As with anything, shop around and do your research. Your system may be as simple as a warning signal when a door or window is opened, or as elaborate as an alarm that notifies a security company and calls a guard to come to your home and investigate.
I have two types of security alarm systems at my home, so I’m well aware of the advantages and disadvantages. I installed a camera system that is set off by motion/infra red detection. It consists of four cameras: two for the outside (front and back yard), one for my living room and one for my bedroom. I have a video recorder that runs continuously, so that my home is always being "watched", whether I’m gone for several days or on a quick trip to my local market. I have a back up power system that will keep the video running, if the electricity fails or is turned off. This system gives me an opportunity to identify who has been to my home if there’s been a disturbance or intrusion. Even if they disarm my alarm, they will still be identified by the video.
The video signal can be connected to my computer and sent to another location, so that a sophisticated intruder cannot destroy it. This system cost less than $1,000, and I installed it in less than two hours! However, it does not warn my neighbors or local police department. I need extra security, because I work from home and have expensive equipment in my home office, so I had another system installed.
This system was installed by a friend of mine, who told me it was fairly easy – but it took him three days to get it to work properly. Nonetheless, I’m very happy with the end result. It’s a remote system, which has its own power source, so it doesn’t require wires. It also has a backup power source. It cost less than $700 and it will detect any intruder at any entrance.
The system incorporates motion/infra red detectors inside the house, which will set off an alarm before an intruder has an opportunity to disarm it. It also dials up to five phone numbers as soon as the security area has been breached, warning me, the police, a neighbor or anyone else I’ve incorporated into my home security plan. One of my favorite features is the panic switch, which enables me to manually sound off an outside horn that the entire neighborhood would hear in a dead sleep! If I encountered an intruder in my home and sounded the horn, everyone in the area would know, and the intruder would likely run away as fast as they could. Notifying the neighbors that something is going on may help identify and catch the intruder.
I chose these systems for their cost, effectiveness and mobility. I’m renting my home, and may need to move at some point, and I can relocate this system to another house with very little expense. If you’re on a tight budget, there are some inexpensive portable alarms systems as low as thirty dollars. Just be sure to have some sort of backup system in case your main system fails.
There are security companies that have very reliable systems. They provide equipment, installation, monitoring, patrol service, and will also do monthly or quarterly services on their alarm systems. You pay dearly for this level of service, but if you have the money, I highly recommended using one of these companies.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Create a plan for escaping from the home in the case of a fire, earthquake, hurricane or other emergency. Be sure everyone in the family understands their part, and where to meet later. This is discussed in a later chapter.
If you live in an area that is particularly dangerous, try to create a family "Safe Room", which is more difficult to break into than the other rooms in the home. For instance, your master bedroom could be renovated with solid, bullet proof doors and metal shades for the windows. The room should be equipped with an extra cellular phone to call for help in case the regular phone system is disabled, and a panic button which will set-off a very loud alarm so your neighbors can hear, and alerts the police.
Don’t store valuables in the master bedroom. When interviewed, burglars say that is always the first place they look, particularly the closet and the underwear drawer. They have no shyness about going through your most personal things.
Be sure to keep other emergency items in an accessible place. There are many kits you can purchase, or you can create you own. Here are some suggested items that should be included:
Water
Non-perishable food (Energy bars, canned food, dry milk, etc.).
Medical kit (You can purchase pre-made kits, or make your own. Appendix ?? has a list of essential items that every medical kit should have. Call the American Red Cross for excellent emergency and medical kits that you can purchase.)
Flashlights
Portable radio, preferably one with a manual crank for emergency power.
Extra batteries
Fire extinguishers
Have a monthly family meeting that focuses on home protection. Go through the safety plan and escape drills, and be sure that everyone knows where to meet if the family needs to leave the house. Have everyone learn CPR and basic first aid.
The best plans are worthless with out practice, reinforcement and updating, so be sure to reinforce your plan with practice. Go over your safety plan regularly and assess whether it needs to be modified. As your children grow older and more mature, and your family dynamics change, you’ll need to adjust your plan. Get input from everyone in the family. You’d be surprised what great ideas a young child will come up with.
Remember, common sense, education and applying what you’ve learned are the keys to personal and home safety and a better quality of life.