Just had a brand new security system installed by your locksmith? Home security is a great way to keep your family safe, but it's important to make sure that everyone understands how the system works - and that includes your kids. Children should at the very least have a basic understanding of how the system works and what they can do to reduce the risk of setting it off accidentally. Kids who are older and more likely to spend time home alone should know exactly how to use the system and what to do in an emergency. Read on for full details on how to teach your children about your home security system. 

Show Them How to Arm and Disarm the System 

Teaching your child to arm and disarm the system means they can switch it on and off as needed to avoid triggering false alarms. Set your panel code to a combination that's easy to remember but not so simplistic that it could be guessed. You could pick a number that's important to the family, or choose a random selection of digits and make a game of memorizing them together. Let your child practice with you by their side, and emphasize the fact that they should never disarm the system to let a stranger in.

Explain How to Prevent False Alarms 

False alarms can be costly and embarrassing if they aren't disabled in time. Teach your kids how to avoid triggering the system accidentally by avoiding sensors until the system is disarmed, keeping doors and windows locked during the day, and contacting the operator swiftly in the event that a false alarm does occur. Practice what they need to say to the operator together to ensure they're completely clear on what to do. This will save you both plenty of stress further down the line.

Tell Them What to Do During Emergencies

During a home emergency like a break-in or fire, your kids need to know exactly what to do. Show them how to raise the alarm, and tell them what they should say to the operator. Practice together by carrying out a dry run and having them go through all the steps they'd follow in different emergencies, then reciting what they'd say over the phone. If they're struggling to remember, make some reference cards covering all the essential information and keep them in a safe, accessible location near the system.

Want to make the most of your new home security system? Ensure your kids are clear on how to use it and what to do during emergencies.