As the head of the household, you have a responsibility to protect your family and keep them safe at all costs. Of course, when your children are small, safeguarding them against danger is relatively easy. However, protecting them may require more effort as they grow older. From fire safety to cybersecurity, you want your whole family to have the know-how to keep sensitive information, belongings and their own lives safe.
Here are a few things you can do as a parent to protect your family and teach your kids the importance of being cautious and taking safety precautions.
1. Secure Documents
Protecting your family means protecting their personal information. To do so, you must secure all paper documents, including passports, social security cards, birth certificates and tax returns. If you wish to keep them in your home, consider locking the originals in a waterproof, fireproof safe to protect them from natural disasters and thieves. Alternatively, you might choose to keep documents you don’t frequently reference in a safe deposit box at your bank.
2. Draft a Fire Safety Plan
Most Americans have a false sense of security about their family’s ability to escape their home in the event of a fire. While 80% are confident everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds, only half of Americans have a fire safety plan. Make sure your family knows what to do — even in your absence — by drafting a fire safety plan. Practice it periodically and keep an emergency kit on hand to ensure a speedy escape.
3. Install a Security System
Protect your family from intruders by installing a security system. Set up an alarm and place motion-sensor cameras around your property. Smart home devices can also help secure your home by allowing you to receive alerts access video doorbells from your smartphone, even when you aren’t home. If a security system isn’t in the budget right now, simply sticking stickers or signs advertising alarm systems may effectively deter burglars.
4. Get a Dog
Another brilliant way to dissuade burglars from casing your house is to adopt a dog. Your kids are sure to love having a furry friend to play with and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a pooch. Of course, for this safety measure to prove effective, you’ll have to pass on the chihuahua and opt for a large breed like a Pitbull or German shepherd, instead. Most burglars will avoid homes with big, loud dogs.
5. Monitor Your Banking
Credit card fraud is the most common type of identity theft, with the Federal Trade Commission receiving more than 167,000 reports in 2018 alone. With so many fraudsters out there, it’s important to protect your account information and closely monitor your banking. Avoid sharing your account number over the phone and save receipts to compare with your monthly statement. You might also run a yearly credit report to ensure your credit activity is accurate.
6. Get Life Insurance
It’s also crucial you take a look at your finances and make sure you and your family are prepared for disaster or tragedy. If something happens to you and you can’t be there to provide for your family, you want to make sure they’ll be financially secure. The best way to provide this financial safety net is to purchase a life insurance policy. Term life insurance is the most affordable option and will help protect your family after you’re gone.
7. Finalize Your Will
Additionally, you may want to revisit your will. Finalizing your last will and testament is especially important if you have children. If you pass without having a will in place, the state will determine what happens to your assets and who becomes your kids’ legal guardian. Therefore, it’s crucial you outline guardianship, create trusts, distribute your assets and plan for outstanding debt payments in your will. Making your wishes clear on paper ensures everything goes to plan after your death.
8. Prevent Cyber Attacks
Cybercriminals love to take advantage of accounts with weak passwords. In 2019 alone, they were able to glean $3.5 billion from individuals and businesses by hacking systems and cracking simple passwords. Mitigate attacks on your personal accounts by consistently patching, installing automatic updates and proactively managing passwords. Create complex, unique passwords for each account and immediately change them if you suspect a breach. Additionally, implement strict oversight of your children’s internet usage to ensure they don’t fall victim to hackers.
Preparing for Murphy’s Law
According to Murphy’s law, anything that can go wrong, will go on — and usually at the worst time. While this law isn’t always true, it certainly feels relatable when disaster strikes unexpectedly.
Prepare for those inevitable emergencies and protect your family by planning ahead and taking proactive security measures. It’s also smart to ensure your own financial stability and have a budget in place so you’re always ready for the unpredictable.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
