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Home fire safety is something everyone needs to know. Check out our complete fire safety guide, from escape plans to fire safety statistics.

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8 Essentials for Your DIY First Aid Kit | SafeWise

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It’s easy to assemble your own first aid kit & personalize it to your family’s needs. When putting together your first aid kit, include these 8 essentials.

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Tornado Safety

Tornado Safety

Learn how to stay safe during a tornado, and how to improve your home's ability to withstand tornadoes. Learn how to stay safe during a tornado, and how to improve your home's ability to withstand tornadoes.

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Learn how to prepare, respond and recover from tornadoes. Learn about using tornado shelters and other tornado safety tips.

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You’ll be better prepared to withstand a flood if you have the following items available – packed and ready to go in case you need to evacuate your home.

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Disasters can strike at any moment, with little notice.

In order to protect your home and family, it is important to be prepared and have a plan in place. The family preparedness plan contains four steps that families should take to be ready for any disaster.

Identify hazards

Identify what types of disasters are most likely to happen in your area, and learn about how to prepare for each (See Disaster Preparedness Series: Disaster Information).

Learn about your community's warning system and signals (sirens, text messages, etc.).

Consider purchasing a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio. This radio broadcasts official warnings, watches, advisories, forecasts and other hazards 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Identify local organizations that perform emergency management (Red Cross/Red Crescent, nonprofits, etc.) and know how to contact them.

Educate yourself on any disaster plans in place at your workplace, children's school or other places you and your family spend time.

Hold a family meeting

Meet with your family to discuss why it is important to be prepared.

Review the types of disasters that are most likely to occur, and explain what to do in each situation.

Assign responsibilities to each family member, and plan to work together as a team.

Decide on locations where you will meet in case a disaster strikes:

Outside your home and neighborhood in case of a sudden emergency, such as an earthquake or fire.

Outside your city in case you cannot return home.

Discuss what to do in an evacuation and create a family evacuation plan.

If a family member is in the military or frequently away from home, plan how you will respond if he or she is away when a disaster strikes.

Document how your family will communicate if a disaster strikes, and create a family communications plan.

If anyone in your family has a disability or special needs, adjust your plan accordingly.

Be sure to include your family pets in your plan.

Prepare

Assemble a disaster supply kit.

Locate safe places in your home for each type of disaster.

Determine the best evacuation routes from your home.

Become trained in first aid and CPR.

Show each family member how and where to shut off utilities (water, gas, electricity).

Make a complete inventory of your home and property.

Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher and where to find one.

Post emergency contacts (friends, family, neighbors, police, fire, etc.) on the refrigerator.

Practice your plan

Practice your plan with your family on a regular basis (every six months).

Check your disaster supply kit every three months.

Replace stored water and food every three months.

Update any emergency contact info as changes occur.

Additional resources

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Disaster preparedness: Family preparedness plan

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The family preparedness plan contains four steps that families should take to be ready for any disaster.

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How to Choose a Home Security System | SafeWise

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Picking out a home security system can be a daunting task. Look at what things you should consider to make sure your security needs are met.

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One of the perks of parenting older kids is never again having to text around for a babysitter for Saturday night. But does your kid have the safety skills to stay home alone?

Review these safety tips with your teenagers to equip them for their night of texting and Netflix-and the start of a lifetime of confident self-sufficiency.

Safety Tips for Staying Home Alone:

1. Doors

Make sure all doors are locked the whole time. It's rare, but intruders can come in even when someone is home and awake.

2. Windows

Close and lock all first-floor (or otherwise accessible) windows before heading upstairs or to bed.

3. Stove

Make sure the stove and oven are off. ( Cooking at home alone is okay, as long as your teenager is typically attentive and responsible at the stove.)

4. Phone

Always have a charged phone and/or access to a charged landline. (Even if there's no emergency, we parents will worry if we can't reach our kids.) Of course, they'll need to know how to reach emergency services in your area.

5. Water

Ensure that your kids know how to turn the water supply off (to the toilets and sinks, at least, if not the main valve for the whole house). Bonus points: They should know how to use a plunger.

6. Appliances

If they're going to use any appliances-washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc.-be sure that they know how to do so. You don't want to come home to the classic dishwashing-liquid-in-the-dishwasher bubble explosion in your kitchen!

7. Flashlights

Power outages happen. Check that they know where flashlights are, as well as fresh batteries. (And, naturally, that they know how to change flashlight batteries. They do, right?)

8. Social Media

Teens should never tweet or post or otherwise share on social media that they're home alone.

9. Dead bolts

Finally-and this just might happen to be from personal experience-remind them not to chain the outside doors and not to lock screen doors (You know, the ones that no one carries keys for). Otherwise, parents will be ringing bells and banging on doors to rouse a (very safely) sleeping teenager.

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Home Alone? Safety Tips for Teens - Your Teen Mag

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Does your kid have the safety skills to stay home alone? Review these safety tips for teens so they are ready for a solo night.

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It's never too early to teach your children home security

It's hard for a parent to feel comfortable leaving their children home alone. But you can be rest assured knowing your home surveillance system and security cameras are there to keep them safe. You can even monitor them while you're away.

Not sure if your child is old enough to stay home alone? Here are some handy age guidelines to keep in mind:

7 Years Old And Younger: These children are too young to be left alone for any period of time. They should never be left unattended in cars, playgrounds, backyards, or even inside your home.

8 To 10 Years Old: These children should not be left alone for more than an hour, especially at night. If you plan to leave your 8 to 10-year-old home alone, make sure it is during the day.

11 To 12 Years Old: These children are capable of being left alone but should not be left home alone at night. It is recommended to leave them only for around 3 hours at a time.

13 To 15 Years Old: These teens are safe to leave unsupervised but probably not for an entire night.

16 To 17 Years Old: This is the age where they can be left at home alone for longer periods of time. They are old enough to take care of themselves and capable of taking care of any issues that may occur. Additionally, they likely have a cell phone and can get in contact with you if need be.

Here are some safety tips to go over with your kid whenever the time does come to leave them by themselves:

Tell Them To Lock The Doors

Even if you have a home security system, you should always remind your children to lock the door as soon as they're in the house.

Never Open The Door To Strangers

This rule applies even when you're at home. Your child should never open the door for anyone that they do not know. Remind them to always look through the peephole or window before opening the door for anyone, even if they are expecting someone. This includes anyone with delivery as well.

Talk About Telephone Rules

It's important to teach your children how to communicate on the phone. Most importantly, they must never tell anyone that they are home alone. Teach your children to tell whoever is on the phone that you are busy and to take a message, even if you aren't there.

Use Social Media Responsibly

Social Media is becoming more and more common among younger children. It is important they never post about being home alone. Teach your children to be cautious with what they are sharing online.

If They Leave The House, They Need To Tell You Where They're Going

Many parents are okay with their children heading over to a neighbor's or playing in the neighborhood. However, you need to teach your children to call you when they reach their destination and whenever they plan to leave where they are. This is important because if something were to happen, you would have an idea of what your child was doing and where they were.

Teach Them About Fire Safety

If you plan to leave your child home alone, make sure they are old enough to understand fire safety. Let them know that if they see or smell smoke, to immediately leave the house and call the fire department. Find a trusted neighbor that they can go to in case of an emergency such as this.

Talk to your kids about staying safe in your home. Make sure they know what to do in case an emergency does happen. The more you teach them about safety, the better off they'll be when left home alone.

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Tips To Keep Children Safe When They're Home Alone | ACS Security Blog

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Follow these tips from ACS Security, one of LA's premiere home security companies, and utilize security cameras to keep your children safe.

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The following list of information should always be left with a babysitter:

Parents should:

Meet the sitter and check references and training in advance.

Be certain the sitter has had first aid training and knows CPR.

Be sure the babysitter is at least 13 years old and mature enough to handle common emergencies.

Have the sitter spend time with you before babysitting to meet the children and learn their routines.

Show the sitter around the house.
Point out fire escape routes and potential problem areas. Instruct the sitter to leave the house right away in case of fire and to call the fire department from a neighbor's house or mobile phone.

Discuss feeding, bathing, and sleeping arrangements for your children.

Tell your sitter of any allergies or specific needs your children have. Leave a note with your children's dates of birth and approximate weights in case these are needed by medical professionals.

Have emergency supplies available including a flashlight, first aid chart, and first aid supplies.

Tell the sitter where you will be and when you will return.

Be sure any guns are stored unloaded in locked cabinet, and lock and store the ammunition in a separate place..

Provide and install appropriate car safety seats and booster seats if the sitter will need to drive the children in a car.

Sitters should:

Be prepared for an emergency.

Always call or text for help if there are any problems or questions.

Never open the door to strangers.

Never leave the children alone in the house - even for a minute.

Never give the children any medicine or food unless instructed to do so by the parents.

Be patient with a child who is unhappy or who cries when the parents leave. Try a different activity, read a book to the child, or suggest playing in the yard. If a baby is crying and cannot be soothed, it is OK to put the baby in a safe place, like a crib, and walk away for a few minutes.

Adapted from TIPP: The Injury Prevention Program (Copyright © 2020 American Academy of Pediatrics)

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babysitter~ sitter~ childcare~ day care~ emergency~ first aid~ injury~ home safety~ prevention~ child proof~ prepare~ fire~ poison~ illness

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Babysitting Reminders: Checklist for Parents & Sitters

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Emergencies can happen when you leave your child alone with a babysitter. Use this list of reminders to help stay prepared in case of an emergency.

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These Tips Will Help Your Kids Stay Safe Near Water

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A backyard pool is fun for kids but it’s important to keep them out of harm’s way. These pool safety tips are a must.

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Children under six should never be on an ATV - either as a driver or passenger. Young children lack the physical ability and mental skills to safely maneuver a motorized vehicle with multiple speeds and controls. Every child is different, but developmentally, young children lack the ability to judge speed or distance until around the age of ten.

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Digital communication technologies and remote learning platforms promise a wealth of new educational opportunities. They also increase students' time spent online and potential exposure to cyber threats.

Having forced more than 1 billion students out of the classroom worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has elevated both the benefits and risks associated with remote learning tools. The importance of teaching students about internet safety has never been greater.

The Importance of Internet Security

Cyber attacks are a growing problem for schools: cybersecurity incidents at US public schools nearly tripled year over year in 2019, according to the K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center. The most common issues were educator and student data breaches, followed by ransomware attacks.

The Impact of COVID-19

Students face greater internet risks as they move to online classes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey of US public K-12 schools conducted by Education Week found that more than three-quarters of schools started the 2020-21 school year with either remote learning (no in-person instruction) or hybrid instruction (limited in-person reopening).

As a result, the use of remote management and collaboration apps has skyrocketed. These technologies enable essential services, but their proliferation creates new vulnerabilities for bad actors to exploit.

Resources

The following resources specifically address cybersecurity issues during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Understanding the Threat

Many students spend a big part of their day doing homework on their computers, chatting with friends on mobile devices, surfing social media platforms, and playing online games-activities that expose them to online threats. Teachers and parents who want to educate students about those dangers should understand how dishonest people exploit the internet, as well as ways that young people are especially vulnerable.

According to American University School of Education professor Vivian Maria Vasquez, "children who critically consume media by understanding how text and images convey particular messages are more likely to be able to make informed decisions regarding what to believe and why."

Terms to Know

Learning some of the basic concepts of internet security threats can help parents and educators provide informed guidance to students:

Adware is software that shows computer users unwanted advertisements (typically pop-ups) or redirects them to websites with advertisements.

Hacking occurs when a person gains unauthorized access to data. Exploiting weaknesses in computers or networks, hackers steal information such as account numbers or social security numbers.

Identity theft occurs when someone gains access to another person's personal information and uses it to commit fraud. Malware such as trojans and spyware are often used to steal personal information.

Malware, or malicious software, refers to any code designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning or help hackers commit a cybercrime. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, and trojans, as well as adware, spyware, and ransomware.

Phishing is a method used by cyber criminals to obtain confidential information using emails or texts, commonly for the purpose of perpetrating identity theft. A phisher tricks targets into providing personal information such as account passwords and social security numbers.

Ransomware typically infiltrates via email, luring a user to click on an attachment or visit a website that infects their computer with malicious code that locks valuable digital files. Perpetrators then demand a ransom for the release of the information.

Social engineering (in an information security context) is the psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. Cybercriminals often use manipulative messaging with malware or fake websites to commit online fraud.

Spyware collects personal information, such as browsing history, for third-party use.

Trojans are disguised as normal files in order to trick users into downloading them so that a hacker can gain access to a computer.

Viruses and worms cause damage by installing unwanted programs on computers and networks. Viruses require a host file or program and need intervention from a computer user to spread or replicate. Worms can replicate themselves.

Threats Targeting Young People

Students are subject to the same online security threats that adults face, but their age and inexperience make them particularly vulnerable to certain dangers:

Cyberbullying and hate speech. Online bullying of students is a growing problem, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Data released by the NCES in 2019 showed that of the 20 percent of middle and high school students who reported being bullied during the 2016-17 school year, 15 percent were bullied online or via texts, up from 11.5 percent during the 2014-15 school year. Three times as many female students reported being bullied online or by text (21 percent) as male students (7 percent). Cyberbullying sometimes takes the form of hate speech, which refers to attacks based on attributes such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, sex, or gender identity.

Exposure to inappropriate content. Children can be exposed to a wide variety of age-inappropriate material online, including pornographic content, depictions of violence, and any number of adult topics or conversations.

Online predation. Online predators use the internet to commit child sexual abuse. They can make contact via messaging apps, social and video game networks, and other online forums.

Sexting. Sexting is when a person shares or receives sexually explicit messages or images via mobile devices. Such communications can occur between two students or be initiated by adult predators. Students who engage in sexting can become victims of blackmail attempts aimed at gaining money, acquiring additional sexual content, or initiating physical contact.

Resources

Parents, teachers, and guardians can use the following resources to increase their awareness of cyberthreats and teach internet safety for students:

Tips for Teaching Students About Internet Safety

Adults can help students learn about internet safety at every stage of their education. "Because we live in a media-saturated world, it is important to create spaces for children to talk about the texts and images that surround them," says American University professor Vivian Maria Vasquez. "The place to start is with a child's questions, passions, and interests. In other words, work with media texts they are already interested in exploring and discussing."

The following tips explore three major internet safety issues-online threats, privacy, and social interactions-to illustrate how teachers and parents can teach internet safety for students of different age groups.

Elementary School

Students at the elementary level can learn basic internet safety concepts that form a foundation for future instruction:

Recognizing danger. Internet safety can form the basis of lessons aimed at teaching students to think critically about potential threats. For example, an exercise might outline a danger associated with online activity and the importance of alerting a trusted adult.

Privacy. Teachers can explore the concept of privacy and its importance. A lesson might establish a definition of personal information-name, address, phone number, and location-and stress the importance of concealing it from everyone but immediate family members.

Personal interactions. Teachers can use internet safety to teach children about how to interact with strangers. A lesson might establish what constitutes a stranger on the internet and discuss potential dangers associated with interactions with strangers online.

Middle School

Building on basic safety concepts, educators can introduce middle schoolers to specific internet safety issues:

Identifying threats. Teachers can highlight such topics as verifying someone's identity online, determining network security, identifying dangerous links, and recognizing online scams and phishing tactics.

Online privacy practices. By exploring issues such as password protection and social media privacy settings, teachers prepare students to use online services safely.

Managing online interactions. Instructors can help students have safe interactions with people they meet via online gaming and social media platforms by exploring issues such as what information is appropriate to share online and how much students really know about people they meet online.

High School

Parents and teachers can instruct high school students about sophisticated online safety issues that they will need to consider as adults:

Evaluating risks associated with new technologies. Examining potential dangers that might be associated with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence can help students think critically about the role that technology plays in their lives.

Exploring the role of big data. Students can learn about the ways corporations and governments collect and use data and discuss the right to privacy.

Fostering healthy online relationships. Parents and teachers can help young adults understand what constitutes a healthy friendship or romantic relationship and apply those standards to the personal interactions they have online.

Resources

These resources provide educators with guidance on how to teach students about internet safety and ensure safe learning environments:

Creating Safer Learning Environments

Teaching young people about online threats and incorporating internet security curriculum has never been more important. Mass migration to online classes has heightened awareness and concern about remote learning safety, but internet threats were growing before the COVID-19 pandemic. By teaching students fundamental internet safety practices, parents and educators prepare young people to be successful adults in an increasingly digital world.

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Online classes have made students more reliant on the internet than ever before. Learn more about teaching students to use best practices for internet safety.

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The following simple tips, when put into practice, can reduce the opportunity for you becoming a crime victim.
Criminals are constantly surveying the environment for an opportunity to commit crimes. Thieves will look for a running vehicle, or an individual who leaves their valuables in the backseat of their vehicle.

Criminal opportunity is accomplished by a lack of witnesses, or the creation of an easy target. The probability of being detected influences a criminal's decision to commit a crime. Increasing witness potential is one way to reduce criminal opportunity, but being more observant and aware of surroundings is another proactive method of enhancing your security. Don't make it easy for the criminal to make you a victim!
Methods of reducing criminal opportunity:

Be alert and aware! While you are walking, keep your mind on what is going on around you. Knowing who is near is the first step to being secure. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, move in the direction of other people.

Display confidence.Walk with purpose, scan the area around you and make casual eye contact with others to display confidence. This reduces your chances of being targeted by criminals. Don't wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.

Keep your hands free. Carrying items makes you a more vulnerable target for criminals. Backpacks should be worn on your back, keeping your arms and hands free. Avoid text messaging or lengthy cell phone use while walking alone. Be extra alert; know who and what are around you at all times.

Trust your instincts.If you have an intuitive feeling something is wrong, trust your instincts. React immediately and take action to reduce your risk. Many individuals suppress these feelings, because they fear their response will offend someone. React to your instincts and don't worry about someone else's feelings. If someone approaches you and you feel uncomfortable, move or ask for assistance. Call the Police immediately about all suspicious activity. Don't worry about "bothering" us because this is what we are here for.

Ask for help.If you feel vulnerable, ask Police or Security to escort you to your car. This is often another fear individuals have, that they may inconvenience someone for something that did not exist. KUMC Police Escorts can be requested by calling 913-588-5030. It is recommended that staff and students program this number into their cell phones.

Closely Guard Your Personal Effects:Always closely guard their personal effects. Thefts of personal items such as purses can result in more criminal opportunities such as:

Credit Card adn Identity Theft.

Stolen Auto: Remote entry key rings allow thieves easy means to identify your car and steal it. Seehow to prevent auto theft.

Residential Burglary: Your driver's license, vehicle registration and other information will most likely have your home address. If you're at the shopping center, the criminal will know you are not at home! See section aboutresidential security

Other Helpful Hints:

Travel on populated, well-lit streets. If possible, travel with a friend. Traveling in groups of two or more significantly reduces your chances of becoming a victim of crime. Most assaults happen to lone victims.

Let someone know where you are going and when you'll be back. Call if you're going to be late.

Park your car in a well-lighted area and lock it when you leave. Check for uninvited passengers in the back seat or on the floor before you get in.

Stay near people. Walking in deserted areas invites trouble. Avoid shortcuts.

Plan purchases in advance and carry only the amount of cash necessary to make the purchases. If you must carry a large sum of money, divide the cash between your purse, wallet, pockets and other areas.

Carry your purse close to your body. Place one end of the purse in the palm of your hand and the other in the bend of the elbow. Never carry a purse by the handle or wrap the strap around your body.

If you are carrying a wallet, carry it in the breast pocket of your jacket or in your side pants pocket. The rear pants pocket is one of the easiest to pick.

Have your keys in hand before you reach your car or door.

Especially during the holiday shopping season, persons are reminded of the importance of personal safety and security. Seasonal crime trends rise due to increased numbers of shoppers and increase opportunities for criminals. The colder weather and longer hours of darkness also are factors.
If Someone Tries to Rob You

If the attacker has a weapon and only wants your money or possessions, don't fight back. Your life and safety are more important.

Try not to panic. Look at the attacker carefully so you can give a good description to the police.

Immediately report the crime to the police. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.

Vehicle Theft

Always lock your car. Close windows all the way and make sure the trunk is locked.

Even if you're rushed, look around before you get out and stay alert to the surroundings.

Control your keys. Never leave an identification tag on your key ring. If your keys are lost or stolen, this could help a thief locate your car and burglarize your home.

Keep everything of value you can in the trunk of your car. If you do leave packages, clothing, or other articles in the car, make sure they are out of sight or covered.

Consider antitheft options, such as steering column locks, alarms, switches that interrupt fuel or electronic systems. Many insurance companies offer reduced rates to owners who install security devices.

Keep your car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), license plate number, and complete description in a safe place at home.

We welcome your comments or suggestions.

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Personal Security Tips, Police Department, University of Kansas Medical Center

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15 simple travel safety tips everyone should know

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Learn 15 easy ways to stay safe from scams, theft, and other common safety concerns while traveling. Everyone should know these simple travel safety tips th…

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Learn skills to help a baby or child in a first aid emergency

Our First Aid skills are simple, easy-to-learn, and suitable for anyone looking to learn first aid and help others in an emergency. Explore the different skills below to enhance your own learning so you may be able to assist during an emergency.

Staying safe while giving first aid

Please always consider your personal safety when giving first aid. Look out for any dangers and only act when you're confident it is safe to do so.

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Learn simple first aid skills for babies and children so you will feel confident to help in an emergency.

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Use this to bolster your new knowledge and notes.

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