Winter break brings excitement, free time, and a much-needed pause from school routines. But it also means that many kids and teens spend more time at home while parents work or run holiday errands. Whether they’re 8 or 16, keeping them safe, prepared, and confident is essential.
At Crime Prevention Security Systems, we’ve protected Florida families for over 50 years—and we know peace of mind starts with knowing your kids are safe when you’re not home. Use these simple, practical holiday safety tips to help your children stay secure and make smart choices during winter break.
🎄 1. Set Clear Rules About Answering the Door
Kids should never open the door for strangers—holiday deliveries included.
Use CPSS Smart Tools:
- CPSS Doorbell Camera lets you see and speak to visitors from anywhere.
- Teens can be trained to check the app to see who’s at the door without ever opening it.
🔐 2. Make Sure They Keep Doors and Windows Locked
Kids often forget during the excitement of the holidays—especially when running outside to play.
Teach Them:
- Always check locks after someone leaves.
- Never leave the garage door open.
Use CPSS Features:
- Set real-time alerts if a door is left unlocked.
- Lock doors remotely with CPSS Smart Locks.
📱 3. Show Them How to Use the CPSS Security App
For teens especially, this becomes a powerful safety tool.
They can:
- See live camera footage
- Receive system notifications
- Double-check if the alarm is armed
You stay in control—but they feel empowered.
🆘 4. Teach Them How to Use the CPSS Personal Safety Button
If your child or teen ever feels unsafe—whether inside the home or out with friends—the Personal Safety Button in the CPSS app gives them silent, immediate access to trained monitoring professionals.
This is especially important during winter break when kids may:
- Walk to friends’ houses
- Visit parks
- Go to the mall
- Spend time alone after dark
Help is one discreet press away.
🍳 5. Go Over Kitchen Safety Before They Start Snacking
Kids have more independence during break—and sometimes experiment with cooking.
Teach Them:
- Never use the stove or oven without permission
- Keep flammable items away from heat
- Unplug small appliances when done
- Avoid deep frying or stovetop grease cooking
CPSS can help:
- Monitored smoke detectors alert you instantly, even if you’re not home.
🔌 6. Be Smart with Electronics and Space Heaters
Teens love their chargers, devices, and holiday gaming marathons.
Remind Them:
- Don’t overload outlets
- Turn off space heaters when leaving the room
- Keep cords away from blankets and rugs
- Never leave candles burning
🎧 7. Limit Shareable Content on Social Media
Teens love posting holiday fun—but they should avoid posting that they’re home alone.
Teach Them:
- Not to share their location
- Not to announce vacation plans
- To avoid recording or photographing your home layout
🚫 8. Set Boundaries About Visitors
It’s tempting for teens to invite friends over when they’re unsupervised.
Create clear rules such as:
- No visitors without permission
- No leaving the house without checking in
- No answering the door for friends you didn’t approve
Use CPSS Cameras to get notifications when anyone approaches the house.
📞 9. Create an Easy Emergency Contact List
Even responsible kids can panic in an emergency.
Post a list that includes:
- Parent numbers
- Neighbor contact
- Local emergency services
- CPSS Monitoring (remind them this is automatically contacted if an alarm triggers)
🐶 10. Review Pet Safety Too
Kids feeding or caring for pets may not notice hazards.
Remind them:
- Keep small pets away from tinsel, lights, and plants
- Don’t let dogs or cats near space heaters
- Watch for spills around water bowls
🧑🏫 The Most Important Tip: Talk Through Scenarios
Ask questions like:
- “What would you do if someone knocked on the door?”
- “What if the power went out?”
- “What if you burned your snack?”
- “What if you heard a strange noise?”
Confidence grows when kids know what to expect.
Give Your Kids—and Yourself—Peace of Mind This Holiday Season
With clear rules, smart habits, and CPSS smart home technology, your kids can stay safe and confident while home alone during winter break. And you can enjoy the season knowing help, alerts, and protection are always just a tap away.
📞 For enhanced home protection this holiday season, call CPSS at 800-949-1799.
