How to create a safe zone at home
Before setting up a safe zone in your home, go through our easy-to-implement check list of what you need to make it work for you and your family in an emergency such as fire or home invasion.
1. Choose an area for your safe zone
This area will become your safe zone, so get an expert to help you secure it properly with physical barriers. It is usually the bedroom section of your home. Your Trellidor franchise sales consultant will advise you to install security barriers on every window and door in this area and will help you choose the right product for each opening.
2. Make at least one window an emergency exit
To do this, you’ll need a security barrier that opens on this window so that you can climb through it to escape fire or get help without home invaders seeing you.
Some Trellidor products that can be used on doors as well as windows include Trellidor Retractable sliding security gates, Trellidor Clear Guard security screens, Trellidor Louvre Shutters and Trellidor Rollerstyle shutters.
If you are in a high rise block or have a double storey home, fit your emergency exit security gate to a veranda door so that you can get out to call for help. It’s advisable to keep a ladder in this upstairs area, ready for use if you need to climb down as a jump would be too dangerous.
3. Stock your safe zone with essential items
Most people make their bedroom area the safe zone as it keeps them safe at night and protects them during other emergencies. Plus there is usually a bathroom with running water and a toilet to use while you’re trapped.
You’ll also need to make sure that your safe zone is stocked with:
- Lifesaving medicines such as asthma pumps and prescription medication.
- A list of emergency phone numbers printed out and stuck up on the wall as well as programmed into your cell phone.
- A cell phone charger.
- A torch in case of a power outage.
- A panic alarm, either wall mounted or portable.
- A whistle to blow repeatedly if you are stuck and need to attract attention for assistance.
4. Sensible key storage
Keys should be stored where you can find them in a hurry and where home invaders can’t get to them.
A good idea is to have your key storage system, whether it’s a set of wall mounted hooks or a cupboard, inside your safe zone. This means that only you have access to them if your home is invaded.
The same applies to the controls of any automated systems such as driveway gates, safety doors and cars. Keep these inside your safe zone, not in the unprotected area where robbers can get to them.
5. Practise your plan
Plan for an emergency and practise this with your family without distressing young children unnecessarily. And don’t forget to take into account the needs of family members that are aged, frail or disabled.
6. Check your battery back-up
Remember to regularly check the battery back-up on automated doors, panic buttons, sensor beams and smoke alarms. You don’t want to find the batteries are flat just as you need them to help keep you safe!
Contact your local Trellidor franchise to help you create a safe zone at home or work.
Or visit your local Trellidor showroom to see the Trellidor product range available to set up a safe zone.
