Are your kids coming home after school to an empty house? That brief period between the end of the school day and the end of your workday may only be an hour, but it can feel like an eternity to a worried parent. Luckily, there are some ways to create a safer and more secure environment for your children and better peace of mind for yourself.

Here are a few ways to use your home security system to enhance your children’s after-school safety.

1. Get notifications when they get home

With a home security system, you can set specific codes for your home security system just for your children; it’s different from the standard code you use, and you only give it to your kids.

When they enter this unique code to disarm your home security system after they get home from school, you can get a notification on your smartphone through the Brinks Home Security® Mobile App, which is free and available for iOS® or Android®.

If you have a Nest + Yale Z-Wave Door Lock, you can also set a unique passcode on the lock itself that will notify you of your children’s arrival. This, however, should not be used as an alternative to arming your system because it’s important to also protect your entire home while everyone is away.

2. Auto-unlock the door for better after-school safety

Getting locked out is a helpless feeling for a child. But with KwikSet SmartCode Door Locks, you can configure the lock to allow the child in if their smartphone is within a given radius of the lock. No key, no problem.

3. Keep an eye on them

Cameras aren’t just for catching bad guys in the act. Placing our security cameras in common or high-traffic areas means you can check in on your kids, or pets, through 24/7 live streams at any time. And with two-way audio, you can communicate with your children, too.

4. Re-arm the system once they’re home

Once the kids are home, it’s an excellent idea to rearm your security system. A seasoned criminal may begin to notice your child is home alone during certain times of the day and could try to break in before you get home. Boost your security by taking a moment to train your child to both lock the front door and re-arm the security system to “Arm stay” status when they get home.

5. Use light controls for better after-school safety

Coming home from school in the winter months can mean total darkness — a hazard to younger children. With Z-Wave Appliance Modules, you can turn on lamps in your home from your smartphone app. Not only does it provide much-needed light for your kid, but it makes burglars believe someone is home before your kid arrives.

We wish you a safe and happy school year! If you have any questions about setting these features up with your existing Brinks Home Security® system or if you are interested in installing an affordable monitored home security system, contact us.

Allison Clark is a senior writer for Brinks Home Security. She enjoys educating others on the benefits of smart home security and using technology to simplify everyday life.