Home Security – Basic 1 Security Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Home security means all the things we do to keep our houses and families safe from thieves, fire, accidents and other dangers. We keep our homes safe by locking doors, windows and the gate, switching off electrical appliances, not opening doors to strangers, and knowing who to call in an emergency.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• mention home security tips
• practise home safety measures
• say why we lock doors, windows and the gate
• say what to do and what not to say when a stranger knocks

Why is home security important?

Our home is where we live, play, eat and sleep. It is very important to keep our homes safe from danger and bad people.

What are the important home security tips?

Lock all doors

Why:

• Keeps strangers and thieves out
• Protects your family
• Keeps your belongings safe

When:

• When everyone is sleeping at night
• When everyone leaves the house
• When you’re inside and don’t want visitors

Remember: Always check if the door is locked!

Lock all windows

Why:

• Thieves can climb through windows
• Prevents accidents (especially upstairs windows)
• Keeps out dangerous animals and insects

When:

• At night before sleeping
• When no one is home
• During bad weather

Install flood lights

What they are:

• Bright lights outside the house
• Light up when it’s dark or when someone approaches

Why they help:

• Thieves don’t like bright lights
• You can see who is outside
• Makes it easier to see at night
• Scares away unwanted visitors

Use burglar alarms and security systems

What they do:

• Make a loud noise if someone breaks in
• Alert the police
• Scare thieves away

How to use them:

• Turn them on when going to bed
• Turn them on when leaving home
• Know the password (don’t tell strangers!)

Don’t open doors to strangers

Important rules:

• Always ask “Who is it?” before opening
• Don’t open if you don’t know the person
• Call your parents if someone knocks
• Never tell strangers you’re home alone

What to say:

• “My daddy is sleeping, come back later”
• “I need to ask my mummy first”

Never say:

• “I’m alone at home”
• “My parents are not here”

Keep the gate locked

Why:

• It is the first line of defence
• Stops unknown people from reaching your door
• Keeps you safe in the compound

Remember:

• Lock after entering or leaving
• Don’t let strangers in
• Ask visitors to identify themselves

Keep emergency numbers ready

Important numbers to know:

• Parents’ phone numbers
• Police: [Local emergency number]
• Fire service
• Neighbours’ numbers
• Close relatives

Where to keep them:

• Near the telephone
• On the refrigerator
• Saved in parents’ phones

Switch off electrical appliances

Why:

• Prevents fire
• Saves electricity
• Keeps appliances safe

What to switch off:

• TV, fans, iron, stove, phone chargers

When:

• Before sleeping
• Before leaving home

Don’t play with dangerous things

Never touch:

• Matches and lighters
• Sharp knives
• Electrical sockets
• Gas cooker
• Chemicals and medicines

Why:

• You can get burned
• You can get cut
• You can get poisoned
• You can cause fire

Install security cameras

Benefits:

• Records who comes to your house
• Can see who is at the gate
• Helps catch thieves
• Makes your home safer

What other safety tips can we follow?

• Keep your fence in good condition
• Trim bushes where thieves can hide
• Have a watchdog (if possible)
• Know your neighbours, because they can help in emergencies
• Don’t leave valuable things where people can see them from outside
• Keep your address and phone number private
• Report suspicious people to your parents

What should you do if you are home alone?

This is only for very short periods, with parents nearby.

• Keep all doors locked
• Don’t answer the door
• Don’t tell anyone you’re alone
• Know how to call your parents
• Know what to do in emergencies

What is a family safety plan?

Every family should have a plan for these things:

• Where to meet if there’s fire
• Who to call in emergencies
• Where important things are kept
• What to do if someone suspicious is around

Class discussion

• What security measures do you have at home?
• Have you ever seen a stranger at your gate?
• What did your parents do?

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. At night, we should _____ our doors.
   • a) open
   • b) lock
   • c) break
2. Flood lights help us _____.
   • a) cook
   • b) see outside at night
   • c) play
3. Should you open the door to a stranger?
   • a) Yes
   • b) No
   • c) Sometimes
4. Before sleeping, we should switch off _____.
   • a) nothing
   • b) electrical appliances
   • c) our voices
5. If someone knocks and you don’t know them, you should _____.
   • a) open immediately
   • b) not open the door
   • c) hide under the bed

Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-b, 4-b, 5-b

Assignment

1. With your parents, check: Are all doors and windows locked at night?
2. Draw your house and show where your gate, door and windows are.
3. Ask your parents for two emergency phone numbers and write them down (with help).