Watching classic holiday kids’ movies offer not only a chance to curl up with your clan on the couch, but an opportunity to educate your whole family on home safety. When Kevin McCallister heads to New York City in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, hilarity ensues. But you can learn a lot from this movie about staying safe.
From lessons on cherishing your family (or annoying your older brother), to helping those in need, the movie has a lot to teach both the younger and older members of your family. There are plenty of takeaways on home safety and how to keep your loved ones safe.
Read on for some home safety tips gleaned from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
1. Never throw items at people, or off roofs or balconies
Teaching your children not to throw toys, games, or other objects at people is a lesson you likely began to instill at a young age. Use the movie as an opportunity to reinforce never throwing objects at people.
The scene where Kevin throws bricks off the roof at the bandits is a good chance to remind older children that throwing anything off roofs, balconies, or out of windows is not allowed. While it’s funny in the movie, the consequences in real life can be quite serious, including serious injury.
2. Use staple guns safely
In the movie, Kevin rigs a staple gun to a door, so it shoots a bandit when he tries to get inside. But, staple guns are dangerous and should be used properly (and by adults only).
Some staple gun safety tips:
- Wear protective eyewear when using a staple gun.
- Don’t leave a staple gun unattended.
- Engage the safety lock (if there is one) on the staple gun when not in use.
- Never point a staple gun at yourself or anyone else, even when not loaded.
- Keep your finger away from the trigger when not in use to avoid accidentally firing the gun.
- Never let children play with staple guns.
- Unplug the staple gun when not in use.
3. Secure your home with a security system
Home security systems can go a long way in protecting your home from invasion. In the movie, Kevin easily breaks into his uncle’s townhouse, and the bandits also get in. With a home security system, you’ll have the peace of mind that your house is secure, whether you’re at work for the day, or visiting family for the holidays.
Learn more about how to prevent your home from becoming burglarized this holiday season. Or, if you are thinking about getting a home security system, but don’t know how to choose one, read this newbie’s guide on how to choose a home security system.
4. Check ladder stability before climbing
Whether you’re stringing the holiday lights, or preparing your home for winter, use care when climbing on ladders, which can cause serious injury due to falls. In the last decade, 43 percent of fatal falls have involved a ladder, according to a study in the American Journal of Public Health.
In Home Alone 2, Kevin booby-traps a ladder so it sends the bandit trying to use it tumbling to the floor.
Be smart with ladders by learning some basic ladder safety tips:
- Don’t use ladders during storms or high winds.
- Inspect the ladder before using it to make sure it is working.
- Place ladders on level, firm ground before using.
- No more than one person should use a ladder at once.
- Climb slowly, and avoid sudden movements while on a ladder.
- Don’t try to move a ladder while standing on it.
5. Secure your money and credit cards while traveling
In the movie, Kevin had his dad’s credit cards and cash and can live large, renting a limousine and staying at a swanky hotel. Don’t let your money fall into the wrong hands while traveling.
- Use a money belt or neck pouch: Keep your money, credit cards, passport, and other important documents safe this way when traveling. If you leave your wallet in a pocket, or carry a purse, you could become the victim of pickpocketing.
- Use a travel door alarm: When staying in a hotel room, or other place away from home, give yourself an extra level of protection by using this device. They are inexpensive, and easy to use.
Want to learn more about these and other ways to stay safe while on the road? Read the five must-have portable security products for safety on the go.
6. You never know whom you can and can’t trust
Just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge a person’s trustworthiness by their appearance. Kevin is initially scared of a homeless woman in the movie, but she actually helps him when he needs rescue from the bandits.
However, children should learn that stranger danger is not a joke, and that they shouldn’t approach just anyone when they are in trouble. They should look for someone in uniform (a police officer, security guard, or store employee) when they need help.
Also, they should never accept rides from strangers, and should tell a trusted adult immediately if approached by a stranger. Read more about safety basics your child should know.
Whether your holidays involve a Home Alone movie marathon or not, stay safe this season by following the above safety tips.
