Homeland Security > H.A.N.D.S.S. > Prepare Your Family

Computer Safety

Many people do not realize that their computer systems can be used to launch attacks against the government and industry - often to steal or destroy information such as financial data or even personal identities. To protect yourself:

• Be wary of communicating with strangers over the internet.
• Report unusual activities to the authorities.
• Use passwords that cannot be easily guessed.
• Make regular backup files of critical data.
• Use virus protection software and a firewall.
• Disconnect from the internet when it is not being used.
• Regularly download security patches.

How to Prepare Your Family

• Make sure every family member knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Teach them to stay in touch: Make it a rule for your children to check in with a parent or guardian immediately when they get home from school or other activities.
• Make sure they know how to contact you at work .
• Make sure your children know their phone number and home address : Include nearby cross-streets and landmarks.
• Work with neighbors to find places that are safe for children and teens to go in an emergency: These places might include a friend's house, fire or police station, library or place of worship. The best place for a child during a crisis may very well be the school where they are supervised and protected from outside hazards. Make sure your children know the phone numbers and addresses for their safe havens.
• Talk to your child about how and when to call 9-1-1 and 3-1-1.
• Teach your children and teens how to be safe: Tell them to seek help immediately from a teacher, law enforcement officer or other security personnel if they overhear classmates threatening to hurt themselves or others.

Children and Disasters

Disasters are traumatic for children even if they know what to do. During a disaster, your family may have to leave your home and daily routine. Children may become anxious, confused and/or frightened. It is important to give children guidance that will help them reduce their fears. In a disaster, children will look to you and other adults for help. How you react to an emergency gives them clues on how to act. If you react with alarm, a child may become more scared. They will see your fear as proof that the danger is real. If you seem overcome with a sense of loss, a child may feel their losses more strongly. Raw footage of disasters and people's reactions to the events can be very upsetting to children. It is not generally recommended that children watch television news reports about such events especially if the images are shown over and over. Immediately after a disaster, try to reduce your child's fear and anxiety. Keep the family together. Calmly and firmly explain the situation. Encourage children to talk and include them in the recovery activities.

While on-line computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for children, they can be exposed to dangers. The F.B.I. has provided "A Parent's Guide to the Internet." You can view it at: www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm