Identify the situations that worry you
Consider wandering, bolting in parking lots, water access, opening doors, climbing, getting separated in public, inability to communicate identifying information or difficulty responding to emergency instructions. Different risks need different plans.
Use layers
No lock, alarm, wearable or identification tag should be treated as a complete safety system. Combine appropriate supervision, environmental safeguards, identification, communication planning and caregiver procedures.
Prepare a quick information sheet
Keep a current photo, identifying information, emergency contacts, communication information, important medical details and likely destinations or attractions where appropriate. Make sure another caregiver knows where it is.
Plan the handoff
Babysitters, relatives, school staff and other caregivers need concise information about risks and what to do. A plan hidden in one person's phone is not useful if that person is unavailable.
Review after changes
New skills can change risk. A child who learns to operate a deadbolt, open a gate or move a chair may make yesterday's setup obsolete. Revisit the plan as abilities and environments change.
Take what fits. Start small. Adjust along the way.
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