Hoarding has received a lot of attention lately through TV shows like A&E’s “Hoarders,” and media awareness, giving people the urge to organize their homes. A well-organized home is easy to enjoy, but there are a few more reasons to get in on the trend.

• Aesthetics: Even the most severe hoarders will admit that their piles of belongings look horrible. Be proud of a home that you work hard to maintain. It will encourage you to invite others over to enjoy it with you.

• Hidden treasures: There are probably many items you’ve either forgotten about or gave up on finding years ago because of clutter. Sort it out and  reap the rewards of finding lost items.

• Emergency exits: Home alarm systems, smoke detectors and other home security devices alert you when there’s an emergency. But that’s only part of keeping yourself safe. Clutter can get in the way of emergency exits and can drastically increase the time it takes you to exit your home.

In all of the excitement of a new school year, the most important things can go by the wayside. Home safety should be at the front of every parent’s mind, but sometimes that’s not the case. With the school year’s opening bell just around the corner, it’s time to refresh your memory. Below, you’ll find some simple tips that will help to keep your child safe this fall.

Refresh the Basics for Campers Coming Back: You would be surprised what a couple of months away at sleep away camp can do to your child’s thoughts on home security. For kids, summer is a time to get away from it all: no homework means no worries. Remind them that they’re no longer in a controlled environment; instead, there are now real dangers that they have to concern themselves with. A vigilant state of mind will go further than anything else to prevent a catastrophe.

Schedule a Home Alarm Lesson: Whether your system is brand new or you’ve had it for a decade (in which case, it’s time for an upgrade), sit your kids down for a refresher course. Remind them that the security code is no joke; it’s meant to be kept a secret from everyone outside of the immediate family.

Talk to Your Children About Bullies: Immortalized in movies like Mean Girls and The Sandlot, bullies are something that need to be taken seriously. Recent tragedies in states across the United States show the need to confront this problem head-on. Let your kids know that they should talk to a trusted teacher or principal if they feel threatened at any time.

Your child can enjoy a safe, fulfilling start to 2009-2010 school year. Take the time to reach out and talk about home security and safety at school, and you’ll go a long way towards that goal.

The summer and its heat are reaching their climax in many parts of the country, and that means that kids will soon be returning to school. In just a few weeks, you’ll be busy with the annual rituals: shoe shopping, the habitual trips to office supply stores, and the hunt for the latest in teenage fashion. Amidst all this chaos, make sure not to forget that safety should be at the forefront. The beginning of the school year is a particularly dangerous time for children as they adapt to new habits. Here are some tips to avoid potential accidents and problems.

Go Over the Basics: It’s been a long, hot summer, and younger children may have forgotten some of the basics of both home security and safety outside of the home. Discuss the basic safety tips, such as talking to strangers and how to negotiate traffic properly. Remember that things that seem simple to you can be more complex to a child, so take the time to make sure they understand.

Perform Some Bus Stop Recon: Before your child’s first bus ride of the new school year, take them out to the stop, and scope out potential hazards. Make sure they understand how to safely wait for the bus, and how to cross the street without danger, if that’s a necessary maneuver.

Re-learn the Home Security System: Take a few moments to review the code to your home security system, as well as its operation. If your kids have been away at sleep away summer camp, there’s a good chance they may have forgotten the details.

Make Sure Freshmen Understand Your Expectations: You’ve waited for this day for 18 years, and now that it’s here, it seems bittersweet. You’re proud your child is heading off to continue their education, but nervous at the same time about all of the dangers that come with living away from home. Sit them down and talk about your expectations, including your thoughts on alcohol and drug use. It could be an uncomfortable conversation, but it’s a necessary one.

The school year is a fun time of reuniting with old friends and making new ones. In the middle of all this excitement, make sure to remember that safety and home security should come first.