I remember as a child having a family “knock” that was used to signal that another member of the family was at the door. This special knock was typically used on vacations. If any of us kids were staying behind in a hotel room while a parent was out – or if we were staying in a separate room – our parents would use this knock to signal to us that it was them at the door and we could safely open it. The alternative was that if someone knocked on the door in a normal fashion (not our family code) then we were not to answer it if our parents weren’t around.
Having a family code or signal has many potential uses, and is probably more helpful than ever in our digital age.
Why you need a family code or signal
The biggest reason to have a family code or signal is to verify identity. The signal can be a specific word, phrase, or a selection of numbers. It’s best to have something that can be used both verbally or in writing. The special knock my family used while I was a kid, while useful, would not translate digitally today.
One of the best ways to use the family signal is in digital communication, typically through messaging apps or email. If there is reason to be suspect of the communication you received it is helpful to have a predetermined signal that the sender is who they say they are. There are many criminal actors who try to prey on victims by posing as a family member who doesn’t have access to their usual phone number or email accounts. And with the rise of AI and deepfakes, this type of scam is getting harder to recognize. By asking for the family code you are able to easily confirm a family member’s identity – or spot an imposter.
Having a family code works well the other way too. If for some reason you need to urgently reach out to a family member in an emergency, you can include the signal in your message so they know right away that it is you. I recall being in a vehicle accident while overseas and needing to make contact family through non-traditional methods (no phone call), which added complexity to an already stressful situation. Being able to provide a pre-determined code can save valuable time in an emergency situation.
Create your own family signal
A signal or code word doesn’t just help verify identity or save time in an emergency, it also helps build relationships and a sense of community. My wife and I have a simple three digit code that holds a deeper meaning for us beyond just a number. While it could be used to verify our identity digitally, it mostly just acts as a fun, loving way to communicate with each other in a way others won’t understand – a secret code just for us.
Take a few minutes today to chat with your significant other and/or family and see what fun code or signal you can come up with. Maybe it’s a niche movie quote or a specific date. Or perhaps a word or phrase that’s a part of an inside joke. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and can be fun to develop and practice.
Remember, personal security is not just about staying safe – it’s about enjoying life and caring well for those we love.
What’s Next?
A family code or signal can be a helpful addition to your Home Emergency Planning.
Using family codes also help promote good security behaviors. Read why behaviors are more important than tools.
Check out the archive of other Security Tips
