Home security systems are an excellent means of protecting your home, possessions, and family. Monitoring systems would drive thieves away from your home, alert the police, and catch trespassers. In addition to your alarm system, let’s look at five extra steps you can take to improve the effectiveness of your home security system. Ways to…
Protecting your Keys The first thing to consider is: Do you know where all of the keys to your home are located? That includes your primary keys that you and your family use; secondary keys that you may have given to friends, neighbors, relatives, housekeepers, pet sitters and/or utility personnel. You should know where all…
Between shoplifting and employee theft alone, people steal over $33 billion from retail establishments each year. In fact, inventory loss ranges from about .7 to 2.2 percent of gross sales. If that doesn’t seem like much, consider this example: $2 million in retail sales with an inventory loss of just 1.7 percent means $34,000 in…
Given an opportunity, there seems to be no limit to the creative ways con artists prey on the unwary. Oftentimes, those who want to deceive you will seem friendly, warm, generous and totally trustworthy. Here are some things that you should keep in mind whenever dealing with strangers. Evade Scammers Be wary. Con artists depend…
The good news is that modern anti-theft devices are making vehicles more difficult to steal. The bad news is that criminals are now more likely to try to steal your car. Even when you’re still in it. Here are some ways to help you protect yourself. Whenever possible, ask a security officer to walk you…
Keeping your spare key under the doormat isn’t going to keep your home safe – it’s time to get more creative. Here are a couple tips for where (and where not) to keep spare keys. Where NOT to Hide Keys Criminals are getting smarter, so the trick is to outsmart them. Avoid obvious hiding places…
If your home experience a burglar or a fire, an up-to-date home inventory will make it easier to keep count. Also to deal with police and your insurance company. Without an up-to-date inventory, you’ll have to create a list of all your property from memory. Creating and updating a home inventory isn’t nearly the time-consuming…
Even the faintest smell of natural gas should be cause of immediate concern. The characteristic scent of natural gas is a man-made addition that is intended to help protect consumers from fire and explosion hazards. Here are some important considerations every member of your family should know in the event someone smells even a “whiff”…
Travel safe. Whether it’s the annual family vacation or frequent business trips, safety is becoming increasingly important when it comes to travel. Follow these suggestions to make sure everyone is safer when you are away. Here are some tips to make sure you travel safe: Always put a business address on your luggage tag rather…
Invest in security systems. Many believe they don’t really need a home security system, but according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in 2010 there were more than two million home burglaries in the United States, over 70 percent of which took place in residential homes. Take a look at this list of reasons to…
Identity theft and the misuse of personal data are at an all time high. Protect yourself by being aware of the ways your personal information can get into the wrong hands. * Plastic trails: Each time you make a purchase with your credit or debit card you leave an account of buying habits. Other marketers…
Most accidents occur in the home, and you can prevent most of them. Knowing the danger areas and fixing common hazards can make everyone in the family safer. KITCHEN: Mop up spills promptly. Use extra caution when handling knives and other sharp objects. Use those items only for their use. Never leave pots unattended, and…