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Security

Securing the inside

When you need something simple to control a crowd of people, a turnstile might be an option. There are about four types of turnstiles to choose from depending on how many people are expected to go through the area and the type of security that the area needs. A low tripod is ideal for minimum security and locations where there are not a lot of people going through. You can add a system where people who enter drop a ticket through so that you can keep track of how many guests are in the area or how many sales are made during the day. These are seen at fairs, concert venues and sporting events. Read More »Securing the inside

Home security systems with alarm monitoring

Traditional home security systems usually don’t involve any monitoring. CCTV surveillance cameras record videos that could later be reviewed. In such systems, the actual footage is seen only after an incident such as a burglary has occurred and the homeowners have arrived hours later. With modern alarm systems, there is monitoring in real time. A relay company essentially keeps an eye on all of the home security components of a client. For instance, indoor and outdoor video cameras are viewed by dedicated staff. Any suspicious activity that is caught on camera prompts an immediate response. Relay companies can dispatch the police and fire departments after a threat that’s shown on camera is quickly assessed. Read More »Home security systems with alarm monitoring

Childproof your garage doors

Think back to the games you invented as a child and you might be able understand the “thrill” of a game entitled “Beat the garage door.” The object of the game is to run underneath the door before it has a chance to close. While thrilling to children, the game should be met with alarm from adults. Kids have been struck by the descending door or even trapped beneath it, and injury or death have been the result. Read More »Childproof your garage doors

Top 3 most hazardous household objects

Toys

The idea behind a toy is to provide a child with entertainment, education, fun, or some combination of the three, but the actuality is that toys are often the cause of injury. Parents and caregivers must be as vigilant when selecting toys as they are when protecting children from more obvious hazards.

Children under the age of 3 are at greatest risk of toy injury, due, in part, to their propensity for placing small objects in their mouths. Toys and parts of toys should always be larger than a child’s mouth. According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, 54 percent of toy-related deaths in 2002 were due to choking, 43 percent of which involved balloons. Since latex balloons are primarily the culprit, Mylar balloons are recommended. Do not allow children to inflate latex balloons; if latex balloons are used, deflate and discard them after use. Toys that make loud or shrill noises should be avoided.

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Protect yourself with burglar alarm systems

A burglar alarm can provide extra security, acting as one more level of deterrent to burglars who seek easy entry. But they shouldn’t be considered burglarproof and are certainly no substitute for quality locks and security-conscious habits. The alarm system must be reliable and be used dependably by all family members. The consistent peel of false alarms will soon be ignored by neighbors. Police departments in many communities will not respond to an alarm unless summoned by an individual. Consider informing police in your area of the names of two key-holders in the event that the alarm is engaged. Read More »Protect yourself with burglar alarm systems

Lighting dark areas

Have you ever notice that there is always one room in the house as seems to be darker than the rest? Many times, it is either the living room or the bathroom. There is never enough lighting in any of these rooms unless you add lights yourself. You have several options choose from when you are trying to find the perfect amount of light in a dark area. Lighting a dark area in your house is very easy to do as long as you know what you are doing and know what to look for in your light fixtures. Here are some helpful suggestions you might want to take into consideration the next time you are trying to add more light to a darker area of your room. Read More »Lighting dark areas

Protecting your home against crime

Although the U.S. Department of Justice cites a 20-year decline (since 1973) in the rate of property crimes nationally, law-enforcement experts still urge residents to take home security precautions rather than rely on optimistic statistics to keep family and property safe. Burglary and theft are crimes of opportunity, so the more difficult you make getting into your home, the more likely it is that a burglar will go elsewhere. Keep in mind that burglars don’t want to be seen while breaking in, so they are most likely to select a means of entry that is hidden from view: a rear entrance, a window shrouded by shrubs or trees, or a side door not visible from the street. While trees and fences offer homeowners a sense of privacy, they also give burglars the shield they need to gain illegal entry. Read More »Protecting your home against crime

How to protect your home from a flood

Before a Flood

One of the most important things you can do to protect your home, particularly if the area in which you live is prone to flooding, is to purchase adequate flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) guarantees coverage and is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Don’t wait until a flood is imminent to purchase flood insurance.

FEMA also suggests that you move appliances or anything of value out of the basement if you live in a flood-prone area and install electric service entrance panels and utility meters above anticipated flood levels.

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Using locks to protect yourself against home burglary

Door Locks

Install strong locks and bolts on all exterior doors, since doors are particularly vulnerable to burglars. Older, worn locks should be replaced with newer, higher-quality units. If you are an apartment dweller, it is imperative that you change the lock/cylinder since you have no idea who might have access to the key.

The front door needs a strong lock, particularly for periods when you are not at home and it will not be bolted from inside. Back and side doors need extra protection since they are often targeted because they cannot be seen from the street; an intruder may try to open them with force.

Install good-quality dead-bolt cylinder locks or mortise locks in all exterior doors. If purchas¬ing a dead-bolt cylinder lock, look for a bolt that extends at least 1 inch beyond the edge of the door when in the locked position. Make sure the lock has a case-hardened cylinder guard, steel inserts, a reinforced strike plate, and tie screws a minimum of 3 inches long that secure from the inside.

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