Keep in mind that when a thief breaks into your house, he has two goals:  (1) get money or valuables and (2) get out fast.  That means he is going to search your house until he finds something or until he feels like he has run out of time—usually about 10-15 minutes.

Hiding places to avoid

Some so-called great hiding places are so overused that even criminals know about them.  You’ll want to avoid hiding valuables in the following places:

• freezer
• refrigerator
• toilet tank
• anywhere in your bed
• cereal boxes
• under the cat litter

These are some of the places that burglars will go first.  They will also search your closet and the drawers in your dresser.

Better hiding places

However, you can outsmart the thieves by getting creative and putting forth a little effort.  Here are some savvy ways to protect your valuables:

• Your child’s room:  Because children’s rooms are usually just full of toys and clutter, burglars don’t spend a lot of time there.  When they do go in to your child’s room, they are looking for specific, easy-to-spot items such as game consoles.  Try concealing your valuables inside a stuffed animal or other toy that is seldom played with.
• Inside a book: Choose a book from your bookshelf that you never read and cut a hole inside throughout the pages.  Put glue into the hole so that it holds its shape, and put your valuables inside.  Alternatively, you can choose several books, cut out the middles and then glue them together.  When set upon your bookshelf, they will create an empty space inside in which you can hide things.
• Fake electrical outlets:  Purchase a deep outlet box from a hardware store.  Cut a hole into your wall, place the outlet box inside, put your valuables into the box, and cover with an electrical outlet cover.
• Air conditioner vents:  Since these are usually screwed in, a burglar is unlikely to take the time to remove vents all over the house looking for money.
• Under your carpeting:  Wall-to-wall carpeting is a great place to hide money.  Pull back part of the carpet, place your money under the carpet or pad, and smooth the carpet back.
• Throw pillows:  It is relatively easy to open up and re-sew part a section of seam on a throw pillow.  This gives you access to the inside of pillow to store valuables.
• Toothpaste tube:  Cut open the flat end of an empty toothpaste tube.  Place your valuables inside and then roll up the flat end a couple of time.  This gives the appearance of a partially used tube of toothpaste.

Again, the best place to store your valuables is in the bank.  But there are plenty of hiding places to outwit burglars. Take a look around to find other creative areas in your house.

Unfortunately, as the popularity of using wood as fuel increases, so will fires resulting from improper use.  All it takes is a few seconds for a fire to blaze out of control.  The good news is that house fires from fireplaces and wood burning stoves are largely preventable.  Just paying attention to a few safety precautions will reduce your risk of fire.

Safety Tips

• Install smoke detectors.  Your first line of defense is properly installed smoke detectors.  In the event of a fire, time is everything.  A smoke detector gives you an early alert so that you can get yourself and your family to safety.
• Follow the manufacturer’s directions when installing your wood burning appliance.  Your home owner’s insurance provider may want to inspect it after installation, to ensure that it is installed correctly.
• Have your chimney and wood stove checked and cleaned every year by a professional.  Normal wear and tear can create safety hazards that only professionals can identify.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood.  This helps prevent the buildup of creosote.  Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood, but when it accumulates on the inside of your chimney, it can cause a chimney fire.  Soft, moist wood accelerates the buildup of creosote.  Consider using a stovepipe thermometer to monitor the temperature inside your flue.
• Be sure to keep all flammable items such as curtains and furniture away from your fire.  With the holidays approaching, be mindful of flammable decorations getting too close as well.
• Use hearth gates and metal mesh screens to discourage children from getting too close to the fire.  Always supervise children around fires.
• Insure that you have only flame-resistant materials on the walls around your wood stove.
• Put ashes only in metal containers, and do not leave them in the house.  Many house fires are caused from ashes that are put in paper bags.  Even if you think the ashes are cold and contain no embers, don’t take a chance.  Put them in a fire-proof container and take them outside for storage.
• Keep the air intakes open on stoves and be sure your fireplace has plenty of ventilation.
• Store a fire extinguisher within easy reach.  Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it.

Heating with wood can be a smart way to reduce your heating costs throughout the winter months.  House fires from wood heat are preventable, but it requires careful monitoring and attention.  Use the above tips to keep your family safe as well as warm this winter.

Use these tips to keep yourself and your family safe in the event of a fire:

• Plan and practice two escape routes out of the building.
• Plan two ways to get out of every room.
• Discuss the plan with your family.
• Practice escapes at night. That’s when most deadly fires occur.
• Designate an outside meeting place.
• Decide who will take charge of the child.
• Draw a picture of the inside of your home.
• Teach children to crawl under smoke and to touch door before opening them. Do not open the door if it is hot.
• Teach children to “stop, drop & roll”. Never stop to call the fire department before leaving the building, and never re-enter a burning building.
• Show children who live in high-rise buildings the shortest route to a safe exit. Do not use the elevator.
• Install detectors in all sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
• Test detectors once a month.
• Clean the detector regularly. Dirt can lead to malfunction.
• Replace the batteries at least one once a year.
• Know what the smoke detector alarm sounds line and what to do when it goes off.

Brought to you by:

Best Security Products
800-988-2378
www.bestsecurityproducts.com

From unexpected delays to over-tired kids, traveling during the holidays can be a trying and sometimes dangerous time. But there are some smart ways to travel which can reduce your stress and keep you safe. Consider the following tips to make this travel season your best yet.

Secure your home

One of the most effective ways to deter burglars from invading your home while you are away is to install a home security system. 9 out of 10 convicted felons state that they would avoid breaking into a home that has a home alarm system. Alerting would-be burglars that your home is protected is your first defense against holiday break-ins.

Don’t advertise your travel plans

Resist the urge to post your holiday plans on social media platforms such as facebook and twitter. If that information shows up on strangers’ feeds, you are giving them detailed information regarding when you will be away from home.

Plan ahead when traveling by car

• Know your route. Be sure you are familiar with your driving directions and feel comfortable about your route. To avoid encountering unexpected road closures or detours, contact the Federal Highway Administration (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/). There you will find useful information about road status and traffic.

• Give your car a check-up. There’s nothing like that sinking feeling when something goes wrong with your car many miles from home. Increase the odds that your trip will be problem-free by checking your oil level, tire pressure, windshield wiper fluid and radiator water.

• Pack an emergency kit for snow emergencies. The cold temperatures and hazardous driving conditions that winter brings makes being prepared for emergencies critical. Make sure you have blankets, matches, a snow scraper, jumper cables and a first aid kit with you. Snacks, a charged cell phone and kitty litter (helps give your tires traction on the ice) are other great emergency items to have.

Stress-free air travel

• Book early. By not waiting until the last minute to schedule your flight, you can save money as well as choose to fly on less busy days. Fewer people fly on the holiday itself. Consider flying on December 25th or January 1st.

•  Leave early. Plan to leave at least an hour early for the airport so you have plenty of time for the unexpected. Expect longer waits at airport as well, because winter weather is notorious for causing delays. Having a book to read while you wait is a great idea.

• Travel as lightly as possible. The less stuff you have to keep track of, the better. Airlines are increasing baggage fees too. Pack only what you absolutely need for trip, and consider shipping gifts directly to your destination rather than traveling with them.

• Keep the kids happy. If you are traveling with children, plan ahead to help them be as relaxed as possible. Make sure they are well rested before the flight, and if they need any medications to help with comfort, be sure to give it to them. Have special activities planned to keep them busy, and offer them healthy snacks and plenty of water.

It is usually the unexpected that makes holiday travel difficult. You can make this season different by prepared.

Unfortunately many homeowners don’t realize how easy it may be to outsmart most burglars. Burglars basically pick out homes that appear unoccupied, unprotected or easily accessible through concealed entry points.Fortunately, there are some easy things you can do to protect and improve your home security for when you are there or when you can’t be there, no matter where you live.

Your Eleven Steps to a Safer Home

1. Doors & Windows: Be sure to secure all of your doors and windows, even pet entrances and garage doors. Be wary of weak locks that can be easily forced open. An easy fix is to install deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plates with three-inch screws on doors. For ground level windows, mount high-quality locks on all windows, but don’t forget all other windows.

2. Sliding Doors: You can secure sliding glass doors by replacing a metal rod or piece of wood, like a broomstick, in the doors track. Another precaution you should take is to install vertical bolts.

3. Interior Lights: Timers should be utilized on any indoor lamps and appliances to keep your home lit up at night. You can also set timers to turn on your televisions and radios at random times throughout the day. This is a great deterrent.

4. Exterior Lighting: The Perimeter of your home should always be well lighted. Try using low voltage, solar lighting or motion sensitive lighting around porches, decks, entrances, walkways or any other dark outdoor area around your home.

5. Newspapers and Mail: Before you and your family leave on vacation you should stop mail and newspaper deliveries. You could also as a trustworthy neighbor or friend to collect them while you are away. This prevents an accumulation of mail and flyers being spotted by burglars.

6. Keys: You should never hide your keys under doormats, mailboxes, under a rock, flowerpots, etc… Just give an extra key to that trustworthy neighbor or friend. You can ask them to check your home regularly while you and your family are gone.

7. Blinds and Shades: In order to maintain the appearance of normal, everyday living, remember to leave a few of your shades, blinds or curtains open.

8. Answering Machines: Never announce on your voicemail or home telephone answering machine that you are away from home.

9. Landscaping: Large shrubbery provides hiding areas for burglars. Therefore, all shrubs, bushes and trees should be kept trimmed and away form any entrances. You may want to consider arranging to have someone care for your lawn or garden while you are away.

10. Your Local Police Department: Before you skip town, you should check with your local police department for home security evaluations or checklists. You may even want to ask them to check your home or patrol your neighborhood more closely while you are away.

11. Install a Best Security Products home security system. Home security systems or home alarm systems provide an enormous amount of security since your home can be monitored 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

It’s amazing how just a few simple do-it-yourself tips can help to prevent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars worth of loss and damages to your home.

For a consultation to go over your home’s security, contact Mark Mahaffey at 800-988-2378 or visit www.bestsecurityproducts.com, for practical advice to keep your home safe and, a great and affordable selection of home security systems.

With credit cards being used in so many different places, thieves have many opportunities to steal information.  One of the biggest fears of credit card users is that their accounts will be compromised.

In the event that your card is stolen, it is important to know exactly what to do to prevent significant financial loss.

Here are some tips to keep in mind.

1.  Notify your credit card company:  Before the theft happens, be sure you have the phone number of your credit card company and your account number in an easy-to-find place.  Call them immediately so that they can deactivate your card and prevent future purchases by the thief.  Often credit card companies will not hold you liable for fraudulent charges made on your card.

Be sure to write down the names of each person you talk to when you call the company, and document the date and time that you called.  It is also useful to have a short, written summary of your phone conversations with each person.

2.  Call the credit-reporting agencies:  Alert these companies of the theft so that they can put a fraud-alert on your account.  This prevents the thieves from opening any new accounts in your name. Here is the contact information for the three major national credit-reporting agencies.

• TransUnion:       1-800-680-7289       (www.transunion.com)
• Equifax:             1-800-525-6285       (www.equifax.com)
• Experian:           1-888-397-3742       (www.experian.com)

3.  Document your credit status:  You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus every year.  Even if you have already obtained a free copy this year, you may be able to get another one if there is a fraud alert on your account. If your credit card information is stolen, it is important to get documented proof of your current credit standing before any fraudulent activity is reported.

4.  Call your local police to let them know of the theft and file a police report.

5.  Consider filing a full identity-theft report:  This report is generally in two parts.  The first part should be completed at your local police station, and the second part may be filed with a consumer reporting agency.

Hopefully, your credit card information will never be compromised.  But if you should become the victim of fraud, these tips will help you take control of the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Generally we stand breathless for a few seconds, hoping that it is just a glitch and will be over quickly.

And sometimes that is exactly what happens:  the power comes back on within a few seconds, we breathe a sigh of relief and continue on with our plans.

But often, the power doesn’t come back on immediately.

A Honeywell alarm system has battery backup, so you and your family stay protected even when the power is out.  That peace of mind is priceless.  Fires and break-ins don’t just happen to houses with power:  they can happen anytime.

With Honeywell battery backup, you are secure.

There are, however, additional measures you can take to prepare for a power outage.  Here are a few ideas:

• Keep extra batteries, flashlights and candles handy (matches, too!)
• Make sure you have water stored. Water shutoffs often accompany power outages.
• Non-perishable foods are great to have on hand.  You never know how long the emergency will last.
• If you have a fire place or a kerosene heater, keep extra supplies of wood and fuel. You’ll thank yourself if the outage happens in cold weather.
• A generator is critical for keeping freezers and refrigerators cold, as well as charging cell phones.  Be sure to store gasoline for it, and never run the generator inside your home.
• Water purification tablets are useful if the power outage affects water treatment stations.  A boil-water advisory is hard to comply with when the power is out!

With just a little effort and forethought, you can be safe and comfortable during a power outage.

If you have other tips on preparing for a power outage, please leave them in the comments section!

While this is great for the financial bottom line, it can be overwhelming for businesses which do not have proper security measures in place:  the potential for shoplifting increases as the customer traffic increases.

With a little planning, however, you can outsmart the criminals and prevent inventory loss while enjoying the benefits of the holiday rush.  It isn’t too early to begin preparing for stepped-up security, both during store hours and after hours.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you map out your security strategy for the holidays.   The effects will be cumulative:  the more of these suggestions you can implement, the less likely you will be to suffer significant inventory loss.

During Store Hours

Security Cameras:

Whether during store hours or after hours, one of the best defenses against theft is a security camera.  Not only do security cameras deter theft, but in the event a shoplifter makes it out of your business with merchandise, having the video recording makes it much easier to identify the thief.

During the holidays, businesses often hire additional staff.  Security cameras also help you keep an eye on new employees.

And if you can place the cameras in plain sight, the effect is even greater. If the criminal knows he is being watched, he is much less likely to attempt shoplifting.  High traffic areas and store rooms are ideal places for cameras.

Security Guards:

The presence of a security guard sends a clear message to would-be shoplifters:  there is a real possibility of being caught right in the store.  Having a uniformed guard stationed at the entrance significantly reduces inventory loss, but plain clothed security workers are also effective catching thieves in the act.

If you already have a security guard working in your business, consider hiring another for the holiday rush.  You may find that reduction of shoplifting more than compensates for the expense of hiring another security guard.

Communication With Employees:

Be sure to let your employees know that it is okay to approach you with their suspicions.

Your employees work right beside your customers, giving them many opportunities to notice suspicious behavior.  If they know you will take them seriously, they are more likely to let you know when trouble may be brewing.

After Store Hours:

Lighting:

Thieves rely on secrecy.  If you remove secrecy, their job becomes harder.  Lighting is one of the best ways to discourage criminal activity.

• Make sure all exterior doors are well lit with permanent fixtures. If possible, place these fixtures out of reach to discourage tampering.
• Keep the interior of your business light enough so that activity inside is easily visible from the outside.
• Use motion detection lightening to detect movement both inside and outside your business.  If a criminal knows he has been detected, he is likely to think twice about staying around.

Alarm System

Not only does a professionally installed alarm system alert you if someone forces his way into your business, but it can also keep him from attempting entry in the first place.  Thieves are much less likely to target places which are protected by professional alarm systems. Let criminals know you are protected by placing warning signs in obvious areas, such as near doors and windows.

Include glass break sensors with your alarm system, both on windows and doors.  And consider installing point protectors, such as pressure switch mats, in restricted areas.  Cash register areas, locked display cases and back offices are good places for these alarms.

Make sure that the holiday shopping period is a profitable time for your business. Start preparing now for the crowds and for your own peace of mind.

And certainly, security systems are a first line of defense against these dangers.  Criminals are less likely to burglarize a home or business if an alarm system is installed, and fire alarm systems buy the most valuable commodity in the event of a fire:  time.  The faster the fire can be brought under control, the more likely damage from fire and smoke will be minimal.

Add video surveillance and outdoor perimeter protection into the mix, and a security system becomes an asset no savvy business owner should be without.  There is simply too much at stake to neglect this investment in your business.

However, the benefits of installing a security system for your business go beyond simply protecting your livelihood from invasion and fire.  It may save you money.

Lower Risk Equals Lower Rates

Just as a car with an alarm system installed may qualify for reduced car insurance rates, some insurance companies will offer a reduced policy premium for businesses that have security systems installed.

The reasoning is quite simple:  a carefully monitored business is less of a risk than one unmonitored, so the insurer can lower the rate with a fair amount of confidence. Since many factors influencing insurance costs are somewhat static, such as location of the business and the value of the contents and business itself, it is good to know some measures that can be taken to modify insurance expenses.

The discounts vary from state to state and between insurance companies themselves.  Many companies require the security system to include basic burglar and fire alert systems and be connected to a monitoring service—meaning it alerts the police, fire department or private monitoring service in case of emergency.

Depending on the size and scope of your business, your insurance company may mandate specific qualifications beyond the required code regulations for your particular local, state and federal fire codes. For example, some companies insist that the equipment be UL certified.  UL stands for Underwriters Laboratory Inc., and this certification guarantees that the products meet worldwide standards of safety.

A common concern is the cost involved in installing security measures that qualify for reduced insurance rates.  But you may find that the policy savings more than pay for the expense of upgrading your security.  And you get peace of mind as well—which is priceless.

Because requirements vary from company to company, your first step is to contact your insurer to find out what their specifications are for reduced commercial insurance rates.  You can then take the steps necessary to qualify your business.

Let Us Help

We can help qualify your business for reduced rates.  Contact us with your insurance company’s specifications.  Make a prudent decision to stay safe and save money!

The goal of outdoor perimeter protection is to let you know that an intruder is near. But it can also let the intruder know that even the area surrounding your business is under strict monitoring and security.  If he knows that you know about his presence, he is unlikely to stay around.   Burglars work under secrecy and cover.  If you blow the cover, you blow his plan and greatly reduce the odds that he will make it into your business.

There are several ways to put outdoor perimeter protection to work for you, and it helps to be aware of some of the different types of protection that are available.

Types of Sensors

The following are several types of sensors that are ideal for outdoor use.

• Vibration sensors are generally mounted on barriers, and work by detecting a break in an electrical circuit due to the presence of vibrations.

• Passive magnetic field detection systems are usually buried in the ground or installed within walls.  This type of sensor detects changes in a magnetic field.

• Microwave barriers use high-frequency waves and trigger an alarm when change is noted within that wall of protection.

• Microphonic systems are sensitive to intruders attempting to cut or scale a chainwire fence.  These sensor cables are usually attached to the chainwire itself.

Types of Protection:

Here are just a few ways you can put outdoor perimeter protection to use

Fences:

A fence can be your first line of defense when it comes to outdoor perimeter protection.  Just the sheer difficulty of scaling a fence can cause a would-be intruder to abandon their plan of burglarizing your business.

But if the intruder does decide to try it, intelligent technology is available to smarten up the fence and alert you of his activity.  Sensors in the fence line itself, underground detection systems, and intelligent video software are capable of distinguishing between normal activity and suspicious activity.

Motion Detectors:

Motion detectors can be put to many uses when securing the outdoor areas of your business.  Basically, these detectors are used to monitor zones in and around your business.  When motion is detected, the detector triggers various alerts such turning on lights, sounding an alarm or activating a video camera.

Wireless outdoor motions sensors detect movement in the specified area and can alert you via keypad chimes, videos, or e-mails.  This is great protection for parking lots, rooftops, loading docks, building entrances, and outdoor storefronts.

An added benefit is the savings on electricity with your lights and memory storage with your video equipment, because these units are only turned on when they are needed.

Video Cameras:

Video cameras play a significant role in outdoor protection. Not only will a camera discourage foul play by its very presence and provide a recording of suspicious activity, but remote viewing also makes it possible to determine whether a particular alarm is a valid reason for concern.

When video security is combined with LED illuminators, infrared lighting invisible to the naked eye improves the recording quality.

Card Access:

Use card access in places other than sensitive entrances.  By setting up gates and card access controls farther out from your building, you extend the perimeter of protection.  This keeps would-be intruders at a much safer distance.

The outside of your business is just as important as the inside.  Don’t neglect it.  Contact us to determine which outdoor perimeter protection system is just right for your business.