Holiday Toy Safety Tips

Check out these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics to make sure your little ones’ toys are safe this season.

1. Make sure you read the age recommendations listed on toys. Toys that are too advanced could be a hazard to younger children.
2. Read the instructions. Always read the instructions on a toy before giving it to a child.
3. Unplug. To guard against burns and electrical shocks, don’t give children under 10 toys that plug into an outlet. Battery operated toys are best for younger children.
4. Batteries and magnets. Keep batteries and magnets away from small children as they can experience severe intestinal problems (including death) from swallowing them. Powerful small magnets are often found in building toy sets. Button batteries are often found in musical greeting cards, remote controls and hearing aids.
5. No strings attached. Be on the lookout for pull toys with 12 inch strings or more as these are a strangulation hazard for infants.

Read more safety tips from the AAP here. 

Santa Magic

This season, the elves at Alarm Engineering and Alarm.com can provide you a real snapshot of Santa’s visit, captured easily by your smart home security camera. Make sure that your kids get in on the fun this year, click here to learn more.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410.546.2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

‘Tis The Season…For Holiday Security & Safety Tips

Make sure all your holiday memories are good ones with these security & safety tips:

• A beautifully decorated tree is the centerpiece of so many front-facing windows this time of year. The downside is, showcasing all the presents under that tree may be tempting to a burglar. 
• New electronics are exciting – for family and burglars alike! Large empty boxes for that new big screen or computer left on your curb are inadvertent advertisements for the goodies inside your home.
• Light up your home, inside and out: burglars hate well-lit areas.  
• Remember that many would-be burglars are opportunists; don’t leave any tools or ladders outside that could be easily stolen or re-purposed to aid a burglar break into your home.

Traveling during the holidays?

• An investment in affordable smart home system can easily make your empty home look lived in with automatic lighting schedules as well as live remote access to your TV and stereo systems for ambient sound.
• Snow covered driveways are beautiful but after several days they also serve as a red flag that you’re not home.  Ask a neighbor to occasionally pull into your driveway to leave those precious tire marks behind and easily increase your home security.
• Social Media is a great way to let friends and extended family know how you are celebrating.  Unfortunately, burglars use this information as well.  Be thoughtful about broadcasting when your home is vacant. 
• Of course, always arm your system before you leave.
• Update your vacation call list with us before you leave at by calling our office at 410-546-2210 or complete our online form here. Be sure to let us know the exact dates and times the temporary call list should be in effect.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

For many of us, picking up and decorating a live Christmas Tree is a treasured holiday tradition. 

Use these tips and be fire smart:

• Only choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off easily
• Be sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source including fireplaces, radiators, heat vents or lights
• Add water to your tree stand initially and water daily
• Check your lights!  Only use lights that have a label from an independent testing laboratory. Also, check whether are they specifically designed for indoor or outdoor use only.
• Replace any string of lights with worn/broken cords or loose bulbs and connect no more than three strands of mini string sets (double-check manufacturer’s instructions for LED strands)
• Always turn off Christmas Tree lights before leaving home or going to bed
• If  your tree dries out, dispose of it immediately – it is a danger and should not be left in your home or garage

See the flammability of a dry Christmas Tree vs. a properly watered Christmas Tree in this side by side video brought to you by the NFPA. 

Hanukkah Safety Tips

• Light the Menorah on a fire-resistant surface unreachable by pets and children. Never leave the candles burning unattended. Opt for electric candles to place in the window.
• When cooking with hot oil to fry potato latkes and sufganiyot, use splatter guards and oven mitts to protect your skin from oil burns. 
• In the event of an oil fire, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid. NEVER add water to an oil fire as water mixing with hot oil creates a dangerous hot steam. 
• Read more Hanukkah Safety Tips here. 

Kwanzaa Safety Tips

• Keep the Kinara on a flat, fire-resistant surface away from children and pets.
• When placing the Kwanzaa items on the table, make sure the flammable items are kept at a safe distance from the Mishumaa Saba, especially when lighting.
• Opt for flame less candles, such as electric candles.

Turkey Fryer Safety

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and for many of us that means turkey! Deep fried turkey is a popular choice because it promises fantastic culinary results in a fraction of the cooking time but it is dangerous – even for the informed user. 

I’m sure it’s a warning you have heard before, but let’s talk about the details. 

Why is it so dangerous? 

• To start, it’s difficult to tell whether the bird is completely thawed – and even a little bit of ice meeting hot oil can produce a dangerous outcome. 
• Failing to monitor oil temperature and overfilling the oil are common mistakes. 
• You must fry the turkey outside! 
• Lastly, keep the fryer away from any combustible materials and never, under any circumstances, leave it unattended.

Under the best of conditions, the turkey fryer is a dangerous option, that’s why Underwriters Laboratories does not certify any fryer with their trusted UL mark and other safety organizations warn against their use. Consider other, oil free turkey cooking appliances available for outdoor cooking – the less hot oil the better.

If you are planning on using a turkey fryer this year or know someone who may, watch this brief video on the dos and don’ts of turkey fryers and worst case scenarios, brought to you by State Farm and Si and Jase from Duck Dynasty. 

Holiday Security Tips for your Business

Holiday Security Tips aren’t just for homeowners.  Make sure you follow these holiday security tips to keep your business running smoothly during the holidays so you can relax.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Essential Fire Safety Tip: Listen for the Beep

Working smoke detectors save lives. Statistics show that they cut the chances of fire death by half. But will you hear your smoke detector when it sounds?

Since half of all home fire deaths happen in the overnight hours (between 11pm and 7am),  it is essential that your smoke detector is loud enough to wake you and your family. So, where your smoke detectors are installed can make all the difference.

Location, Location, Location

This isn’t only true for real estate! According to the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA, when it comes to smoke detectors it’s all about location. The most important point about this year’s Fire Protection Week theme is having a working smoke detector in every bedroom in your home. In addition, the NFPA recommends a smoke detector outside of each separate sleeping area and on every floor, even the basement.

24/7 Fire Protection

Alarm Engineering monitored smoke detectors work with your home security system to automatically notify the fire department. Monitored smoke detection means you don’t have to be home to call the fire department if trouble starts. We all tend to think that we’re home most of the time, but how many of these scenarios apply to your household:

• Away from home while at work, for the evening, a long weekend, or an extended vacation
• Kids are home alone
• In a home where the elderly, disabled or hearing impaired live
• Pets at home alone
• If you are unable to make a phone call due to injury or smoke inhalation

Review (or create) your escape plan, check your smoke detectors and test your system. Any smoke detector over 10 years old should be replaced or sooner if they aren’t working properly. 

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Creating Your Family Fire Safety Plan

No one wants to think about the possibility of a house fire. Taking the time to put together a family fire escape plan can significantly decrease your chance of injury in the event that you experience a house fire.

Your life safety system including monitored smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors are a first important step in protecting your family from fire. If you aren’t fully protected or aren’t sure how old your hardware is, our team is happy to come onsite and provide a free life safety estimate.

Create Your Plan:

• During a house fire, smoke and heat develop quickly and smoke inhalation is the most common cause of death. This smoke is toxic, deadly and very disorienting. Know in advance how your family can escape each room of your home and designate a meeting area outside at a safe distance.
• In the event of a fire, press your hand against closed doors to detect whether it is safe to exit. If you feel it is safe, stay low and crawl to the nearest exit. Time is of the essence so never attempt to take any belongings with you. The top priority is to exit safely.
• For all windows on the second floor, collapsible ladders can be purchased at local hardware stores and can be kept in each room.
• Also consider an automated fire escape plan. In addition to alerting our Central Station, who can dispatch the fire department, it will turn off your HVAC system so that air flow will not fuel the fire.

Once your plan is created, practice it at least once a year with everyone in the family. Start creating your plan with resources from the NFPA here.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Are You Making These 5 Home Safety Mistakes?

Have you ever left the room, even for a minute, with a candle burning? Have you ever removed a battery in a beeping smoke detector? Ever left the house with your dryer running? Probably, and you might think it’s not a big deal but home safety experts disagree.

Here are some of the most important Dos and Don’ts that will help keep you and your family safe.

• Don’t leave windows wide open.

Burglars are opportunists – don’t make it easy for them. Your window contacts won’t work if the system has already bypassed the window that’s open.

In addition, falls from windows send over 3000 children to the hospital each year according to Safe Kids Worldwide. Children can fall out of a window open just over four inches and a screen doesn’t help.

Do make sure that your windows are protected by your home security system and that if you’re home you’re arming to Stay. Install window guards on all windows and use quick release mechanisms on windows you might use as a fire exit.

• Never leave candles burning unattended.

On average, 24 home candle fires are reported per day. Fires started by candles cause 100 deaths and 900 injuries per year according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These fires can start and spread quickly, so don’t ever leave a candle in an empty room.

Do burn candles where you can easily see if fire spreads and keep them at least a foot away from bedding, drapes, furniture or anything else that can burn. Even better, use flameless candles. They are just as pretty and much less dangerous.

• Don’t ignore low battery warnings from your home security system or smoke detectors.

The beeping that warns you about a low battery in your home security or smoke detectors is annoying, but never remove the battery to try and make it stop. Working smoke detectors cut your risk of dying in a house fire in half says Debra Holtzman, a national child safety and health expert and author of “The Safe Baby: a Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety and Healthy Living.”

Do make sure monitored smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside the sleeping area and on each level of the home. Schedule a system review with our team to make sure you are covered.

Test your smoke alarms frequently. Make sure you call us first to put your system on test. Read troubleshooting details about your home security system here or call us, our team is here to help 24/7.

• Don’t throw knives in the sink.

Over 1000 people a day get cut badly enough by a knife to go to the Emergency Room, says a study published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine. A frequent mistake is throwing knives into a sink of soapy water.

Do place knives on the counter until they are ready to be washed, far enough away from the edge so that a child cannot reach them.

• Don’t forget to prepare for emergencies.

Many people don’t have an emergency plan or kit. You never know when an emergency will strike, so preparation is essential. Read what Ready.gov suggests for your family’s emergency kit.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Home Fire Protection: Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is more important than just opening your home after a long cold winter; it is an important fire safety practice as well. As dust and items build up inside over the winter, landscapes, vegetation and even leftover firewood outside can put your family at greater fire risk.

Decrease Your Family’s Fire Risk with These Tips:

• Fact: Dryers and washing machines caused 2,900 were involved in one out of every 22 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments recently with dryers accounting for 92% of the fires.

What to do: Clean the lint filter with each load of laundry and remove all lint from around the drum. Keep the area surrounding your dryer clear of flammable items like clothing and cleaning supplies.

• Fact: Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a reported house fire in half.

What to do: Make sure monitored smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside the sleeping area and on each level of the home. Schedule a system review with our team to make sure you are covered. Test your smoke alarms frequently. Make sure you call us first to put your system on test.

• Fact: Most home cooking fires involve the stovetop.

What to do: Keep flammable items away from the stove. This includes wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, curtains and oven mitts. Never leave the kitchen when you’re frying on the stovetop. Check out more cooking safety tips here.

• Fact: 9 Volt Batteries can start fires. Batteries stored in drawers surrounded by metal objects (paper clips, coins, or other batteries) and flammable items increase fire risk.

What to do: Keep batteries in original packaging until ready to use them. Battery posts that come into contact with metal can make enough heat to start a fire. Store batteries standing up.

• Fact: Extension cord fires outnumber fires with permanent power cords by two to one.

What to do: Make sure your electrical cords are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are meant for temporary use only. Have a qualified electrician add more outlets if needed.

Find these and more Spring Cleaning Fire Protection Tips from the NFPA here. Other Safety Tips from the NFPA can be found here.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Grilling Safety Tips

As the weather warms, many of us are anxious to get out the grill. Remember fire can be a very destructive force and it’s important to be careful. Here are some important tips to keep your family and property safe around the grill.

1. The grill is for outside use only!
2. Always make sure your grill is stable before use.
3. Keep your grill away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches or plants.
4. Never leave your grill unattended.
5. Keep you grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup from the grill itself and the tray below the grill. In roughly 1/5 grill fires, the grill was dirty.
6. Consider a grill pad or splatter mat beneath your grill to protect your deck or patio from grease.

Propane Grills

1. Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each grilling season. To test for leaks, apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak releases bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the bubble test and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before trying to use it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. 
2. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately leave the grill area and call the fire department. Do not move the grill first!

Charcoal Grills

1. Charcoal chimney starters are an easy way to start your charcoal grill using newspaper instead of starter fluid. You can also use electric charcoal starters.
2. If you do use starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add any other flammable liquids to the fire.
3. When grilling is complete, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

Read more of ABC’s grilling safety tips here. Check out our full list of cooking safety tips here.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Make sure all your holiday memories are good ones with these security tips:

• A beautifully decorated tree is the centerpiece of so many front-facing windows, but showcasing all the presents under that tree is tempting to burglars.  
• New electronics are exciting – for family and burglars alike; large empty boxes for that new big screen or computer left on your curb are inadvertent advertisements for the goodies inside your home.
• Light up your home, inside and out – burglars hate well-lit areas.  
• Remember that many would-be burglars are opportunists; don’t leave any tools or ladders outside that could be easily stolen or re-purposed to aid a burglar break into your home.
• An undisturbed snow covered driveway lasting more than a day is an easy giveaway that you are away from home. Team up with neighbors and ask them to leave tire tracks while you’re away.

Traveling during the holidays?

• Security systems with integrated home automation can make your empty home look lived in occupied with automatic lighting schedules as well as live remote access to your TV and stereo systems for ambient sound.
• Social Media is a great way to let friends and extended family know exactly where you are. Unfortunately, burglars use this information as well.  Be thoughtful about broadcasting when your home is vacant.
• Of course, arm your alarm system before you leave.
• Update your vacation call list with us before you leave at by calling our office at 410-546-2210. Now you can also update your call list using a secure form on our website. Be sure to let us know the exact dates and times you would like temporary changes to be in effect. Click here to change your notifications.

Candle Safety Reminders

Candles are pretty and popular during the holidays but they are a leading cause of home fires – and home fire deaths. U.S. fire departments recently responded to an estimated 11,640 home structure fires started by candles.

Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.

Read the full list of candle safety tips from the NFPA.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

10 Essential Autumn Safety Tips