‘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.

Beat the Heat: Heat Safety Tips

We have been experiencing higher than normal temperatures this summer, and this kind of heat can be deadly. Pets, the elderly, young and those with compromised immune systems can be especially susceptible to extreme temperatures.

Here are some quick heat safety tips

• Don’t leave children, pets (or anyone) alone in enclosed vehicles for any amount of time.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink more water than you think you’ll need. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Wear loose, light colored clothing.
• Plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• If you have to work outdoors take lots of water breaks.
• If you have family members, neighbors or friends who don’t have air conditioning or you know are alone, check in on them.
• Check on your pets frequently and make sure they have plenty of cold water and if you can, keep them inside during the day.
• Wear sunscreen.

Make sure your loved ones are taking these extra precautions to beat the heat and avoid the 3 most common heat related illnesses. 

Heat Related Illnesses

Heat Cramps:

• Muscle pains and spasms most commonly in the legs or abdomen. They are an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. 
• Get the person out of the heat and have them rest comfortably.
• Lightly stretch the affected muscle and gently massage the area.
• Provide water or an electrolyte-containing fluid (sports drinks, fruit juice or milk).

Heat Exhaustion:

• Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps. Symptoms include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness and exhaustion. 
• Move the person out of the heat as soon as possible to a cool environment with circulating air. 
• Remove or loosen as much clothing as possible and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin.
• Fan or spray the person with cool water.
• If person is conscious, give them small amounts of water or fluid with electrolytes
• If their condition does not improve, if they refuse water, have a change in consciousness or vomit, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

Heat Stroke:

Heat stroke is life threatening. It can occur if you ignore the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke will develop when the body systems are so overwhelmed by heat that they begin shutting down. Symptoms include extremely high body temperature; red skin either dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures. 

• Heat stroke can kill. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately. 
• Do not give fluids
• Rapidly cool the person by immersing them up to their neck in cool water when possible, or you can douse or spray them with cool water.
• Sponge the affected person with ice water-doused towels over the entire body, rotating the towels often.
• Cover the affected person with bags of ice.
• If you are not able to measure and monitor the person’s temperature, apply one of the rapid cooling methods listed above for 20 minutes or until the person’s condition improves.

Have a safe summer by taking the heat seriously. Drink lots of water and remember the early warning signs of heat related illnesses. 

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.

Vacation Safety & Security Tips

Keep vacation time stress-free with these safety and security tips.

For Home

• Be careful what you post on social media about your vacation. Don’t advertise that you’re away!
• Have mail and packages picked up, forwarded or held by the post office.
• Arrange to have your lawn mowed in summer and your walk and driveway shoveled in winter.
• Stop newspaper deliveries and ask a friend to pick-up “throw-away” circulars.
• Let us know if there are temporary changes to your call list while you’re away at 410-546-2210 or complete our online form.
• Set up security system interactive light schedules to automatically turn lights on and off so it looks like someone is home.
• Tell dependable neighbors when you plan to be away and when you plan to return.
• Make sure trusted neighbors or family members are aware of your security system passcode and create custom user codes for them to disarm your system. Don’t worry, you can always delete or change your user codes. (Don’t have these features yet? Check out our Customer Loyalty Rewards program)
• Join with your neighbors to keep a close watch on what’s happening in your community. Being a good neighbor and working closely with them is a good way to prevent crime.

For You and Your Family

• At the airport, keep a close eye on your luggage at all times. When going through security, put your laptop on the X-Ray conveyor belt last, so you have time to get through the metal detector and be waiting for it on the other side.
• Lost or stolen wallets often lead to identity theft. Carry only the cards and cash you plan on using during your trip.
• Do not carry your passport with you when out and about. Make a few photocopies and leave your original in the hotel safe. Leave a copy of your passport with a trusted friend at home, just in case. 
• Travel like a local. Avoid obvious actions that will make you stand out as a tourist. Dress in a similar style and know your surroundings. Plan your route in advance, so you have an idea where you are going and you don’t need to look at a map while walking through a busy area. 
• Check out more travel safety tips from Travelers Insurance. 

Have a safe vacation! If you’ve made temporary changes to your call list, make sure you tell us when you’re back home.

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.