Gun Violence Goes Under the Microscope in New Research

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Gun Violence Goes Under the Microscope in New ResearchInvolved in a serious car accident? There are state and federal databases to record what happened, how many people were injured and government money spent to discover new ways to prevent high-risk collisions.

Had a problem with gun violence? Until recently, there was virtually no federal funding for a similar system, and patients admitted to local ERs essentially vanished from sight. In large part, this was due to fear that a database of gun-related injuries was just gun control in disguise, thanks to an executive order from President Obama, money has started flowing from the CDC to state agencies interested in expanding their national reporting system. The hope? That a better understanding of why and how gun violence occurs will help limit the amount.

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6 Pet Safety Tips for the Holidays

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

6 Pet Safety Tips for the HolidaysThe holidays are all about spending time with family and friends – and that includes your furry family members. However, along with all the excitement and festivities come possible dangers for your pets.

These six safety tips will help ensure your pets also have a holly, jolly holiday.

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The 12 Ways of Holiday Safety

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

The 12 Ways of Holiday Safety The holidays are all about delicious food, entertaining, decorating, spending time with friends and loved ones, and reflecting on the beauty and the true meaning of the season.

While you’re enjoying the festivities – at home or at grandmother’s – it’s important to give your family and yourself the gift of safety.

To help you do that, we present the 12 ways of holiday safety:

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The ABCs of Fire Extinguishers

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

The ABCs of Fire ExtinguishersThe fact is that a monitored home fire alarm system is the best defense in the event of a fire. However, having portable fire extinguishers in your home can also help save lives and property by enabling you to put out a small fire or at least contain it until the fire department arrives.

It’s important to remember, though, that because fires grow and spread so rapidly, the number one priority is for you and your family to get out of the house safely.

Fire experts recommend installing fire extinguishers on every level of your home including the kitchen, basement and garage. Fire extinguishers come in various sizes so you should select the size that’s right for you based on your family situation and who you think is most likely to be using it.

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Black Friday Tips for a Crime-Free Shopping Spree

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Black Friday Tips for a Crime-Free Shopping Spree Get ready: Black Friday is coming. Last year Americans spent more than $57 billion on Black Friday deals — this year should meet or exceed that total. While predictions peg online shopping for a 28 percent increase, most deal-finding still happens at local retail outlets. The problem? Criminals are primed and ready to nab your hard-fought purchases.

Here are four tips for a crime-free shopping spree:

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Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Thanksgiving Fire Safety TipsThanksgiving is the day when people across America gather with family and friends to celebrate, cook, share good food and conversation. Thanksgiving is also the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In addition to the fire hazards posed by cluttered stovetops and crowded kitchens, turkey fryers and using candles also contribute to the increased risk of fire on this November holiday.

“Sadly, during the holidays we see a spike in cooking fires and injuries,” according to Massachusetts State Fire Marshall Stephen Coan.

A monitored home fire alarm system is the best defense against protecting your family in the event of a fire but here are some additional tips from Coan and the NFPA to help your loved ones have a happy, healthy and safe holiday.

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National Crime Rates Down, But Police Spending Up: Is This “New Math”?

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

National Crime Rates Down, But Police Spending UpAccording to the statistics, violent crime rates are down across the United States, and in cities like Providence, Rhode Island, rates have been dropping for the past six years. Meanwhile, studies find that overall police spending is up and municipalities are fighting to keep budgets in line. Is this the “new math?”

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Arrest Numbers Up for West Hartford Police, Who Say Crime is “Cyclical”

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Arrest Numbers Up for West Hartford Police, Who Say Crime is “Cyclical” West Hartford police have been busy according to the Courant. Since June 2014, they’ve arrested 21 burglars, many responsible for more than one property crime. Police Chief Tracy Groves credits a hard-working police force but says “the biggest component of this is the residents of West Hartford keeping an eye out,” which covers everything from walking in on crimes in progress to installing home security systems.

He also warns, however, that “crime is cyclical” — is it possible for New England homeowners to get out of the circle?

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7 Tips to Reduce Home Security System False Alarms

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

7 Tips to Reduce Home Security System False AlarmsHaving a home security system helps you ensure the safety and security of your family and your property. Knowing that your security company is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, gives you much-needed peace of mind.

However, repeated false alarms that lead to nuisance emergency dispatches are not only irritating, they drain public safety resources and erode the confidence police and fire officials have in a security company.

False alarms can also cost you big bucks. Most municipalities – such as Paxton, Mass. – will fine citizens hundreds of dollars to “encourage alarm users to maintain the operational reliability of their alarm systems to reduce and eliminate false alarm dispatch requests made by installed alarm systems.”

Here are seven tips to help prevent false alarms so you can save law enforcement resources as well as your money:

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How to Stop a Vandal: Headstones Damaged in Remote Cemetery

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

How to Stop a Vandal: Headstones Damaged in Remote Jewish Cemetery In Auburn, MA, vandals are terrorizing the 118 year-old Worcester Hebrew Cemetery, which lies at the far end of Cemetery Road. As reported by Telegram Towns, criminals recently toppled 19 headstones and caused irreparable damage to several of the grave markers.

While the Auburn police are doing everything they can — and the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts is offering $500 for information leading to the arrest of these vandals — leads are slim.

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