There is something about a power outage that brings the family together. When the lights go out, it forces the family to put down their electronics and break-out the board games. While a break from technology can be nice, a long-term power outage can threaten your security.
Here are some safety tips for you to follow in case of a power outage.
Invest in a generator:
Over the past decade, much of New England has experienced more frequent and longer lasting power outages due to intensified weather. A long-term power outage can be deadly in the winter when temperatures drop below freezing. To protect your family, look into purchasing a generator.
Before you buy, research how much power you will need. Inspect labels on lightning and appliances that you will want to run. This is important because if your generator doesn’t produce adequate power, you could blow a fuse and damage your appliances.
Use your generator properly:
- Never use a portable generator indoors, including the garage, basement, or attic. They emit deadly levels of carbon monoxide, which will build up even in a ventilated area.
- If possible, install battery operated CO detectors through your home. They will warn you of dangerous CO levels.
- To avoid electrocution, keep the generator in a dry area (under a tarp, for instance).
- Always turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy-duty extension cord.
- Never plug the generator directly into a wall outlet. This can pose a deadly electrocution risk to workers trying to restore power, or neighbors using the same transformer.
Properly store food/ water:
Food can spoil quickly in a power outage. Even if you avoid opening your refrigerator, the food will only stay fresh for 4 hours. Keep coolers and ice on-hand to store your food in. If you avoid opening your freezer, the food will stay safe for 24-48 hours. Stock-up on non-perishable items if you believe you may lose power.
During a power outage, your water purification system may not work. Check with local authorities if your water is safe to drink. If unsure, try to only use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. You can also boil tap water to eliminate most harmful bacteria.
Invest in batteries/ battery operated electronics:
Some important battery operated devices to have on hand includes a flashlight, radio, and phone charger. Avoid using candles as a source of light.
Keep an eye on your security system:
You will need to silence your alarm after the power goes out. In most cases, your back up battery will last 10-15 hours. Your alarm may begin to omit a beeping noise, signaling low-battery. This beeping may become more frequent as the battery gets lower. Make sure that someone is nearby to silence the alarm. For your protection, do not power down your system.
In the event of a power-outage, the most important thing is to stay calm. Keep in mind that emergency personnel are out and working hard to restore power. If you have questions, call your local non-emergency hotline.
The 6 Worst Places To Hide Your Valuables
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamYou can be sure if a burglar breaks into your home, he’s going to tear it apart trying to find all your valuable items. However, he’s probably not too keen on spending a whole lot of time ransacking the place.
The longer it takes, the greater the chance he’s going to be caught. So don’t make it easy by hiding your money or your expensive items in the spots where he’ll look first.
Here are the six worst places to hide your valuables:
Read more →
The Downside of DIY: Why You Shouldn’t Self Monitor
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamHowever, after making their purchase, many have found DIY to be more difficult than they expected. While many consumers have technical skills, few have in-depth data networking expertise, knowledge in optics and lighting, or familiarity with local building and fire codes, as examples. Further, the unexpected time required to troubleshoot can be frustrating, thereby causing the project to be put on hold, sometimes indefinitely, leaving you and your family unprotected. There are times when you simply need a professional to “get it done.” Remote telephone or chat-room support has its place. But even at its best, it can’t compare to a licensed seasoned professional onsite to help you.
Read more →
How To Make Your Home Hard To Hack
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamThat’s why cybercriminals are turning their attention to hacking into common household devices, including refrigerators, TVs, thermostats, and even baby monitors to crack your home network and gain access to valuable personal information.
Read more →
Systems Technicians: The Best Kept Career Opportunity Secret
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamIn Massachusetts, for example, over the past 15 years the number of people holding Systems Technicians licenses (low voltage C & D) has decreased by 21%. The big question is why?
Read more →
4 Apps to Keep Trick-or-Treaters Safe
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamWell, there are a number of safety apps out there that you can download that will allow you to keep tabs on your kids and give you piece of mind. Here are four of them:
Read more →
How to Stay Safe in a Parking Garage
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamAccording to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 1 in 10 property crimes occur in parking lots or garages. Anyone who walks alone can be a potential target.
You don’t have to be a victim if you remain aware of your surroundings. Keep these four safety tips in mind if you leave your car in a parking garage.
Read more →
Small Town Pills, Big City Problems?
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamRead more →
In the Dark: New Study Says Lack of Light Doesn’t Encourage Crime
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamHow do you prevent crime? While the ability to peer into criminals’ thoughts and predict bad behavior isn’t a reality just yet, there are a number of tried-and-true methods to deter theft and robbery. Among the most popular are placing valuables out of sight and ensuring your home or business always looks occupied, even when you’re away. Monitored alarm systems are also critical, and it’s common sense to make sure there’s always a source of light. But a new study from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in partnership with UCL has discovered that more light may not mean increased safety.
Read more →
Power Outage: Be Prepared for When the Lights Go Out
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamThere is something about a power outage that brings the family together. When the lights go out, it forces the family to put down their electronics and break-out the board games. While a break from technology can be nice, a long-term power outage can threaten your security.
Here are some safety tips for you to follow in case of a power outage.
Invest in a generator:
Over the past decade, much of New England has experienced more frequent and longer lasting power outages due to intensified weather. A long-term power outage can be deadly in the winter when temperatures drop below freezing. To protect your family, look into purchasing a generator.
Before you buy, research how much power you will need. Inspect labels on lightning and appliances that you will want to run. This is important because if your generator doesn’t produce adequate power, you could blow a fuse and damage your appliances.
Use your generator properly:
Properly store food/ water:
Food can spoil quickly in a power outage. Even if you avoid opening your refrigerator, the food will only stay fresh for 4 hours. Keep coolers and ice on-hand to store your food in. If you avoid opening your freezer, the food will stay safe for 24-48 hours. Stock-up on non-perishable items if you believe you may lose power.
During a power outage, your water purification system may not work. Check with local authorities if your water is safe to drink. If unsure, try to only use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. You can also boil tap water to eliminate most harmful bacteria.
Invest in batteries/ battery operated electronics:
Some important battery operated devices to have on hand includes a flashlight, radio, and phone charger. Avoid using candles as a source of light.
Keep an eye on your security system:
You will need to silence your alarm after the power goes out. In most cases, your back up battery will last 10-15 hours. Your alarm may begin to omit a beeping noise, signaling low-battery. This beeping may become more frequent as the battery gets lower. Make sure that someone is nearby to silence the alarm. For your protection, do not power down your system.
In the event of a power-outage, the most important thing is to stay calm. Keep in mind that emergency personnel are out and working hard to restore power. If you have questions, call your local non-emergency hotline.
Home Safety and Security Tips for First-Time Parents
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamYou’re a little overwhelmed—that’s understandable. You were so hoping the hospital would send you home with an instruction manual chock full of tips and information on the baby’s first year. You need answers and fast. Now you’ll have to order that manual on Amazon and wait for it to arrive.
Nevertheless, you’re relieved that such a book even exists because you need all the help you can get.
However, until that book arrives, we’d like to offer some tips to help ensure that your home is as safe as it can be for your little one:
Read more →