Summer is in full swing and that means backyard barbecues with family and friends and roasting marshmallows over open fire grills. It also means the potential for devastating grilling-related fires.
For example, on August 17, 2013, at 5:53 p.m., the Newton, Mass. Fire Department responded to a gas grill fire. The grill, which had been left unattended, ignited the exterior of the home. Damages from this fire were estimated to be $75,000, according to Massachusetts Fire Marshall Stephen Coan.
In 2013, 85 fires involving open fire grills were reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. Two people were injured in the fires, which caused about $300,000 worth of damages. Seventy-five percent of all grill fires occurred between May and September, according to the fire marshal.
A home fire alarm system is the best defense in the event of a fire, but here are seven other tips from the Fire Marshall to help you keep your family and your home safe while you’re grilling up those hot dogs and burgers.
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False Alarms: What Unnecessary Responses Really Cost
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamAccording to Georgetown Wicked Local’s Police Incident Log — each day, officers deal with an average of two false alarms, eating up valuable time and resources. But what’s the real cost of this unnecessary response?
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Electrical Safety Tips for Homeowners
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamEach year, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 25,900 home electrical fires. These fires cause an estimated 280 deaths, 1,125 injuries, and $1.1 billion in property loss.
In fact, homeowners lose more money every year as a result of electrical fires than nonelectrical fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. You can even lose your entire home – or worse – because of a bad electrical fire.
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Five-Finger Felons: How to Stop the Shoplift
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamIt’s no surprise that small businesses are feeling the pinch with profit margins slimming and high-value items disappearing thanks to five-finger discounts. How can you stop the shoplift?
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5 Security Tips for New Homeowners
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamIt can be so overwhelming that you might forget all about ensuring your family and your new home are safe and secure. Burglars are paying attention and they’re well aware how distracted new homeowners can be right after move-in day.
Here are five tips to keep the burglars at bay and your home and your loved ones safe and sound.
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6 Tips for a Safe and Fun Family Road Trip
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamBefore you and your family set off, here are six tips to ensure you and your family have a safe and fun-filled trip. Read more →
New Boston Surveillance Surfaces: Who Watches the Watchers?
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamWhile the system has real potential, it also comes with risk: Who’s watching these watchers?
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Why You Should Think Like a Burglar
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamWe recently published an article about the mindset of a thief from a business security perspective, and wanted to switch gears and focus on home security. Taking the time to protect your home cannot be underestimated; it is your most prized possession and placing it in this type of jeopardy is not worth the risk.
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7 Outdoor Fire Safety Tips
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamSummer is in full swing and that means backyard barbecues with family and friends and roasting marshmallows over open fire grills. It also means the potential for devastating grilling-related fires.
For example, on August 17, 2013, at 5:53 p.m., the Newton, Mass. Fire Department responded to a gas grill fire. The grill, which had been left unattended, ignited the exterior of the home. Damages from this fire were estimated to be $75,000, according to Massachusetts Fire Marshall Stephen Coan.
In 2013, 85 fires involving open fire grills were reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. Two people were injured in the fires, which caused about $300,000 worth of damages. Seventy-five percent of all grill fires occurred between May and September, according to the fire marshal.
A home fire alarm system is the best defense in the event of a fire, but here are seven other tips from the Fire Marshall to help you keep your family and your home safe while you’re grilling up those hot dogs and burgers.
Read more →
Safeguarding your Home for Summer Vacation
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamHome Alone Summer Safety Tips for Kids
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamMany states, including Massachusetts, don’t have laws on the books indicating at what age a child is old enough to stay home alone. However, the Washington, D.C.-based Safe Kids Worldwide says that developmentally, children are typically ready to be home alone around the age of 12 or 13.
Despite your child’s age, only you can determine if he or she is ready to stay home alone this summer.
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