Backpacker crossing a stream in the mountains

Outdoor Hiking Safety Tips

Backpacker crossing a stream in the mountains

Hiking and backpacking are fun, adventurous pastimes, but they do not come without their share of risk. Avoid any potential dangers this season by following these simple outdoor hiking safety tips. A little preparation and mindfulness will help each of your outdoor excursions to be successful. 

Hiking Safety Tips

Carry the Proper Mapping Tools

Pack GPS technology as well as a traditional map and compass while out on the trail. This will cover you in areas where there is limited service or your battery runs out. Learn how to use your technology and familiarize yourself with the map before you go to ensure that you are ready for the hike ahead.

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Camping tent in a forest

Outdoor Camping Safety Tips

Camping tent in a forestCamping is a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, but it does come with some risk. Plan in advance and avoid any potential dangers this season by following these simple outdoor camping safety tips. With the right preparation, each of your outdoor adventures can be safe and enjoyable.

Camping Safety Tips

Pack the Essentials

There are a few standard items you want to make sure to always have with you before you camp. Build or follow a checklist to ensure you have everything you need. Going on a hike as well? The “Ten Essentials” list is also a great resource to use when planning what to bring hiking.

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Woman Stealing Clothes From Store

Shoplifting Rises During April School Vacation

Woman Stealing Clothes From Store

New England store owners lose billions of dollars annually in stolen merchandise. In Massachusetts alone, shrinkage due to shoplifting reached approximately one billion dollars last year. While the largest spike in shoplifting occurs during the holiday season, April is also a month in which shoplifting is more common, as youth are usually on spring break during this time.

The majority of shoplifting crimes are committed by people ages 35-54. However, approximately 25% of all shoplifters are under the age of 18. This means that your store needs to take extra precautions during the month of April, when teens are out of school and therefore have more opportunity to shop – and potentially shoplift.

If you want to protect your business from an increase in shoplifting, or if you’d like to work to eliminate instances of shoplifting, take a look at the following tips. These actionable pieces of advice can ensure that your business remains as profitable as possible this April and beyond.

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A tree surgeon arborist expert working on removing a tree branch with chain saw and heavy equipment.

Spring Home Safety Checklist

A tree surgeon arborist expert working on removing a tree branch with chain saw and heavy equipment.Spring is nearly upon us and that means it’s time to get your home in shape for nice weather and even nicer activities. From prepping for a good outdoor barbecue, to ensuring your home’s air is clean and fresh, this spring home safety checklist has you covered. Plan a “spring cleaning” weekend and mark all these items off to ready your home for a fantastic spring season. 

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Snow covered Boston Public Garden.

Winter Safety Topics for Your Next Workplace Meeting

Snow covered Boston Public Garden.The holidays are behind us but winter is here for a little longer. As your company progresses through the new year, it is important to include winter safety topics as part of your next workplace meeting. Certain health and safety risks are elevated in winter and your team needs to be informed about what you are doing – and what they can do – to avoid illness and injury.

Take a look at these four major winter safety topics you should bring up at your next meeting. A little time spent in these areas now can pay off big time in terms of employee health and happiness.

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visualized data map on top of clouds

What Will 2021 Hold for High-Tech Security in New England?

visualized data map on top of cloudsThere is no doubt that in the last year the security landscape has changed for New England businesses as well as businesses across the globe. 2020 brought with it an upheaval of long-held business practices, forcing many companies to rethink the way they operate in order to survive. Greater reliance on technology was the immediate and natural response, but this came with a series of security issues such as increased phishing and malware scams that threatened many companies.

This rise in cybersecurity threats has pushed security tech companies to devise new or evolved ways to combat cyber and physical security bad actors. As we enter 2021, there are several clear high-tech security trends that have emerged. Let’s take a look at a few of the major ones that are expected to radically change how businesses operate in the future.

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Car drives under dangerous trees weighed down by ice and powerlines after an icestorm. The weight of ice can easily snap power lines and break or bring down power/utility poles split trees in half and turn roads and pavements into lethal sheets of smooth, thick ice

Preparing for Ice Storms Safety Tips

Car drives under dangerous trees weighed down by ice and powerlines after an icestorm. The weight of ice can easily snap power lines and break or bring down power/utility poles split trees in half and turn roads and pavements into lethal sheets of smooth, thick iceIce storms are notorious in New England. The famous ice storm that swept New England in December of 2008, for example, left over a million people without power and cost 2.5-3.7 billion dollars in damage. Major storms like these have a devastating impact on residents and businesses, even minor ice storms can cause serious problems. Hypothermia and other illnesses, hazardous road conditions, and freezing pipes are just some of the ways an ice storm can disrupt your daily life. 

However, with a little awareness and preparation, you can reduce the likelihood of an accident or emergency in your home or business. The following guidelines will help to get you ready and keep you prepared for an impending ice storm.

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Senior man putting up or taking down outdoor Christmas lights from the gutter of a suburban house

Tips for Taking Down Holiday Decorations

Senior man putting up or taking down outdoor Christmas lights from the gutter of a suburban houseTaking down holiday decorations is simply not as fun as putting them up and enjoying them all throughout the season. It is also more dangerous. Your home’s pathways may be covered in snow, ice, or rain water, making climbing a ladder hazardous. Your tree may have turned from lush and green to dry and brittle, creating a more serious fire hazard. You may wonder if it’s okay not to take your usual care in organizing and cleaning your decorations this year.

Upwards of 17,000 people are treated in hospital rooms each year for holiday decoration related injuries. This means that it is exceptionally important to take care when removing and/or disposing of your decorations. To ensure that you are kept safe throughout the process, observe the following safety measures. It may take some extra time, energy, and concentration, but it will be well worth it when you are enjoying a nice evening in your decoration-free living room rather than in an emergency room.

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Man is repairing radiator battery in the room. Maintenance repair works renovation in the flat. Heating restoration. Wrench in hands.

Home Heating Safety Tips

Man is repairing radiator battery in the room. Maintenance repair works renovation in the flat. Heating restoration. Wrench in hands.There are close to 400,000 home fires in the US every year. One of the leading causes of these fires – second only to cooking – is heating equipment. 

It is important to know how to heat your home safely to avoid a costly, dangerous residential fire, especially during the winter months when heating-related fires are more likely. Follow these home heating safety tips to keep yourself protected while staying warm and cozy this winter.

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Happy couple is wearing Santa Claus hat and sitting in car trunk while enjoying their beautiful moments of Christmas tree adventure. It is a cold and sunny day outside.

Holiday Season Safety Tips

Happy couple is wearing Santa Claus hat and sitting in car trunk while enjoying their beautiful moments of Christmas tree adventure. It is a cold and sunny day outside.This time of year brings with it much joy and festivity, but also a higher risk for injury. The ER sees thousands of patients over the course of the winter months for holiday-related injuries. The numbers spike during Christmas and New Year’s. Everything from cooking to hanging tree lights can be hazardous if not handled with care. 

With a little extra attention paid to certain objects and activities, you can avoid any and all holiday mishaps. Let’s take a look at several ways you can enjoy a merry and bright holiday season while staying safe and healthy.

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