Professional technician installing home security camera, related to the topic of professional vs DIY security camera installation

Professional vs DIY Security Cameras

Professional technician installing home security camera, related to the topic of professional vs DIY security camera installationIt’s been shown that the presence of a security camera or alarm system on your property will deter up to 60% of burglars. If you want to install a security system, you have the option of going the DIY home security route or hiring a professional security company to install your system for you. 

There are upsides and downsides to each strategy—the important thing is to choose the option that best aligns with your safety goals. Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

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School entrance sign, school security

School Administrators: Can You Answer These 3 Important School Security Questions?

School entrance sign, school security

School security and safety is a top priority for parents. They want to know that their children are secure no matter where they are on campus. In order to ensure that this is the case, parents may approach you and other school administrators to question the school’s security protocols and practices. When they do, are you ready to answer them?

The following three questions are likely to be common points of inquiry from parents. If you are a school administrator, it’s imperative that you are able to respond to these questions when and if they arise.

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Cannabis plants growing in cannabis company growing facility

American Alarm Is a Powerful Security Partner for MA Cannabis Companies

Cannabis plants growing in cannabis company growing facilityMany first-time cannabis company owners don’t realize that you need a security company on board before you even hire your building contractor or secure your funding. Security is highly regulated in the cannabis industry. Unlike other industries where you can tailor your security to your budget, in cannabis you must tailor your budget to security.

The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) requires a certain number of devices based on multiple (sometimes vague) aspects of your business. These devices can include, but are not limited to:

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Broken door window, Business Security Tips

Business Security Tips

While you might have been covered in the past, you might want to upgrade, update, and implement new or better business security measures to ensure that you are protected in the future. Otherwise, you risk endangering your business. Read on for our business security tips.

Cover Your Entire Brick and Mortar with Video Surveillance

Partial video surveillance isn’t enough anymore. You may have portions of your location monitored by surveillance, but if you want to give yourself the best chance of deterring theft and break-ins, a full-scale surveillance strategy is imperative. Ensure that your front and back entrances, as well as your public floors and back rooms are completely covered by a high-quality video surveillance system.

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Person's hand showing loose bristle from wire grill cleaning brush. Dangerous when it sticks to meat or other food and a person accidentally swallows it. Digestion damage, life threatening situation.

5 Wild Summer Safety Hazards You Should Know

Person's hand showing loose bristle from wire grill cleaning brush. Dangerous when it sticks to meat or other food and a person accidentally swallows it. Digestion damage, life threatening situation.It’s time for warm weather, sunny days, and…safety hazards? It’s true: summertime may hold many days of sunbathing, beach outings, and barbecues, but it also brings with it some wild risks you need to know about. We’re going beyond your standard sunburn and dehydration to some strange dangers you wouldn’t even think about – but should.

Keep these potential risks in mind along with all the fun summer plans you’ve got going on. A little extra caution can make all the difference between a safe and happy summer season, and a summer of unexpected disaster.

Beware Your Wire Grill Brush

Want some sharp wire with your barbecue? While most wouldn’t even think to check their grill for stray grill brush hairs, the truth is wire grill brush accidents have sent thousands of people to the ER over the last several years alone. 

The hairs left behind on the grill after brushing end up in your burger or ribs, and ultimately in your throat. Yikes. Better double (or maybe triple) check your grill for random wire brush hairs that have been left behind before you fire it up for your next backyard party.

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Spring Cleaning, Home Safety, Gutter Cleaning

Spring Home Safety Checklist

Spring Cleaning, Home Safety, Gutter CleaningSpring and Summer is 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. 

Indoor Spring Home Safety

  • Deep Clean Your Dryer

Dryers can become fire hazards if not deep cleaned throughout the year. Move it away from the wall and wipe down all surfaces. Pull out your vacuum cleaner and use it to clean the lint trap inlet and vent pipe.

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Outdoor Weekend BBQ Grill Party

Safety Tips for Hosting Outside BBQs

Outdoor Weekend BBQ Grill PartySummer is right around the corner, and that means a chance to break out the grill for some good food with good company. However, before you get your party started, there are some safety tips for hosting outdoor BBQs to consider. 

Roughly 58% of grill fires occur between May and August and each year an average of 10 deaths and nearly $40 million in property damages occur. In addition, 1 in 6 Americans fall victim to foodborne illness each year – something to keep in mind while preparing food in the hot summer sun. Lastly, as we are still working through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a good idea to consider social distancing practices for your gatherings for now.

Take a look at these simple, actionable tips before you fire up your grill for the summer. Following a few BBQ safety best practices will help you and your guests to enjoy a safe and fun summer of outdoor grilling.

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Home for sale, real estate market, seller's market, house sale

Homebuyer Journey Concerns in a Seller’s Market

Home for sale, real estate market, seller's market, house sale

If you’re looking to purchase a home in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire or any state right now, you must be aware that this is a serious seller’s market. In fact, in 2021 the number of homes for sale has decreased, but the average home price has soared.

Buying in a seller’s market means you’re likely going to encounter a bidding war – and the bidding wars are about more than just sellers picking the buyer who offers the highest price. In order to sweeten the pot and make offers more attractive buyers are waiving the home inspection contingency. This can lead to serious issues down the line in the form of unforeseen electrical, roof, foundation, or plumbing problems. In fact, unexpected repairs and maintenance issues topped Zillow’s recent list of homebuyer regrets.

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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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