Most Common Causes of Property Damage & How to Prevent Them

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the primary losses on homeowners insurance in 2019 were due to environmental damage from wind and rain, water damage and freezing, and fire and lightning. You may not be able to control the environment, but you can take steps to prepare your home ahead of extreme weather conditions. Here’s a closer look at the most common causes of property damage and some tips for protecting your house against them.

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Door Knocking Scams: How to Spot and Avoid

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Door-to-door sales, charity, and survey solicitations are surprisingly common, even in the digital age. While most individuals who come to your home requesting donations or selling services are genuine, there are scam artists who take advantage of this practice to solicit personal information and money from homeowners. Here’s what to know about door-knock scams and how you can protect yourself from unwanted or fraudulent solicitors. Read more →

An image of a house during spring, part of a post on home security travel tips for spring break

How to Secure Your Home for Spring Break Travel

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Spring break is a fantastic opportunity to relax and decompress after a busy winter, but it might be tough to unwind if you’re worried about the safety of your home. Research shows that burglars are three times less likely to break into a house with a security system in place. If you don’t already have a home surveillance system, install one before you leave.

Beyond surveillance, making your home appear lived-in is the best way to deter burglars when you’re out of town. Here are some simple home security travel tips for securing your home during spring break.

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An image of a dog playing in a yard, theme of safety for pets outside

Four Tips for Securing Your Pets Outside

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

An image of a dog playing in a yard, theme of safety for pets outsideAs the weather gets warmer your pets may begin to spend more time outside than they did over the winter. Don’t take their security for granted. Before you turn your furry friends loose outside, make sure that your yard is fit to contain them. 

If you have family members and service professionals coming and going from your home during the day, think about how you can ensure your pets don’t get forgotten in the commotion. Here are some simple tips for keeping your pets outside and secure in your yard.

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Senior woman sitting on stair lift at home, part of an age-in-place setup

Five Impactful Age-in-Place Modifications You Can Make to Your Elderly Relative’s Home

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

A 2018 AARP survey found that 76% of adults over 50 would prefer to remain in their homes as they age—to “age in place.” An additional survey in 2020 revealed that 79% of respondents anticipate needing to make modifications to their homes to make aging in place possible.

Between the familiarity and sentimental value of their long-term home and the connections they’ve established within their community, it’s easy to understand why your elderly family members would be inclined to stay put. For those caring for them, the prospect of a loved one living alone as they age could be alarming.

While 50 is far from elderly, it’s always wise to plan ahead. Here are five age-in-place modifications that will help your loved one stay safe and comfortable in their home as they grow older.

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An image of a house with various icons suggesting the concept of a smart home, including a home security system.

Three Benefits of a Professional Home Security System

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

A home security system goes far beyond a camera or alarm. While these devices are each beneficial in their own right, effective security solutions are not one-size-fits-all. A professional security company will work with you to develop a system designed to address your needs and priorities. Here are some of the advantages of working with a security company.

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Snowstorm damage to power lines in a residential neighborhood, possibly resulting in a power outage

Winter Home Preparation, Part 2: Long-Term Power Outages

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

In the winter of 2020, winter storms left over 90,000 people without power, some for several days. A prolonged power outage may cause disruptions in communication systems, water, and transportation. These service interruptions could impact your cooking facilities, essential medical devices, and the security and environmental systems within your home. 

Whether you’re at home during a power outage or away on vacation, these simple steps will keep you safe and give you peace of mind in the event of a long-term power outage.

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Ice dams in gutter, suggesting the importance of winter home preparation

Winter Home Preparation, Part 1: Low Temperatures

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Almost 20% of homeowners experience some form of damage to their homes each year due to winter weather. The more prepared the home is for low temperatures and harsh weather, the less likely it is that the home will experience damage. Your physical health is better protected when your home is winterized. Therefore, it is essential for you to consider ways you can fortify your home against the extreme cold as part of your winter home preparation. Let’s take a look at a few key ways to do this.

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A house decorated with lights during the holiday season

Four Safety Tips for Decorators During the Holidays

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Decorating is a fun way to begin getting into the holiday spirit, but between unstable ladders, questionable string lights, and wobbly Christmas trees, there is a lot that could go wrong. Holiday decorating safety is an important part of the season.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of 200 decorating-related injuries occur each day during the holiday season. On top of that, Christmas tree and candle-related fires result in approximately $50 million worth of property damage each year in just November and December. 

While decorating for the holidays does come with some risks, you can reduce them significantly by taking simple precautions and using common sense. Keep the following holiday decorating safety tips in mind as you adorn your home this season.

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Packages left on front porch, a reminder of holiday shopping security topics

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Holiday Shopping Security Tips

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Packages left on front porch, a reminder of holiday security topicsBlack Friday and Cyber Monday both bring opportunities for great deals—and the potential for theft. As more shoppers switch from in-person to online shopping, the opportunities for package theft and fraud increase. In addition, more shopping activity means more possibility of credit card fraud or identity theft. To stay protected from theft of all kinds, follow these tips for holiday shopping security.

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