Person putting travel bags in a car trunk

How to Protect Yourself from Car Theft and Break-ins

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Person putting travel bags in a car trunkVehicle theft and car break-ins are on the rise in New England. In fact, Connecticut alone has seen a 42% rise in vehicle thefts and break-ins over the last year. Many residents have grown concerned about the waves of car-related crimes and wonder how to keep their vehicles safe.

Reports show that these crimes are considered opportunistic, rather than planned in most cases. This means thieves are on the prowl specifically for unlocked or isolated vehicles. They are unlikely to commit the crime if they can clearly see that the area is monitored by video surveillance, or if there is an evident alarm on the car. Instead, they will move on to a more vulnerable vehicle.

Read more →

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

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

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.

Read more →

emergency response locator yard sign with house number

These Yard Signs Keep You Safe and in Compliance with Massachusetts State Law

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

In the event of an emergency, every second matters. That’s why Massachusetts law C. 148, S. 59. states that all homes and buildings must have a prominently displayed house number. Yet, many Massachusetts residents are not in compliance with this law. If your house number is not clearly visible, it may delay the arrival of help when you need it most. 

Additionally, burglars look for homes that are clearly unprotected, and tend to shy away from those with evident security. However, an emergency such as a break-in can be avoided entirely with the presence of a window sticker or yard sign indicating that the home or building is protected by an alarm system.

Read more →

Spring Cleaning, Home Safety, Gutter Cleaning

Spring Home Safety Checklist

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

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.

Read more →

Outdoor Weekend BBQ Grill Party

Safety Tips for Hosting Outside BBQs

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

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.

Read more →

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

Homebuyer Journey Concerns in a Seller’s Market

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

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.

Read more →

What to Teach Your Kids and Teens About Good Home Security (That Won’t Scare Them)

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

The majority of break-ins happen during the summer – the time when children are free from school and often home alone. While there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of a burglary, it is also important to teach your kids good home security practices to further protect them from potential harm. 

Teaching both your younger children and teens about home safety can empower them, but you want to make sure you share the right information in the right way. 

Here are 6 essential ways you can teach your kids about home security without scaring them. Implement these in your home to help all the members of your family to be safer and more secure even when left alone.

Let your children know they’re safe

Explaining to your child that there are things they need to do to stay safe at home might scare them. So, first and foremost, ensure your children that they are already safe and secure. 

Read more →

Landscape design with plants and flowers at residential house. Scenic view of nice landscaped garden in backyard.

How to Equip Your Yard and Garden for Better Home Security

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Landscape design with plants and flowers at residential house. Scenic view of nice landscaped garden in backyard.The average burglary costs a homeowner $2800. That’s a family vacation, half a year’s worth of car payments, or a new update you needed to make on your home gone in one moment. You don’t want that. No one does. What can you do about it?

One major thing you may not have thought of yet is to secure your home’s garden. This includes your front and back yards, shed, and any other part of your outdoor property. 

Securing your yard and garden works to deter burglars because most burglars are looking for properties with easy access. If your home’s exterior is clearly protected, you’re less likely to be burgled. 

Check out these five ways to use your property’s exterior for better home security. Implement them right away to ensure you and your belongings stay safe in your home.

Read more →

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

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

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.

Read more →

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

Tips for Taking Down Holiday Decorations

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

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.

Read more →