Given recent trends in information technology and crime, we have two major predictions about security in 2019:
“Home Alone” is an all-time classic holiday movie. Young Kevin McCallister cleverly outsmarts two house burglars in a hilarious Christmas comedy. In addition to the slapstick laughs, Kevin employs non-traditional security measures to protect his house against the would-be burglars. While we don’t recommend icing your doorsteps and swinging paint cans from the top of your stairs, there are some lessons to be learned about proper home security.
Halloween crept up quicker than you can say “boo!” and you should be aware of the night’s spooky security facts. About 175 million Americans will be observing the holiday in some form, says CNN. With all those parties, costumes and related activity in New England and beyond, it should be no surprise Halloween can be a scary day for homeowners.
In fact, the holiday sees a 17 percent spike in home claims for vandalism, theft and other crimes, as compared to the 364 other days a year, notes a recent CNBC article. The most common vandalism acts include kicked-in doors, broken windows and mailboxes knocked down. Also, in-house theft claims jump by 60 percent, says a USA Today article. Read more →
Columbus Day came and went, and winter is coming soon. Seasonal businesses are closing, and part-time residents will be returning to their winter homes. Everyone hopes to return next May to find their work or living quarters in the same conditions as they left them.
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On the fence about installing an electronic alarm system to protect your personal or rental property? Not convinced your security demands such a solution? A home security system can lighten your financial burden, more tightly link your mobile devices to your home management systems, and, perhaps, give you convenience and peace of mind.
It’s possible you own a house in a super-safe neighborhood, with a great police department, and lots of nosy neighbors living next door. Maybe you have a particularly vigilant dog. Perhaps the extra security doesn’t quite move you to install a system. You still owe it to yourself to consider some sort of a surveillance/alarm system’s extra benefits — ones you can enjoy even if you live in Fort Knox.
Nothing ends a vacation on a worse note than returning home to find it’s been robbed. A sobering FBI research statistic points out that of the 2.5 million burglaries a year, 66 percent are home break ins, according to the National Council for Home Safety and Security. Additionally, the police only solve about 13 percent of reported burglaries, given the lack of witnesses to the crime, or usable evidence.
So, if you’re planning on heading out with your family and leaving your house unattended, you have good reason to be wary. However, it’s not a lost cause: As the FBI also points out: Some 90 percent of home burglaries are preventable, says a Consumer Reports article.
Summer is here and that means we’ve packed away our heavy coats for the season. However, our four-legged friends aren’t so lucky. They can’t just shed their fur to beat the heat.
Although being covered in fur helps dogs and cats survive cold New England winters, being covered by fur makes it tough for them to manage the dog days of summer, according to Douglas Aspros, DVM and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
“Both dogs and cats dissipate heat by panting [and] as they get overheated, they pant more quickly trying to maintain a safe internal temperature,” according to Aspros.
Here are five tips to help your furry family members stay cool this summer: Read more →
Whether you live alone, with a spouse or a roommate, if you’re like the majority of older Americans you want to live in your own home and enjoy an independent lifestyle. You also want to be sure that your desire to be on your own doesn’t jeopardize your safety or cause your loved ones any undue stress.
There’s no reason you can’t live safely in your home if you acknowledge your vulnerability and then take the proper precautions to protect yourself. Read more →
A condo can be a great alternative to a single-family home. They are generally more affordable and less maintenance. However, living near so many people can pose safety risks. It is important to talk with your condo association about their emergency preparedness.
