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.

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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

/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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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Backpacker crossing a stream in the mountains

Outdoor Hiking Safety Tips

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

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

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

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

Spring Home Safety Checklist

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

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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