Have A Happy & Safe Halloween

Halloween is upon us. A magical time for ghosts and goblins – or princes and princesses – to scamper through their neighborhoods in search of sweets and other treats.

At American Alarm, we love the spookiest day of the year.  While we make last minute costume decisions (Thanos or Black Widow?), courtesy of the Massachusetts State Fire Marshall and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we want to offer some helpful tips to ensure that you and your children have a spooktacular All Hallow’s Eve:

 

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Keep Halloween Spooky — But Safe

National Fire Prevention Week just passed, and we’re heading to October 31 and all its trick-or-treating fun.

Halloween presents its own set of risks, however, and we should think of special ways to protect our homes, loved ones and property. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), among the fire risks are traditional Halloween paraphernalia and activities:

  • Glowing jack-o-lanterns (sometimes with candles inside)
  • Paper ghosts and dried corn husk decorations
  • Children running about in costumes

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5 Ways Seniors Can Prevent Falls: Stay Independent

October 1 will be the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons. It’s an opportunity to consider our senior citizens and ensure they are as independent, safe and comfortable as possible.

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Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning during the Cold New England Winter

Often called the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal in high concentrations. Every year, more than 400 people in the United States die from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of burning oil, gas, wood, coal, pellets and kerosene. The only way to tell that carbon monoxide is present is to have a working CO alarm. At lower concentrations, victims may experience such symptoms as a headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

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13 Tips to Help New Parents Baby Proof Their Homes

Baby boy opens up kitchen cupboard and pulls out various cleaning products from under the sink while his parents are distractedAs a first-time parent, you’re probably overwhelmed by all the challenges of caring for your beautiful bundle of joy. However, before you know it your baby will be crawling, walking, climbing and getting into just about everything.

That’s why it’s important to make your home safe for the new addition to your family. You should set aside some time – probably a weekend – to walk through your house, room by room, making a list of the things that need to be baby proofed. Then take the necessary steps to secure your home to keep your baby safe. Read more

Top 10 Off-Campus Fire Safety Tips

As college students settle into their dorms and apartments, parents as well as students should assess the level of fire safety, particularly in off-campus housing.

On Campus vs. Off Campus

Why focus on off-campus housing?

Since 2000, 85% of college-related fire fatalities have happened in off-campus housing, where most students live, according to Campus Firewatch.

Listen to American Alarm’s President Wells Sampson describe, first hand, the lack of fire safety at his daughter Anne’s off-campus housing at Tufts University.   Read more

Apps and Devices to Help Keep College Students Safe

If you’re like most parents, sending your son or daughter off to college can be pretty nerve wracking. You worry about all the things you’ve worried about since they were young – illness, happiness, safety– only now you need to worry from further away.

Besides sending care packages with goodies and reminding them to eat their fruits and vegetables, there’s not much you can do to stop your child from becoming ill or make sure he or she is happy. But there are some devices and apps on the market that can help keep your college student safe.  Read more

7 Tips to Keep Your Pets Cool this Summer

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

5 Safety Precautions Your Condo Association Should Have

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.

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How to Select the Best Medical Alert System for Your Elderly Loved One

Need HelpEach year, more than one out of four people, age 65 and older falls, and falling once doubles their chances of falling again, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition, six out of every 10 falls happen at home, according to NIHSeniorHealth.gov.

Many older adults want to continue living in their own home as they age. It can be hard for you to agree to their wishes because of the risks involved.

To help your elderly loved ones live independent lives, especially if they’re going to be home alone for long periods of time, you should look into getting a medical alert system. Read more