5 Cybersecurity Tips for Online Holiday Shopping

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Stealing a credit card through a laptop concept for computer hacker, network security and electronic banking security

As you rush to finish all your online holiday shopping, you could become a victim of cyber crime

In fact, one out of four holiday shoppers has been a victim of an online hack in the past 12 months, according to a recent CNET survey.

Here are five ways to protect yourself while shopping online so you can keep your bank accounts and credit cards safe.

    1. Update your device’s mobile operating system – Be sure you’re running the latest version of the operating system on your phone, tablet and computer because it’s more likely that the older versions are not as secure. You should also confirm that your anti-virus/anti-spyware software is running and being updated automatically.

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Merry and Bright: Holiday Electrical Safety Tips

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

One of the best things to do around the holidays is to drive around and see all of the beautiful lights. While large scale light displays are impressive, it is important to take precautions and know what you’re doing.

We’ve compiled a list of safety tips to help you keep the lights on:

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Food Safety Tips for a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Traditional Holiday Stuffed Turkey DinnerThis year instead of traveling over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house, you’ve invited family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving at your home.

You’re looking forward to enjoying awesome food and drink, great conversation and maybe even a football game or two. You’re hoping that your guests will leave with great memories. The last thing you want is for everyone to remember a holiday filled with tummy aches – or worse.

Thankfully, there are some very steps you can take to prevent a foodborne illness from hitting your Thanksgiving guests. Read more →

Home Safety Seasonal Checklist

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Whether springing forward or falling back, Daylight Saving Time is the perfect opportunity for a home safety seasonal checkup. Here’s a quick checklist.

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Fall Fire Safety Tips

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Couple by bonfireAs the colder weather approaches and the leaves turn radiant shades of red, yellow, orange and gold, this is the perfect time to refresh your memory about fire safety – inside and outside your home.

Don’t forget, when you turn your clocks back on November 6 to signal the end of daylight savings time, remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and your carbon monoxide detectors if they are not hardwired.

You should also replace CO alarms every five years and smoke alarms every 10 years so be sure to check their expiration dates when you change the batteries.

Here are some other fall fire safety tips that you should keep in mind:
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September Is College Campus Fire Safety Month

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

As college students move in to new apartments this week, now is a good time for them to check and make sure they have working fire alarms.

We all were tragically reminded of the importance of this early Wednesday morning, when a four-alarm fire destroyed an apartment building on Myrick Street in Allston, Mass., a community popular with college students. After it took about five-and-a-half hours to put the blaze out 11 college students and young professionals who lived in the building were displaced .

Fire investigators said it could have been much worse because the two-and-a-half story house had inadequate smoke detectors and sprinkler protection, according to Boston Fire Commissioner Joe Finn. Damage to the building was estimated at around $1 million.

“We’re very fortunate last night that we didn’t have a loss of life,” Finn told WBZ NewsRadio 1030. “I think the fact that the tenants who were on that third floor weren’t home is probably the reason why, because I think if they were home, they never would have made it out.”

Fire inspectors think the fire started in a rear bathroom, but they were still trying determine the cause. The fire commissioner said investigators found several issues with the house.

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After School Safety Tips for Kids Home Alone

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Latch Key KidBeing a working parent is never easy. Now that school is about to start, you’re probably doing some extra worrying about how to make sure your children are safe at home until you get back from work.

The truth is, no matter how sensible you think your kids are, you are still going to worry about them. If leaving your kids home alone is your only option, there are steps you can take to keep them safe.

If your child will be home alone after school you should:

  • Make sure your smoke detectors are functional – A working fire alarm system is one of the most effective ways to protect your children in case of a fire in your home.
  • Make a list of key people and telephone numbers – You should post this where your children can find it in the event of an emergency.
  • Tell your children where the flashlights are located – Be sure that the batteries are fresh.
  • Create an emergency plan with your children – Practice it with them so they’ll know what they should do in case there’s a fire, or other emergency or if they get hurt. Write the plan down and make sure your children know where it is. Read more →
Sharon

Back to School Safety Tips for Kids

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

kids crossing school busIt’s that time of the year again – summer is drawing to a close and kids are getting ready to head back to school.

If you’re like most families, you’re hitting the mall to buy new clothes, school supplies and probably the latest tech gadgets as well.

As you prepare to help your children go back to the classroom, you should also put their safety at the top of your to-do list.

Here are some tips you should share with your children to ensure they get to school safely:
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Peterborough

Home Security: Make Your Yard Safe for Summer

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

iStock_73884753_LARGEWarm weather has finally made its way back to New England. We have a long summer ahead of us to enjoy cookouts, bonfires, or even relaxing in a lounge chair with a good book. But before you enjoy all the benefits of being outside, make sure your yard is a safe place for your family. Read more →

School Vacation Safety Tips This Spring

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Spring vacation is just around the corner. Time for relaxation and fun. It’s a time of year many families take a break from their every day lives and travel to somewhere really warm and fun.

For other families, though, spring break means kids having to stay home alone or with a caretaker while mom and dad are at their jobs.

Whether you’re jetting off to Walt Disney World with your children or sitting in your office cubicle while they’re amusing themselves at home, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure their safety.

Here are some tips to help your kids have fun and stay safe during school vacation no matter where they are. Read more →