Latest Security Tip of the Day:
Home Security Tips - July 2010
Home Security Tips - June 2010
Home Security Tips - May 2010
Home Security Tips - April 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010:
Tip of the Day: To stay safe while using an ATM remember to limit the amount of time you spend there. Fill out transaction paperwork in your car and have your ATM card and other documents ready as you approach the ATM.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Never put hot foods in the refrigerator immediately after cooking. Hot foods could cause the temperature of the refrigerator to rise, making it hospitable to the spread of bacteria.
Monday, March 29, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Listen to what your children say about their fears and safety concerns and help them understand and trust their instincts.
Sunday, March 28, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If you use a babysitter, always inform him or her of any and all medications your children are taking or any special medical conditions. Teach sitters how to properly give the medication and make sure all medicine is labeled clearly.
Saturday, March 27, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Always keep your garage door remote control out of the hands of young children, who can accidentally open or close the door with the touch of a button.
Friday, March 26, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Never spray insecticides near a flame, furnace or lighted stove.
Thursday, March 25, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Using a play phone, teach children when and how to dial 911 or 0 in case of emergency.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010:
Tip of the Day: When vacationing, leave a car in your driveway or arrange for a neighbor to keep a car there and move it around from time to time.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Never give a child medicine in the dark.
Monday, March 22, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If you have pets, it’s a good idea to assemble a pet disaster kit in an easy-to-carry bag. Include: medications, first aid kit, medical records, leashes or carriers, current photos, food and drinking water plus your veterinarian’s phone number.
Sunday, March 21, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Choose an out-of-area contact for all members of the family to call in case of disaster. This contact can relay messages between family members should they become separated.
Saturday, March 20, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Always follow manufacturer instructions for pesticide storage. Most pesticides should be tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place such as a locked cabinet or on high shelves away from children.
Friday, March 19, 2010:
Tip of the Day: When disposing of prescription medicine in pill-form, crush pills before you throw them out. Mix the pieces into old coffee grounds, sand or another inedible substance.
Thursday, March 18, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If you suspect a friend or family member might be poisoned, do not wait to call poison control. If you call right away, the problem can often be taken care of over the phone. Never wait for symptoms.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Look for and remember to always throw away silica gel packages after unwrapping a new purchase. These packages are used to remove moisture, but are poisonous and easily ingested by children and pets.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Keep the number for your local poison control center prominently posted at home. Make sure all family members, babysitters and guests know when and how to call for help if needed.
Monday, March 15, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Do not reuse insecticide containers. Wrap them in paper bags or newspaper and dispose of them as directed.
Sunday, March 14, 2010:
Tip of the Day: It’s national Poison Prevention Week. Poison prevention is important for adults as well as children. In fact, unintentional poisoning caused more deaths than motor vehicle crashes among people 35 to 54 years old.
Saturday, March 13, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Daylight Saving Time begins tomorrow morning. Remember to ‘Spring forward’ by setting your clocks ahead one hour and changing the batteries in your home smoke detector.
Friday, March 12, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Some Red Cross and other shelters are not allowed to accept pets, so make arrangements with friends, relatives, veterinarians, boarding facilities or animal shelters to house pets if you ever have to evacuate your home.
Thursday, March 11, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Encourage kids to stick with their friends rather than walking or playing alone.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Clean your gutters regularly. Dry leaves and evergreen needles in rain gutters can easily catch fire.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Set a good example for children by locking doors and windows and checking to see who it is before opening a door.
Monday, March 8, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Always report any suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood to your local police.
Sunday, March 7, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If you must evacuate your home, your pets may panic and behave oddly, so keep them secure at all times and handle them carefully.
Saturday, March 6, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If there is any chance a previous resident may still have keys to your house, re-key the locks.
Friday, March 5, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Prune overgrown trees and shrubs to eliminate hiding places for burglars.
Thursday, March 4, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Make sure you review and practice your family's emergency escape plan with your babysitter, overnight guests, extended family and anyone else visiting your home for extended periods of time.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010:
Tip of the Day: When a disaster warning is issued, get your pets inside so you can pack them up quickly, confirm pet care arrangements, check to make sure animal ID is secure and up-to-date and check your disaster kit.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If you have small children in your home, install protective devices that can help keep them from opening cabinet doors and drawers.
Monday, March 1, 2010:
Tip of the Day: March is Red Cross Month. Take the time to learn CPR; it could save the life of a friend or family member in an emergency. The American Red Cross provides classes on CPR and disaster preparedness throughout the country.
Sunday, February 28, 2010:
Tip of the Day: When using extension cords, check the electrical ratings on the cords to ensure they are not carrying more than their recommended loads.
Saturday, February 27, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Set safety rules for having friends over when you're not home and for your children going to friends' homes when no adults are present.
Friday, February 26, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If you live in a two-story home where small children are present, make sure to install safety gates at both the top and the bottom of the stairway.
Thursday, February 25, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Make sure heavy appliances are sturdy and secure. Free-standing ranges and stoves should always be installed with anti-tip brackets to prevent them from falling over.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Know how to shut off your home’s natural gas, electricity and water supplies. Natural gas leaks are responsible for a significant number of home fires.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Mount a fire extinguisher and stocked first aid kit in your garage and make sure every family member knows where they are and how to use them.
Monday, February 22, 2010:
Tip of the Day: When it comes to smoke and CO detectors don’t forget your home’s garage. Make sure you have working smoke and CO detectors in your garage and test them regularly.
Sunday, February 21, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Take care when using candles during a power outage and consider using battery-powered light sources instead.
Saturday, February 20, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Make sure your fireplace has a metal mesh screen to keep sparks, embers and other debris from escaping and causing fire or injury.
Friday, February 19, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Help prevent the spread of bacteria in the kitchen by wrapping your cutting board with plastic wrap before pounding meat and poultry.
Thursday, February 18, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Always lock electrical supply boxes to prevent children or pets from opening them.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Always keep all flammable items at least three feet away from the fireplace.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Large trees, even healthy ones, surrounding your home could cause severe damage to your home if downed in a storm. Consider cutting trees back and possibly removing large trees that could be dangerous.
Monday, February 15, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If a natural disaster strikes, use your phone for emergency calls only to help keep phone lines open for emergency responders.
Sunday, February 14, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Never allow children to play with matches, lighters or candles.
Saturday, February 13, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Make sure pot handles face the back of the stove when cooking. Children can grab pot handles hanging off of the stove—spilling hot food and possibly burning themselves.
Friday, February 12, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Fireplace screens and glass can retain heat even after flames are extinguished. Make sure to keep children away from fireplace coverings at all times.
Thursday, February 11, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Never pass hot food or drink over children, if a child reaches up or moves too quickly a burn can easily result.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010:
Tip of the Day: When cooking, prevent steam burns by removing lids carefully and with oven mitts if necessary. Stir food thoroughly to distribute heat.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Do not hold children while you are cooking on the stove, eating hot foods or drinking hot drinks.
Monday, February 8, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Keep hot liquids and foods away from children. If food feels hot to you, it is too hot for children.
Sunday, February 7, 2010:
Tip of the Day: It’s National Burn Awareness Week. Each year, over half a million Americans are treated in emergency rooms for severe burns. Take time to identify and fix potential burn hazards around your home.
Saturday, February 6, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Never enter any buildings where flood water remains after a flood.
Friday, February 5, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Use safety caps to cover all electrical outlets when not in use.
Thursday, February 4, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Set a good example for children by wearing protective clothing like gloves or a mask when using poisonous or hazardous substances.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Be alert to flooding. If you live in a flood-prone area you should be prepared to evacuate immediately if required to do so.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010:
Tip of the Day: When buying, building or renovating your home, make sure all roofing materials are fire resistant.
Monday, February 1, 2010:
Tip of the Day: February is American Heart Month. Did you know coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States? It’s important to know the warning signs of a heart attack, reduce your risk factors, and know how to respond quickly if warning signs occur.
Sunday, January 31, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Avoid installing smoke alarms near windows, doors or ducts where drafts may interfere with alarms.
Saturday, January 30, 2010:
Tip of the Day: When on vacation or away from home for an extended time, keep your garage door locked at all times, preferably with a deadbolt lock.
Friday, January 29, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Never run your car engine for more than a few moments in a garage or other enclosed area, even if the door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly and can spread to the living area of your home.
Thursday, January 28, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep and supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Check home appliances such as washers, dryers and oven ranges regularly to make sure they are not malfunctioning or emitting toxic gas. Common indicators to look for include: decreased hot water supply, soot on appliances and vents and increased moisture inside windows.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Make sure exterior door hinges are on the inside rather than the outside - where an intruder can remove the pins and pull the door out of the frame.
Monday, January 25, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Burglar alarm systems are an effective deterrent. Nine out of ten convicted burglars agree they would avoid a house protected by a burglar alarm system.
Sunday, January 24, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Many garage door openers respond to common codes, so follow the manufacturer's instructions to program yours with a unique code no burglar's opener will match.
Saturday, January 23, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If children are left at home, always leave a phone number where you can be reached along with numbers for neighbors and emergency services near the phone.
Friday, January 22, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Trim back any tree limbs within 10 feet of your chimney and dead limbs overhanging your home to prevent them from catching fire.
Thursday, January 21, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If you have double-hung windows, bolt the upper and lower sashes together or insert a metal bar in the track to prevent potential burglars from gaining easy access to your home.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow, water may cause the windshield to shatter.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Cold-weather injuries are often the result of falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps and driveways. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another de-icing product.
Monday, January 18, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Always watch your garage door to make sure it's completely closed before leaving your home. Burglars can easily gain access to your home through garage doors left partially open.
Sunday, January 17, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Stoves and ovens are associated with many accidents in the home. Never spray aerosols such as non-stick products and air fresheners near flames on stovetops or hot ovens.
Saturday, January 16, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Let your children practice operating door and window locks, so they will know how to escape in case of an emergency at home.
Friday, January 15, 2010:
Tip of the Day: The New Year is the perfect time to make an inventory of valuables in your household and store it somewhere other than your home, such as in a safe deposit box.
Thursday, January 14, 2010:
Tip of the Day: It's always a good idea to invest in high-quality, name-brand deadbolt locks for all exterior doors.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If you live in a place with severe cold weather conditions, always keep extra blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, snow shovel, extra batteries and special need items such as medicine on hand.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Always work with fume-generating products only in well-ventilated areas.
Monday, January 11, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Monitor the temperature of your home during cold winter months. Infants and people over the age of 65 are especially susceptible to cold. If your home can't be kept warm make arrangements to stay with friends or family or in a shelter.
Sunday, January 10, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Never place heating lamps or lights in a dog house to keep pets warm. Heating lamps or lights can easily start fires; bring pets inside your home if it is too cold for them outside.
Saturday, January 9, 2010:
Tip of the Day: When using a kerosene heater, use only manufacturer-recommended fuel. Using gasoline in a kerosene heater could cause it to explode. Always turn heaters off and let them cool down before refueling.
Friday, January 8, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Never use clothes dryers to dry fabrics that have been exposed to flammable materials such as gasoline and oils.
Thursday, January 7, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If you have an automatic garage door opener, it’s important to test the automatic reverse mechanism on the unit once a month.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010:
Tip of the Day: The most likely place for a home fire is the kitchen. Always double-check to make sure all appliances are turned off after cooking.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010:
Tip of the Day: To help discourage burglars, replace hollow-core doors with solid wood, fiberglass or steel and reinforce frames around doors if they are old or weak.
Monday, January 4, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Don't run electrical cords under rugs or heavy furniture, make sure cords are not tacked up or coiled when in use.
Sunday, January 3, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Check the lights over all stairways, hallways, porches and entries to ensure all bulbs are working and are bright enough for you and your guests to see clearly.
Saturday, January 2, 2010:
Tip of the Day: Make sure your home telephone has a wireless unit that you can carry with you in case of an emergency. Telephone cords can be an obstacle in an emergency situation.
Friday, January 1, 2010:
Tip of the Day: If you received valuable holiday gifts this season, take time to permanently mark them with an ID number, like your driver's license number.
Thursday, December 31, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Keep pets in a safe, quiet place indoors on New Year’s Eve away from loud noises that may frighten them.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Never use water to extinguish candles. Using water could cause hot wax to splatter.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Adapters and battery chargers can pose a burn hazard to children. Always supervise children when adapters or battery chargers are in use.
Monday, December 28, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Always store or dispose of cooled ashes from your fireplace in a sealed metal container outside your home.
Sunday, December 27, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Always dispose of wrapping paper and wreaths by throwing them away or recycling them. Avoid burning wrapping paper or wreaths in the fireplace, wrapping paper can be toxic and wreaths and evergreens can easily burn out of control.
Saturday, December 26, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Remove all wrapping paper, bags, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small children and pets, they’re also fire hazards.
Friday, December 25, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Thursday, December 24, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Never overload electrical outlets, which can overheat and start a fire.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Any fuel-burning appliance can emit carbon monoxide gas, so be sure such appliances are vented directly to the outside and keep fresh air circulating in your home.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Trim candle wicks to 1/4 inch before you burn them. Long wicks can cause higher flames which may burn out of control.
Monday, December 21, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Keep your stove top clean and clear of wooden or plastic spoons, towels and other cooking tools. Turning on the wrong burner could easily ignite flammable items left on or near the stove.
Sunday, December 20, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you are going away for the holidays, advise your security company that you will be away from home and supply all the necessary contact information.
Saturday, December 19, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If someone approaches you in a parking lot or isolated area stay alert, keep walking and prepare to run if necessary, look for others who can help.
Friday, December 18, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Never rest glass baking dishes or lids on top of a hot stove or burner, glass can get too hot and crack or even explode.
Thursday, December 17, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Remember to open flues before using your fireplace.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Place burning candles at least three inches apart to avoid flaring or melting together.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you use space heaters, make sure they have automatic shut off features that can help prevent fires from starting if heaters fall over.
Monday, December 14, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Don't let mail, newspapers, or flyers accumulate while you're on vacation. Have the post office hold mail, have newspapers suspended and have a neighbor or friend clear away flyers.
Sunday, December 13, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you have a fireplace, make sure you also have a screen heavy enough to stop a rolling log and large enough to cover the entire fireplace.
Saturday, December 12, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Arrange to have someone mow your lawn, rake leaves and shovel snow while you are on vacation.
Friday, December 11, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you're taking a road trip this holiday season, keep maps and rental agreements concealed and store luggage out of sight in the trunk of your car.
Thursday, December 10, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp’s recommended wattage.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Remember to completely extinguish a fire in your fireplace before leaving the room or going to bed.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Never use nails or staples to secure light strings or extension cords.
Monday, December 7, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Listen to and act on your intuition. It's better to be safe and risk a little embarrassment, than stay in an uncomfortable situation that may compromise your security.
Sunday, December 6, 2009:
Tip of the Day: During the holidays people tend to store gifts and valuables in their homes. Never leave valuables in sight through windows, where they could tempt burglars.
Saturday, December 5, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Try to not overload yourself with packages when you are out shopping. If you must have your hands full, ask if someone from the store can help you to your vehicle.
Friday, December 4, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Try to avoid using extension cords for holiday lights. If you do use extension cords, remember to never overload them—overloaded electrical outlets and extension cords are major holiday fire hazards.
Thursday, December 3, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Remember to inspect holiday lights each year for fraying, cracked sockets and excessive wear before putting them up and only use lights listed by an approved laboratory such as UL.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you are staying in a hotel this holiday season, choose one with security cameras. Video surveillance cameras can provide an added layer of security to help prevent theft and discourage criminals.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009:
Tip of the Day: It's National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Remember to be alert this holiday season to avoid purchasing hazardous products that have been recalled, banned or do not meet current safety standards.
Monday, November 30, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you are being robbed never fight to protect property or money.
Sunday, November 29, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Never leave your luggage unattended when travelling.
Saturday, November 28, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you suspect someone is following you in a car, don't go home. Drive to a public place and call police or drive directly to a police station.
Friday, November 27, 2009:
Tip of the Day: When out and about this holiday season, always have your keys ready when approaching your car.
Thursday, November 26, 2009:
Tip of the Day: It’s National Tie One on For Safety Day. If you plan to serve alcohol on Thanksgiving include non-alcoholic drinks as alternatives and designate sober drivers.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you will be welcoming overnight guests for Thanksgiving, make sure they are familiar with your family’s emergency escape plan.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Post your address prominently to make sure firefighters can find your house if your fire alarm is triggered.
Monday, November 23, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you use daycare or after-school programs, check their credentials carefully, including certifications, staff qualifications and policies regarding field trips and parental visits.
Sunday, November 22, 2009:
Tip of the Day: When service or delivery people come to your door, ask for ID and check with their company if you are still unsure. When in doubt, research the company by calling police or the Better Business Bureau.
Saturday, November 21, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Teach your children and teens to be conscious of criminal or suspicious behavior in your neighborhood and to tell an adult when they see such activities.
Friday, November 20, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors near all sleeping areas and on each level of your home.
Thursday, November 19, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Do not leave a person with Alzheimer’s Disease who has a history of wandering unattended.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Consider the use of foam rubber faucet covers (often used for children) in the tub to prevent serious injuries to older adults.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Do not keep firearms easily accessible in your home and talk to kids about the potential dangers of guns and what to do if they find one.
Monday, November 16, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Remove or secure the family “junk drawer.” A person with Alzheimer’s Disease may attempt to eat small items like erasers, hardware and food-shaped magnets.
Sunday, November 15, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Leave valuables at home or keep them in the hotel safe when you travel.
Saturday, November 14, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Always keep dangerous products in their original, labeled containers.
Friday, November 13, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Always store matches and lighters in locked cabinets, out of reach of children and people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Thursday, November 12, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Adjust your water heater to 120 degrees to avoid scalding tap water.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Never give personal information to telephone solicitors.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009:
Tip of the Day: When having a car parked or serviced, leave only the car keys.
Monday, November 9, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Have chimneys, fireplaces, flues and central furnaces inspected and cleaned in time for colder winter weather.
Sunday, November 8, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Some people with Alzheimer’s disease experience behavioral changes that can create safety problems like wandering. So place locks on exit doors high or low on the door out of direct sight. Consider double locks that require a key and keep a spare key in a safe place indoors.
Saturday, November 7, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Always keep prescription and over-the-counter medicine in the original container with childproof lid attached and dispose of outdated medicines as recommended.
Friday, November 6, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Rehearse your family’s emergency escape plan and remember: your family’s ability to escape a home fire depends on advance warning from smoke detectors.
Thursday, November 5, 2009:
Tip of the Day: To prevent older adults from slipping or falling, use textured strips or nonskid wax on hardwood floors.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Throw away medications that are outdated. Medications are considered outdated if they are one year from the date the prescription is filled, unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you decide to install an alarm system, consider one that is monitored for burglary, fire, carbon monoxide and medical emergencies. These alarm system features can be life-saving if you, or a loved one, become incapacitated while in the home.
Monday, November 2, 2009:
Tip of the Day: November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. If you have elderly friends or relatives, check to make sure their security devices are all in good working order.
Sunday, November 1, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Today marks the end of daylight saving time, remember to set clocks back one hour and change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Saturday, October 31, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Happy Halloween! Remember to keep an eye on your home tonight to help prevent vandalism and deter unwanted visitors.
Friday, October 30, 2009:
Tip of the Day: If you are having a Halloween party, you may want to put valuables and keepsakes out of sight in a secure location.
Thursday, October 29, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Make sure to leave a porch light on if you’ll be welcoming trick-or-treaters this Halloween.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Only burn candles when an adult is in the room. Make sure children cannot touch them. Blow the candles out when adults leave the room or go to sleep.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Store firewood and other combustible items away from your home to help discourage fires from igniting.
Monday, October 26, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Teach kids to stay alert for emergencies such as fires or gas leaks and always keep emergency phone numbers posted at home.
Sunday, October 25, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Pain killers, cold medicines, vitamins and human medication can be lethal to pets, even in small doses. Keep all prescription and over-the-counter medicine out of your pets’ reach, preferably in closed cabinets.
Saturday, October 24, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Install garage door push buttons high above the floor, out of reach of small children.
Friday, October 23, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Keep your head up while walking.
Thursday, October 22, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Clean lint and other debris from your clothes dryer vent. Clothes dryers cause 15,600 structure fires annually, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Make sure all hedges and shrubs are trimmed and not covering windows. Overgrown bushes and trees close to your house can be good hiding places and also are an indication that you may be away from home.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Never put your name on your mailbox or record your name on your answering machine. Thieves look for any information they can find to gain easier access to your home.
Monday, October 19, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Join a neighborhood watch program to help keep your community safe. If your neighborhood doesn’t have a program, work with law enforcement to organize one.
Sunday, October 18, 2009:
Tip of the Day: It’s National School Bus Safety Week— a good reminder to get to know your child’s school bus driver and bus monitor.
Saturday, October 17, 2009:
Tip of the Day: National School Bus Safety Week starts tomorrow: If you can’t walk your child to the bus stop, make sure there is always at least one adult to wait with kids until the bus arrives.
Friday, October 16, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Most home burglaries occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., so lock all doors and windows when you leave for work or whenever you leave your home.
Thursday, October 15, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Never hide spare keys outside your home. Burglars know exactly where to look for them; don’t give criminals easy access to your home. Leave keys only with trusted neighbors or family members.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Well lit homes discourage burglars. Consider installing motion sensor lights near windows and doors.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Walk your child’s route to school with them to make sure it is safe. To help keep kids safe, pick up a free child safety kit.
Monday, October 12, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Make sure you have working locks on all doors and windows. Good locks are the first line of defense against burglars.
Sunday, October 11, 2009:
Tip of the Day: Never use portable electric generators, grills or camp stoves inside your home, basement, garage, or in any confined area that can allow carbon monoxide gas to collect.
Saturday, October 10, 2009:
Tip of the Day: It’s National Fire Prevention Week and that’s a good time to let people know home fires are more likely to start in your kitchen than any other room in your home. So always keep flammable items such as dishtowels, paper bags and curtains at least three feet away from your stove while cooking