Religious institutions are not just used for Sunday services. They often house daycare centers, preschools, bible study groups and community gatherings.
From 2007 to 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 1,780 structure fires in religious and funeral properties each year, according to a 2013 report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Most of those fires, however, involved religious properties, with just four percent taking place in funeral parlors. On average, those fires resulted in two civilian deaths, 19 civilian injuries, and $111 million in property damage per year, the NFPA noted. Read more →
A Silent Tragedy: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamDuring the winter months, we spend a lot of time indoors with the heat on. Staying in and feeling warm and toasty can be nice, but there are safety precautions you need to think about while your heating your home. At least 430 people die each year in the US from non-fire related CO poisoning. Recently in Massachusetts, a nine-year-old boy and his father tragically lost their lives to this silent killer.
CO is produced by the burning of oil, natural gas, propane, wood, coal, kerosene and wood pellets. Our home heating systems and appliances have vents and filters to prevent CO from escaping, but these can break without warning.
Poisoning by CO is preventable. Following these safety tips will help keep your family both safe and comfortable through the winter.
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How to Safely Keep Snow Off Your Roof
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamWinter in New England can bring with it frigid temperatures, lots and lots of snow, as well as brilliant, sunny days when the warmth of the sun entices people outside to do some skiing, ice skating or sledding.
Although freshly fallen snow is stunningly beautiful and playing outside on snowy days is fun, homeowners need to be aware that too much of the white stuff could cause the roofs of their homes to collapse.
The typical residential roof should be able to support 20 pounds per square foot of snow before becoming stressed, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
The IBHS offers some guidelines to help you determine how much the snow on your roof weighs: Read more →
Winter Driving Safety Tips
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamIf you drive in New England in the winter, you face weather-related challenges each time you get behind the wheel.
In fact, every year 24 percent of weather-related vehicle accidents happen on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent occur when it’s snowing or sleeting. (according to the Federal Highway Administration)
These winter weather conditions often make it harder for you to see, slow down and stop – factors that increase the chances you’ll have an accident.
However, you’ll fare better driving in treacherous conditions if you’re prepared. So here are some tips to help you get ready for everything a good, old-fashion New England winter can throw at you. Read more →
5 Benefits of Home Security Cameras
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamNot so long ago, many people couldn’t afford to install security cameras in addition to their home security systems. Now, however, advances in technology, including in video cameras, video recorders, and networking capabilities, have made video surveillance systems affordable and appropriate for home use.
Security/surveillance cameras let you view the inside and/or the outside of your home – anytime and whenever you want. Integrating video into your home security system enables you to view any area of your property, from any television or computer in the home.
Installing these cameras in your home can beneficial for a number of reasons including:
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5 Cybersecurity Tips for Online Holiday Shopping
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamAs 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.
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Merry and Bright: Holiday Electrical Safety Tips
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamOne 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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Preventing Retail Chaos and Organized Crime on Black Friday
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamIn episode 2 of our Loss Prevention Podcast Series, National Retail Federation’s Vice President of Loss Prevention, Bob Moraca, speaks about his take on organized retail crime, loss prevention strategies and how retailers can prepare themselves for the chaos and potential hazards of the upcoming Black Friday shopping mania.
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Food Safety Tips for a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamThis 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 →
Fire Safety for Religious Properties
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamReligious institutions are not just used for Sunday services. They often house daycare centers, preschools, bible study groups and community gatherings.
From 2007 to 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 1,780 structure fires in religious and funeral properties each year, according to a 2013 report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Most of those fires, however, involved religious properties, with just four percent taking place in funeral parlors. On average, those fires resulted in two civilian deaths, 19 civilian injuries, and $111 million in property damage per year, the NFPA noted. Read more →
Home Safety Seasonal Checklist
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamWhether 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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