An image of banking ATM machines, suggesting a theme of bank security

Four Lesser-Known Bank Security Considerations

An image of banking ATM machines, suggesting a theme of bank security

While features like access control, surveillance, and emergency response protocols are likely the first things that come to mind when you think of bank security, there are many nuances to an effective system. Using the latest technology can fortify and streamline security systems in financial institutions, making it easier to stay proactive against security threats. Here are some less-obvious bank security considerations.

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Ice dams in gutter, suggesting the importance of winter home preparation

Winter Home Preparation, Part 1: Low Temperatures

Almost 20% of homeowners experience some form of damage to their homes each year due to winter weather. The more prepared the home is for low temperatures and harsh weather, the less likely it is that the home will experience damage. Your physical health is better protected when your home is winterized. Therefore, it is essential for you to consider ways you can fortify your home against the extreme cold as part of your winter home preparation. Let’s take a look at a few key ways to do this.

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A house decorated with lights during the holiday season

Four Safety Tips for Decorators During the Holidays

Decorating is a fun way to begin getting into the holiday spirit, but between unstable ladders, questionable string lights, and wobbly Christmas trees, there is a lot that could go wrong. Holiday decorating safety is an important part of the season.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of 200 decorating-related injuries occur each day during the holiday season. On top of that, Christmas tree and candle-related fires result in approximately $50 million worth of property damage each year in just November and December. 

While decorating for the holidays does come with some risks, you can reduce them significantly by taking simple precautions and using common sense. Keep the following holiday decorating safety tips in mind as you adorn your home this season.

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Thanksgiving dinner being served to happy family, a safe and healthy Thanksgiving scene to remind people of Thanksgiving cooking safety tips

Thanksgiving Cooking Fire Safety Tips

Thanksgiving dinner being served to happy family, a safe and healthy Thanksgiving scene to remind people of Thanksgiving cooking safety tipsThere are 2.3 times more residential fires reported on Thanksgiving Day than on any other day in the United States. These fires account for over $26 million in property loss each year and are predominantly caused by cooking. Around 1,400 home cooking fires are reported to U.S. fire departments each year on Thanksgiving, which is more than triple the daily average of cooking-related fires. 

To have a safe and enjoyable holiday this year, consider the following cooking safety tips.

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Flammable materials, workplace fire safety

Workplace Fire Safety: 6 Common Hazards and How to Avoid Them

An average of 52 fires occur every day in the workplace. 2019 alone produced nearly 19,000 workplace fires, resulting in $744 million in property damage. While it may not be possible to eliminate every potential fire hazard, there are still plenty of workplace fire safety practices you can implement to protect your workers, your office, and the financial health of your company.

Let’s tackle some of the most common workplace fire culprits and how to avoid them in your business.

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Fire extinguisher and smoke alarm, fire safety

Fire Safety Week: Home Fire Safety Checklist

Fire extinguisher and smoke alarm, fire safetyOctober 3rd through October 9th is Fire Safety Week. To celebrate, we’ve created a handy list you can use to fire-proof your home. These actionable fire safety tips may save your home from becoming one of the nearly 500,000 structures that catch fire in America each year.

Print this list and keep it on your fridge or in another convenient location to remind you of what to do to protect your home from a harmful fire.

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Professional technician installing home security camera, related to the topic of professional vs DIY security camera installation

Professional vs DIY Security Cameras

Professional technician installing home security camera, related to the topic of professional vs DIY security camera installationIt’s been shown that the presence of a security camera or alarm system on your property will deter up to 60% of burglars. If you want to install a security system, you have the option of going the DIY home security route or hiring a professional security company to install your system for you. 

There are upsides and downsides to each strategy—the important thing is to choose the option that best aligns with your safety goals. Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

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School entrance sign, school security

School Administrators: Can You Answer These 3 Important School Security Questions?

School entrance sign, school security

School security and safety is a top priority for parents. They want to know that their children are secure no matter where they are on campus. In order to ensure that this is the case, parents may approach you and other school administrators to question the school’s security protocols and practices. When they do, are you ready to answer them?

The following three questions are likely to be common points of inquiry from parents. If you are a school administrator, it’s imperative that you are able to respond to these questions when and if they arise.

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Cannabis plants growing in cannabis company growing facility

American Alarm Is a Powerful Security Partner for MA Cannabis Companies

Cannabis plants growing in cannabis company growing facilityMany first-time cannabis company owners don’t realize that you need a security company on board before you even hire your building contractor or secure your funding. Security is highly regulated in the cannabis industry. Unlike other industries where you can tailor your security to your budget, in cannabis you must tailor your budget to security.

The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) requires a certain number of devices based on multiple (sometimes vague) aspects of your business. These devices can include, but are not limited to:

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Broken door window, Business Security Tips

Business Security Tips

While you might have been covered in the past, you might want to upgrade, update, and implement new or better business security measures to ensure that you are protected in the future. Otherwise, you risk endangering your business. Read on for our business security tips.

Cover Your Entire Brick and Mortar with Video Surveillance

Partial video surveillance isn’t enough anymore. You may have portions of your location monitored by surveillance, but if you want to give yourself the best chance of deterring theft and break-ins, a full-scale surveillance strategy is imperative. Ensure that your front and back entrances, as well as your public floors and back rooms are completely covered by a high-quality video surveillance system.

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