A tree surgeon arborist expert working on removing a tree branch with chain saw and heavy equipment.

Spring Home Safety Checklist

A tree surgeon arborist expert working on removing a tree branch with chain saw and heavy equipment.Spring is nearly upon us and that means it’s time to get your home in shape for nice weather and even nicer activities. From prepping for a good outdoor barbecue, to ensuring your home’s air is clean and fresh, this spring home safety checklist has you covered. Plan a “spring cleaning” weekend and mark all these items off to ready your home for a fantastic spring season. 

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Father and 2 little boys are walking dog in winter forest

6 Winter Pet Safety Tips

Father and 2 little boys are walking dog in winter forestSnow is pretty to look at, but isn’t always very fun for your pet. Animals can struggle in winter to stay warm, healthy, and protected from the harsh winter elements. It’s important for all pet owners to keep certain precautions in mind to keep their pet safe from any accidents or illnesses.

These six essential winter pet safety tips will ensure your pet stays happy and healthy all throughout the chilly months. Implementing these tips will also give you peace of mind as you’ll know that your pet is protected, even in the heaviest of winter storms.

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A roof rake is being used to remove snow from a winter roof. Large amounts of snow are often removed, using this method, to prevent ice dams and reduce excess weight. Ice dams form when melted roof snow freezes at the gutter sometimes leading to damage to the roof edge.

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

A roof rake is being used to remove snow from a winter roof. Large amounts of snow are often removed, using this method, to prevent ice dams and reduce excess weight. Ice dams form when melted roof snow freezes at the gutter sometimes leading to damage to the roof edge.Winter brings a need for quality home maintenance. From frozen pipes to slippery walkways, snow-burdened trees to home fires, there are many things that can go wrong in winter. However, with a good checklist you can easily stay ahead of any damages or safety hazards.

Keep this list of indoor and outdoor maintenance tasks in mind throughout the winter season and set aside time each week to tackle some of these potential problem areas. You’ll thank yourself as you sail through winter and into spring without any mishaps.

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visualized data map on top of clouds

What Will 2021 Hold for High-Tech Security in New England?

visualized data map on top of cloudsThere is no doubt that in the last year the security landscape has changed for New England businesses as well as businesses across the globe. 2020 brought with it an upheaval of long-held business practices, forcing many companies to rethink the way they operate in order to survive. Greater reliance on technology was the immediate and natural response, but this came with a series of security issues such as increased phishing and malware scams that threatened many companies.

This rise in cybersecurity threats has pushed security tech companies to devise new or evolved ways to combat cyber and physical security bad actors. As we enter 2021, there are several clear high-tech security trends that have emerged. Let’s take a look at a few of the major ones that are expected to radically change how businesses operate in the future.

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Senior man putting up or taking down outdoor Christmas lights from the gutter of a suburban house

Tips for Taking Down Holiday Decorations

Senior man putting up or taking down outdoor Christmas lights from the gutter of a suburban houseTaking down holiday decorations is simply not as fun as putting them up and enjoying them all throughout the season. It is also more dangerous. Your home’s pathways may be covered in snow, ice, or rain water, making climbing a ladder hazardous. Your tree may have turned from lush and green to dry and brittle, creating a more serious fire hazard. You may wonder if it’s okay not to take your usual care in organizing and cleaning your decorations this year.

Upwards of 17,000 people are treated in hospital rooms each year for holiday decoration related injuries. This means that it is exceptionally important to take care when removing and/or disposing of your decorations. To ensure that you are kept safe throughout the process, observe the following safety measures. It may take some extra time, energy, and concentration, but it will be well worth it when you are enjoying a nice evening in your decoration-free living room rather than in an emergency room.

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carbon monoxide detector

Tips to Stay Safe from Carbon Monoxide in the Winter

carbon monoxide detectorWintertime brings the highest risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the US. This “silent killer” poisons thousands of people per year, resulting in over 400 deaths on average. Those averages are higher between November and February, with peak CO risk occurring in December.

In wintertime people spend more time indoors, with the heat up and the windows and doors closed. This lack of ventilation allows for a greater risk of CO poisoning, as the invisible, odorless gas can build up in your home over time. Here’s what you need to know to keep your home free of CO buildup throughout the winter and all year long.

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A line of cars slowly driving on a snowy, icy road. Entire image is monochrome blue-ish except the taillights, which are glowing red and yellow.

How to Stay Safe on the Road During Winter

A line of cars slowly driving on a snowy, icy road. Entire image is monochrome blue-ish except the taillights, which are glowing red and yellow.Over 150,000 car accidents occur in the US every year thanks to icy road conditions. This leads to nearly 2,000 fatalities. For New Englanders, winter driving can be even more dangerous. Snow and ice on the roads are commonplace for those in the northeast, which means drivers need to take extra precautions to stay safe on the roads during the winter. 

Protect yourself during wintertime travel with these driving tips for cold-weather road conditions. A little proactive effort goes a long way to ensure you and your loved ones make it to your destination safely and with ease.

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man with santa hat decorating house outdoor carport with christmas string lights

5 Security Tips for the Holidays

man with santa hat decorating house outdoor carport with christmas string lightsThere are thousands of fires during the holiday season each year. These accidents are primarily caused by trees, candles, outdoor lights, and cooking. Yet, fires aren’t the only security risk during the holidays. Burglaries, package theft, and more happen at increased rates during this time of year. 

New England residents are less likely on average to be victimized by crime than the rest of the country. However, the rates are still high enough to warrant extra caution, especially during the holidays. Keep these five security tips in mind this year to enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

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Shot of a young man using a laptop and credit card at home

Online Christmas Shopping Security for Safer Holiday Gifting

Shot of a young man using a laptop and credit card at homeMany of us will be gifting from afar this year by purchasing and shipping our gifts online. The uptick in online shopping thanks to the pandemic means that there are more opportunities for fraud, ID theft, phishing, and other harmful scams. 

With holiday fraud attempts already growing each year, it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe. Avoid these bad actors by employing some key online shopping security tips this year.

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Turkey being placed into a deep fryer

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for a Happy Holiday

Turkey being placed into a deep fryerThanksgiving is a time for food, family…and fires. The holiday boasts more home cooking fires than any other day of the year. Turkey fryers alone account for more than 900 destroyed homes and over $15 million in property damages annually.

Fires aren’t the only cause for concern during Thanksgiving weekend. Break-ins are just as likely during this time as any other season. Keep your family protected by following a few simple safety procedures. These tips will ensure that your family can enjoy a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

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