HOME SECURITY TIPS

An ADT monitored home security system is a great start toward protecting your home and family from intruders, fire, and other emergencies, but there are a host of additional things you can do to help keep your loved ones safe.

BASIC HOME SECURITY TIPS

• When you are going to be away for an extended period of time, make your home look occupied. Use plug-in timers on lamps or television sets and set them to come on at random times. Have friends or neighbors pick up mail and newspapers, or have those services suspended until you return. Adjust your telephone ringer volume to quiet, or set your voicemail to answer automatically.
• Use motion-sensors on exterior lighting to minimize places where intruders can hide.
• Install heavy-duty deadbolts (at least 1-inch) on all exterior doors.
• Never open your door before checking to see who it is first. Always ask for and verify proper identification from any service personnel asking to enter your home.
• Do NOT leave extra keys in any outdoor location. If you feel the need to have extra keys available, leave a set with a trusted neighbor or a friend instead.
• Sliding glass patio doors should be secured by placing an appropriate length of pipe or metal bar in the middle bottom track of the door slide.
• Always keep garage doors closed when not in use.
• In rooms where you keep expensive stereo or computer equipment, keep drapes and blinds closed.
• Cash, jewelry, and other valuables should be stored in a safe or at your bank in a safety deposit box. Do NOT leave valuable items around your home.

HOME FIRE SAFETY AND PREVENTION

• If you are buying, building or renovating your home, make sure to look for fire resistant roofing materials.
• Do NOT leave candles or other fire burning unattended. Be sure to douse cigarette or cigar butts with water before putting them in the trash.
• Never leave an iron unattended and be sure to unplug it when you are finished using it.
• Do NOT leave food cooking on the stovetop or outdoor grill unattended. Be sure that you have turned them off after use.
• Take care to clear and properly dispose of dry leaves or other dry vegetation from your yard and other areas near your home.
• Get a trash can with a tight-fitting lid and be sure that it is kept closed. Store firewood and other combustibles away from the house.
• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, and near or inside every bedroom. Test the alarms monthly to make sure they are working, and replace the batteries once a year (it’s easier to remember if you do this when setting clocks for daylight savings time).
• Your house number should be clearly visible, so that firefighters and other emergency responders can quickly identify your home.
• Create a fire escape plan with your family. Map out 2 exits from each room and pick a meeting place outside. Hold family fire drills at least two times a year to be sure you keep in practice.