Here are some examples of what often triggers false alarms throughout the year and especially during the Holidays:

• hanging of banners, decorations, balloons, etc
• guests staying at your home
• employees at the office unfamiliar with your alarm system
• a loose door or window
• failure to disarm the alarm system when entering a protected area
• triggering a motion sensor by turning on a heater, air conditioner or ceiling fan

We’ve found that by taking the following steps many false alarms have been avoided:

• clarify verification procedures with your alarm company
•  rehearse alarm cancellation procedures with authorized users
• check motion sensors
• check the batteries of your alarm system at recommended intervals
• have your alarm company check your equipment
• have your alarm company check that sensors are properly aligned and secured
• notify your alarm company prior to testing your system
• update your alarm company each time there is a change to the contact information originally provided (i.e. work or cell phone number change)

If you can’t seem to identify why your alarm system is malfunctioning and/or triggering an alarm we recommend you notify your alarm company immediately.

1. Make sure your yard is well lit – especially around windows and entry doors.  Not only will this deter predators from stalking your yard but it will allow you to see out if you suspect something is amiss.
2. When you are away, don’t advertise – don’t let mail, newspapers, or recyclables and trash build up while you’re on vacation or away for work.  Ask a trusted neighbor or friends to pick up these items to make your house look “lived in.”
3. Practice key security – be wary about lending your keys to anyone.  Key duplication is simple, takes just a few minutes, and costs pennies.  Even if you trust the person you’re lending your house keys to, they may inadvertently make those keys available to unscrupulous folks looking to make a quick buck.  Always ask for your keys back and consider using keys that cannot be duplicated or locks that can easily be rekeyed.
4. Join or start a neighborhood watch – you don’t have to organize patrols, just talk with your neighbors and get them all to agree to be mindful of their surroundings.  Tell them you’d be very appreciative if they’d keep a watchful eye on your property and you’d be happy to return the favor.
5. Get educated – education is the key to prevention.  Learn more about what you can do to prevent break-ins and keep your family safe.  The National Crime Prevention Council (www.ncpc.org) has a wonderful website full of tips you can use to stay safe.  You may also find your local police or sheriff’s department has a list of resources, training courses, or educational material available to you.

This is just the first in a series of articles designed to help you stay safe and secure in your home.  Stay tuned in as B&D Security continues to bring you tips, tools, and techniques you can use to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your home safe while your away from home, during the summer vacation season, during the holidays, when the kids go back to school, and every day (and night) of the year.

Last year alone there were 2,222,196 burglaries – that’s one break in every 14 seconds!  Those burglaries lasted, on average, just 90 seconds each and cost home owners over $2,000 (not including the cost for home repairs).

If that’s not scary enough 28% of those burglaries happened when one or more of the occupants were at home.  Intruders aren’t as wary about breaking in when you’re around as you may think.

In fact, much of what you think you may know about burglaries is wrong.  Most break-ins occur in residential homes, not businesses.  And these heinous criminals aren’t lurking in the shadows and picking your locks to get at your stuff.  85% of burglaries happen in broad daylight (between 10 AM and 3 PM) and most (up to 2/3) of those intruders gain access to the home through an unlocked window or door.

Here at B&D Security we strongly believe that education is the key to your safety and security and we’re committed to protecting you, your loved ones, and your belongings.

So what can you do to protect yourself, your family, and your possessions from this unrelenting assault?  Here are 5 tips from B&D Security you can use to stay safe.

1. Consider an alarm system – finding the perfect system that fits your needs is key.  They don’t have to cost a lot of money either.  Something as simple as a few motion sensors or a couple of security cameras may be all you need to deter any potential burglar.
2. Lock your doors and windows – it sounds silly but most burglars get into houses unimpeded through unlocked doors and windows.  Always lock everything – even when you’re home – to prevent unwanted visitors.
3. Examine your doors and windows – Are your locks as strong as you think?  Consider installing metal or heavy wood doors on all entryways and always install a deadbolt.  Be sure that the deadbolt you select extends at least one inch into the door’s jamb and if your lock is within 40 inches of a window you may want to install a double-cylinder deadbolt (which requires a key to open from the inside as well).  You can also install keyed locking devices on all of your windows, just be sure that family members know where they can find keys if an emergency arises.
4. Be smart with information security – never leave a message on your answering machine, Facebook, MySpace or other social media sites about going away for vacations, extended weekend trips, or even quick runs to the grocery store.  To burglars these are like advertisements for blue light specials at your house.
5. Install automated or timed switches – lights, televisions, and even radios can be turned on remotely or via timer to make it appears as if you are home when you’re not.  This may not keep hardcore burglars out but it will deter opportunistic thieves looking for a quick payday.

Check back next week to learn 5 new safety tips you can start using right away to keep your home and family safe.