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Safety Tips For Halloween 2019
While Halloween is a family-friendly holiday, it can also be a very dangerous night. With more pedestrians on the road and people concealing their identities with costumes, the risks are higher. Before partaking in the Halloween fun, review these Halloween safety tips.
Pick A Safe Costume
- Costumes, wigs, and accessories should be made with fire-resistant materials.
- Avoid masks that may obstruct your child’s live of vision.
- If your kids will be out after dark, or their costumes are hard to see at night, use bright, reflective material or adhere reflective tape to your child’s costume to increase visibility.
- If you are using makeup, be sure that is it nontoxic and that it is removed before bed to avoid irritation.
Know Where They Are
- Kids 12 and under should be chaperoned.
- If you are not chaperoning, be sure you know who your children are going out with, where they will be going, and that you have the contact information of the adult chaperone.
- If your children are older, be sure that they trick-or-treat in a group with friends and that they stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
- If your child has a cell phone, you can set up a GPS tracker together so that you know where they are.
Be Aware Of Surroundings
- Road safety is especially important on Halloween night as more kids are walking around, usually excited and distracted, and drivers may not be paying attention, or even worse, driving home after a night of celebrating. Here are some important reminders:
- You and your children should only cross the street at corners where there are traffic lights and crosswalks.
- Always check left, right, and left again before crossing.
- For both kids and adults, make sure heads are up and alert, not looking at phones or electronic devices.
- Walk, don’t run, when crossing the street. If you can’t make it across the street in time, wait for the next green light.
Pumpkin Safety
- Small children should not carve pumpkins. Instead, have them use a marker to draw a face and an adult may carve it for them once they are done. Or they can simply decorate the pumpkin with markers, paint, etc.
- Consider using a flashlight or glow stick to illuminate your jack-o-lantern. If you opt for a candle, votive candles are the safest choice.
- Pumpkins should be securely places on table tabletops and away from flammable objects and should not be left unattended.
Candy Safety
- Feed your children a good meal before heading out for trick-or-treating so that they are less tempted by the treats when they’re out.
- Although tampering is rare, it is important to inspect and sort candy with your children when you get home. Discard old, spoiled, or unwrapped treats.
- If you child has allergies, be mindful of the houses you visit and inspect candy labels carefully. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution and toss it.
Share your own Halloween safety tips with your peers and us at Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Visit SecurityCamExpert.com to shop our selection of quality surveillance cameras and equipment or call 888-203-6294 to request a FREE quote!
New Year’s Eve Around The World
2018 is coming to an end which means New Year’s celebrations are right around the corner. Whether it’s setting goals and intentions for the New Year, or gathering with loved ones to watch the ball drop at midnight, we all have our own traditions to celebrate the New Year. Learn more about the unique ways people ring in the New Year around the world.
Japan – Ring A Bell 108 Times To Banish Unhappiness
According to the Japanese Buddhist tradition, there are 108 obstacles to happiness. Thus, a bell is rung 107 times on December 31, and then once just after midnight on January 1 (the sound from one strike must die down before you strike the bell again). Each ring symbolizes eliminating of problems associated with a given obstacle over the past year and starting fresh in the New Year.
Columbia – Carry A Suitcase To Ensure A Year Full Of Travel
If you spend New Year’s Eve in Columbia, you may see people running around the block with a suitcase at midnight. It is believed that this will bring an adventurous year full of travel.
Denmark – Break Dishes For Good Luck
Over the course of the year in Denmark, any chipped dishware is set aside for New Year’s Eve. When the day comes, families go around smashing plates against friends’ doors for good luck. Having lots of broken stuff on your doorstep in the morning is believed to be a great New Year’s omen.
Greece – Use Onions To Symbolize New Growth
The New Year’s tradition in Greece involves onions because some of them keep growing even when removed from soil, which represents a generative instinct. You will find onions hanging on front doors to invite positive growth in the New Year. Also, those same onions are used to wake children on New Year’s morning with a ceremonial (gentle) tap on the head to bring them longevity and health.
Spain – Eat 12 Grapes To Bless The Whole Year
To bless each month of the coming year, people in Spain eat one grape for each stroke of the midnight bell. Because of time-sensitivity, the tradition is often filled with messy eating and lots of laughter.
Post-Soviet Countries – Decorate A Different Kind Of Holiday Tree
Ukraine, Russia, and other former Soviet countries celebrate with a New Year tree decorated with treats, tangerines, and special toys. These New Year trees light up the long winter nights and keep spirits up through the holiday season into the New Year.
Brazil – Jump Over Seven Waves, Make Seven Wishes
New Year’s Eve in Brazil is usually spent at the beach, as people make offerings to the sea and wish upon seven waves (seven is considered a lucky number).
What are your favorite New Year’s traditions? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Reminder – we will be closed on Monday December 31, 2018 and Tuesday January 1, 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience and would like to thank you for an amazing year. We look forward to what 2019 has in store for us. Happy New Year from SecurityCamExpert.com!
Holiday Home Safety
‘Tis the season for holiday and good cheer! Unfortunately, there are also hidden dangers lurking around. Here are some smart safety tips to protect your home and family.
Holiday Lighting
Beautiful light displays are a sight to see, but they can also be a fire waiting to happen.
- Carefully examine your holiday light strings each year. Discard any with frayed cords, cracked sockets or lamp holders, loose connections or tightly kinked cords. Before replacing bulbs, unplug the light string and be sure the voltage and wattage of the new bulb is the same as the original bulb.
- Always look for certification marks of an accredited certification organization (ex. CSA International, UL, ELT)when choosing products such as light strings, extension cords, spotlights, electrical decorations, gas appliances and carbon monoxide alarms. The certification mark ensures that the products comply with applicable standards for safety and performance.
- Avoid overloading extension cords, such as connecting more than one extension cord together. Instead, use a single cord that is long enough to reach the outlet without stretching, but not so long that it can get easily tangled.
- Remember to keep lit candles far from decorations and other flammable materials. Also, keep your children and pets away from light strings and decorations that use electricity.
- Never use electric lights on a metallic tree – a single touch can cause electrocution. For outdoor lights, keep electrical connectors off of the ground and away from metal rain gutters. To hold the strings in place, use insulated tape or plastic clips (not metal nails or tacks).
- If you’re using a ladder to put up lights, make sure you are using the correct one. Double check for a certification mark to ensure your portable ladder is safety compliant.
- A certified outdoor light timer is a smart way to save electricity and be sure you don’t leave your lights on overnight. You may want to set your timer to turn on lights after 7pm to avoid the electricity rush hour.
- And again, always turn off your lights when you leave the house unattended and before going to bed.
Trees
- For artificial trees, look for a “fire-resistant” label.
- Freshly cut trees are more resistant to ignition. When shopping, look for fresh green needles that don’t break easily when bent.
- Set up trees away from fireplaces, radiators, portable heaters and other heat sources. Unfortunately, this is a common cause of holiday tree fires.
- Keep the tree watered and make sure it doesn’t block any main exits.
Decorations
- If you have any suspicion that your older ornaments were painted with lead paint, do not display them, especially if you have children.
- Nonflammable, fire retardant, and unbreakable ornaments are safe choices. Also, choose ornaments that are free of sharp edges.
- Be sure to hang ornaments with moving parts out of children’s reach.
Entertaining
- Don’t leave the kitchen when anything is cooking. Again, a common cause of home fires starts in the kitchen.
- Poinsettias are a festive way to decorate your home, but be sure to keep them out of your pet’s reach (or avoid them all together). While they are not poisonous to pets, according to vet experts, they are mildly toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation.
- Always be sure that the fireplace flue is open BEFORE you light the fire. Keep evergreen boughs, paper, and decorations away from the fireplace and Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.
- Do not use your gas fireplace if the glass panel is removed, cracked, or broken. Only a qualified service person should replace any fireplace parts.
- If you are having guests over, be sure to test your smoke alarms. Monthly checks are recommended to make sure they work. And be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home (especially near sleeping areas).
- Speaking of maintenance, you should have a qualified heating contractor perform a maintenance check of your furnace and venting system yearly. And during the heating seasons, it’s important to clean and replace your furnace filter frequently.
- Do not store combustible materials such as gasoline, propane, paper, chemicals, paint, rags, and cleaning products near your gas furnace. Gasoline or propane cylinders should be stored outside the home.
Security
Criminal activity is heightened during the activities. Be sure to lock your doors and windows when you leave home.
- Make it appear as if someone is home – Leave a radio or television on.
- Keep indoor lights on a timer.
- Do not openly display gifts in front of windows.
- If you’ll be gone for longer periods of time, ask someone to pick up your mail or newspaper or temporarily halt services.
- Do not hide the spare key in obvious places – burglars know to look under doormats, rocks, flowerpots and above the door.
Do you have your own home safety tips to share? Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
For a great selection of security cameras and CCTV surveillance equipment, you may visit SecurityCamExpert.com or call 888-203-6294 to speak with us directly!
Happy Thanksgiving From Everyone At SecurityCamExpert.com!
“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” -Cicero
In the spirit of the season, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude for your loyalty and support over the years. We care about you and your safety and security, which is why we strive to provide you with the best CCTV surveillance systems and security cameras around. Without you, we would not be here and for that we are eternally grateful.
As a reminder, we will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday November 22, 2018 and Friday November 23, 2018. Our normal hours will resume on Monday November 26, 2018. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
From the SecurityCamExpert.com family to yours, we hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend!
Home Security: Mistakes To Avoid
You may think you are taking all the necessary precautions to keep your home safe, but you may be unaware that you are making some simple mistakes. Here are some common missteps that may be putting your home at risk.
- Location
Sometimes the location of your house can influence your risk for burglary. If your home is located on a busy street with high-visibility, you have less chances of your home being targeted – there’s simply too much risk of being seen and caught in the act. Unfortunately, better burglary targets are townhomes, houses in the middle of the block, and homes on cul-de-sacs. If your property backs up to a forest, open lot, or other unguarded area, be sure to take the necessary precautions and install high fences and lots of lighting. - Garbage
Did you know electronics are second to cash when it comes to the things burglars look for? Don’t leave big boxes from your expensive electronics visible from the street. This is a telltale sign that you’ve got shiny, new electronics ripe for picking. Take the extra time to break down the boxes and make sure labels cannot be seen. - Mail
An overflowing mailbox is a sure sign that someone is out of town. The same goes for newspapers piling up on your driveway. You can arrange for someone you know and trust to pick up your mail or place a temporary hold on your mail and newspapers while you’re away. - Yard
Your yard can give away many clues as to what may be inside your home. Before you go on vacation, be sure you have mowed the lawn and trimmed your bushes and that you have a plan to upkeep these appearances until you return home. Burglars will pay attention to uncut lawns, and overgrown bushes allow for a place to easily hide. In addition, if you live in an area where snowfall is possible, arrange for someone to create car and foot tracks into the house.If your children’s toys are left out, they are at risk of being stolen, and they give burglars insight to what type of valuables they may find inside. With children present, there may be an expensive gaming console or other electronics, and mommy and daddy may have expensive jewelry hidden away inside.Lastly, you don’t want to make it easy for thieves to access your home so be sure to put your ladder and tools away and refrain from leaving stools or chairs in your backyard. This makes it easier for them to gain access to a second story window that may not be locked. - Lock Up
Speaking of locks, more often than not, burglars enter homes through unlocked doors and windows. So it is worth mentioning – Do not forget to lock your doors and windows. And that goes for all doors or entryways, such as the front and back doors along with the garage doors. Whether your garage door leads into your home or backyard, be sure to lock it because the bad guys will try anything and everything to get to your valuables.And because they will try anything, do not forget to secure your dog door while you’re away. And you may forget, but it’s smart to secure patio doors as well since they are fairly easy to pick. The easiest and most inexpensive way is putting a heavy duty stick in the door track, however, there are locks which fasten along the top and bottom of the door and are less of an eyesore and inconvenience. - Windows
Much like doors, windows provide another point of entry, albeit less convenient. You may want to crack a window to cool down the house without cranking the A/C, however, if you neglect to close it when you leave, you are making is too easy for someone to enter your home. Along the same lines, if you have a window A/C unit, it is easy for thieves to knock it out and climb in through the window.Aside from locking them, you should consider the visibility of the inside of your home from your windows. You should leave a mix of open, partially open, and closed blinds, but choose wisely. Avoid leaving blinds open near your valuables and electronics. Leaving some blinds partially open allows for some privacy and security while letting interior light out, and vice versa. - Keys
Leaving a spare key around in case of emergency is a good idea in theory, however, thieves are often privy to the usual hiding spots. If you must hide a spare key, avoid the obvious areas and think outside of the box.Additionally, don’t keep your keys on a hook next to the door nor should they be visible from outside. And do not keep your garage door opener in your car. Whether your car gets broken into at home or elsewhere, the burglar knows your address is printed on the registration card. Invest in a keychain remote for added security. - Visitors
Be wary of those you invite into your home. Whether they are friends of friends or hired help, word can spread quickly about what’s inside your home. While those who enter your home may not be thieves themselves, they may pass information along to someone looking for some quick cash. - Social Media
Social media is a tricky thing. While you want to share highlights from your vacation with friends and family, be sure you are being smart about it. Refrain from posting those vacation photos as it clearly tells others that you are away from home, making your property a prime target. Instead, be sure your profiles are not public and wait to post those vacation pictures until after you have returned home.
Do you have any other home security tips to share? Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
For an affordable, quality home security system, visit SecurityCamExpert.com or call 888-203-6294! We are happy to provide you with a free quote, schedule a site survey, or assist you with any questions you may have.
Halloween Safety & Security Tips
Halloween is almost here, and this year it falls in the middle of the week. That makes your commute home a bit trickier as children may be roaming the streets already. And although it’s always important to watch for pedestrians, it is especially crucial on Halloween.
Aside from being safe on the road, it’s imperative to mind your children and your home. Here are some Halloween security tips to help you enjoy a safe and happy Halloween.
Trick-Or-Treating
Although going door to door collecting candy and treats from strangers is a Halloween tradition, it poses safety risks.
- Check All Treats Before Eating – All treats should be inspected by adults before children eat them. To be safe, toss anything that looks tampered with and anything that doesn’t come in a pre-wrapped package.
- Light Up The Night – Make sure your children are easily visible with flashlights, glow sticks, or even reflective tape. To make it easier, try using transparent bags for your children’s treats and toss a glow stick in there. That way, your kids have one less thing to carry and they are still easily visible.
- Consider An Alternative – If you would rather your children not go trick-or-treating, you may want to consider an alternative such as a haunted house or hayride. Or you can visit friends or family so that you need not worry about what they get in their bag.
- Host your own Halloween – Or you can simply host your own Halloween event at your home. This way, you are in the comfort of your own home and can keep an eye on your children and guests.
A Night On The Town
Leaving a porch light on when you leave for the night may not be the best idea. On Halloween, that is commonly known as a sign to come knocking for treats, and thus, people will soon realize that no one is home. Here are some ways you can protect your home while you are out.
Lights
Be sure to keep your home well lit. This will deter potential intruders or pranksters as it will appear as if someone is home and still awake. Outdoor lighting will eliminate shadows and hiding places.
Security System
Engage your security system if you have one. If you do not, now would be a great time to invest in a solid home security camera system.
- Settings – Review your camera settings and adjust accordingly. Keep your cameras focused on potential entryways (doors, windows), but you may also want a view of the streets and other areas around your home – pranksters may attack from any or all sides.
- Timers – Make use of light timers if you have them. Set timers to have specific rooms light up every now and then. For example, leave the living room light and television on but have the kitchen light turn on and off occasionally so it appears that someone is getting up for a snack.
- Arm Your Security System – Sometimes we may forget so it’s worth the reminder to set the alarm and lock your doors and windows before you leave.
Cell Phones
For most of us, cell phones act as our lifeline and have become essentials alongside our wallets and keys. If your child does not have a cell phone and will not be with you on Halloween, be sure you have the phone number for the supervising adult or someone who will be accompanying your child. You may even let your child borrow your phone for the night so that you have a way of keeping in contact.
- Charge It – Whether it’s your own phone or your child’s or both, be sure that all phones are fully charged before heading out. If your child is going out without you, you may want to check the signal reception where he/she may be.
- Check Your Security System – Your security system most likely enables remote viewing via an app or device, and should alert you of any suspicious activity. If alerts are not enabled, be sure to check in periodically.
Staying In
Although we may hate to imagine that persons with bad intentions may target us on Halloween, it is always a possibility. If you’d like, you can leave a bowl of candy on the porch with a sign that tells children how many they can take and that they are under surveillance. If you sit on the porch and hand out candy, keep your cell phone close and sit with a friend or family member (safety in numbers).
In addition to the aforementioned security tips, it is always in your best interest to use common sense on Halloween and every day. Make sure children stay away from strange neighborhoods and that they know they should not go inside someone’s home. If possible, travel with a group for maximum safety.
Do you have any other Halloween safety tips to share? Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Invest in an affordable security camera system to protect your home. Visit SecurityCamExpert.com to browse our selection or call 888-203-6294 to discuss your options.
Safety Tips For 4th Of July Holiday
With Independence Day fast approaching, many of us are making plans to celebrate. Whether it’s a family outing to the beach or a fireworks show, or simply a backyard barbecue at home, heed these safety tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are safest when admired from afar (at least 500 feet). Look for local public fireworks displays and try to secure a prime spot early (as these tend to be crowded events). If your city allows fireworks and you decide to light them at home, please follow these safety precautions:
- Keep fireworks away from small children.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Keep a water supply close by (better safe than sorry).
- The person igniting the fireworks should always wear eye protection.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never attempt to relight a “dud.”
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and away from children and pets.
- Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials.
- Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
Grilling Safety
What is summer without backyard barbecues? As much as we love grilling under the sun, injuries are all too common when using backyard charcoal or gas grills. To prevent injury and maintain safety, follow these tips:
- A barbecue grill that is in use should always be supervised.
- Never grill indoors (ex. inside a house, camper, tent or any enclosed area).
- Make sure everyone (including pets) stays away from the grill.
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
- For the chef’s safety, use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
Beach Safety
If your beach visit includes swimming in the ocean, be sure to learn how to swim in the surf within the designated swimming area and only when/where a lifeguard is present. In addition, be sure to obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
- Check local weather conditions and look for any warning signs or flags that may be posted.
- Always swim sober and with a buddy.
- Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear Coast Guard- approved life jackets.
- Protect the neck – don’t dive head first. Walk carefully into open waters.
- Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while at the beach. Waves can cause someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
- Watch for aquatic life – water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave animals alone.
Rip Currents
Rip currents are relatively strong, narrow currents flowing outward from the beach through the surf zone, posing a potential hazard to swimmers. In fact, rip currents are responsible for many deaths and lifeguards rescues on our beaches. Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents, so be aware of the dangers and remember these things:
- If a person is caught in a rip current, it is advised to swim parallel to the shore until out of the current. Once free, turn and swim toward the shore. If they can’t swim to the shore, they should float or tread water until free of the rip current and then head toward the shore.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties – permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.
Sun Protection
You should limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 (reapply often). Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water regularly (thirsty or not) and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent UV sunlight. Also remember to protect your feet – hot sand can burn them and glass and other sharp objects can cut them.
During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke – hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:
- Call 911 and move the person to a cooler place.
- Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person.
- Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the individual lying down.
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Don’t forget! We will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 for Independence Day. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. From everyone at SecurityCamExpert.com, we wish you a safe & happy Independence Day!
Home Security For The Holidays
The holidays are here, and whether you’re hosting the festivities or going out of town, you want to make sure your home is secure. First and foremost, if you don’t have them already, you may consider installing a home security camera system. A home security system will alert you if and when your alarm system is triggered or motion is detected, and security cameras can record pertinent footage as necessary. Should these alerts indicate criminals are on or around your premises, you can quickly contact authorities. For those of you who will be away for the holidays, an empty home is prime target. You should employ measures to make it seem like someone is home. The following are some security tips and advice to safeguard your property and avoid being targeted by thieves.
Hire a house or pet-sitter.
If possible, and if you feel comfortable with it, hire an overnight house-sitter. Before hiring, be sure to do a background check. Depending on your needs and instructions, duties may include mowing the lawn, taking the trash out, shoveling the driveway, or feeding and walking pets. If you are not comfortable with a stranger staying in your home, you may want to enlist a trusted friend or relative to either stay at your home or stop in regularly to handle these tasks.
Put your mail/newspaper subscription on hold.
Nothing screams “we’re away” more than mail and newspapers piling up. Ask your post office to hold your mail or have someone collect and sort your mail daily. If you have a newspaper subscription, pause delivery or inquire about switching to an online subscription.
Make use of curtains.
As previously mentioned, for burglars, there’s nothing more alluring than an empty home. For small windows, you want to close the curtains to shield your home from prying eyes. But you also want to keep some curtains ajar as curtains closed all day and night may look suspicious.
Set up sensors and timers for lights and sprinklers.
Along the same lines, invest in timers and sensors that can turn on and off at random intervals or that you can control remotely. These can help with the illusion that someone is home and are more cost and energy efficient than leaving your lights on.
Unplug electronics.
Avoid any potential accidents by unplugging your electronics and appliances. That way you can rest easy knowing you didn’t accidentally leave something on.
Leave a radio on.
Much like the lights make it appear that someone is home, the sound of a radio will do the same. An inexpensive, battery-powered radio should suffice.
Turn down the doorbell volume.
Some burglars are bold and will go so far as to ring the doorbell to confirm whether someone is home or not. If you lower the volume of your doorbell, and possibly have a radio on, they might assume the homeowners just can’t hear someone at the door.
Don’t leave spare keys at home.
Hiding keys around your home never a good idea when you’re away. Be sure you’ve collected all your keys before you leave. If you worry about losing them while on vacation, leave them with a trusted family member or neighbor.
Double and triple-check your doors.
You want to check all your doors and windows and any other point of entry before you leave to ensure they are locked and secure. Be sure your locks are working properly. If possible, install two or three locks on your main and back doors for added security.
Light up your surroundings.
Keeping the exterior of your home well-lit will help to keep intruders away. Most like to sneak around in the dark so installing a few motion-sensitive lights around your home should deter them from approaching.
Be wary of sharing information.
Social media is a fun way to keep your friends and family up-to-date on what’s going on in your life. Unfortunately, thieves like to watch social media for any easy targets. Try to avoid announcing when you will be away, constantly checking in and sharing status updates about your trip, especially if your accounts are public.
Invest in a security safe.
A quality safe hidden in your home can keep your valuables (ex. jewelry, important documents) safe. A safe will reduce the chances of burglars making off with anything valuable. A secure combination can stall them until police arrive, and bolting your safe down will add extra security.
Don’t leave a portable GPS in the car.
These days, most cars have built-in GPS systems, but if you utilize a portable GPS, do not leave it in plain sight. This is especially important if you’re leaving your car at the airport or somewhere else. Often times, when thieves break into your car and access your portable GPS, they may figure out how to get to your unattended home.
Share your own home security tips with us and your peers on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!
For a great selection of security cameras and CCTV surveillance equipment, visit SecurityCamExpert.com. Call 800-203-6294 to speak with a representative and inquire about our free quotes and site surveys.
SecurityCamExpert.com Wants To Thank You
Thanksgiving is upon us and we always feel so honored and blessed to have such loyal customers. We are happy to provide you with the best security camera systems and equipment, professional installation, and exceptional customer service because your security is our priority. We appreciate your continued support over the years and we wish you the best for this Thanksgiving holiday and always.
And remember, we will be closed on Thursday, November 23, 2017 and Friday, November 24, 2017, for the holiday. Our normal hours will resume on Monday, November 27, 2017. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
From the SecurityCamExpert.com family to yours, we hope you enjoy a Thanksgiving filled with love, happiness and good food. Please be safe over holiday weekend.
Stay Safe This Halloween
When you think of Halloween, fun things like candy and costumes come to mind. But Halloween is also a dangerous night, as both vehicle and pedestrian traffic increases. Vigilance and early planning can help to ensure safety.
If you have surveillance cameras, they can help give you a sense of security and deter bad behavior. Before Halloween night, be sure that your security cameras are working properly. If you are out trick-or-treating or at a party, you can access your live feed to ensure that your property is safe. If you are at home, you can see when trick-or-treaters approach while monitoring for mischievous behavior or vandalism.
Below are more Halloween safety tips to keep your kids and loved ones safe.
- Avoid oversized costumes or costumes with excessive flowing fabric, such as capes or long sleeves. These pose a risk as loose clothing can graze a jack-o-lantern or open flame. Also, oversized costumes can cause kids to trip and fall. Be sure that costumes fit appropriately and check to see that shoelaces are tied before heading out.
- If possible, choose a brightly colored costume that drivers can spot easily. You can also use reflective tape or stickers, glow sticks or flashlights to increase visibility.
- Face paint and makeup are a safer choice than masks, which may obstruct vision. If a mask is worn, make sure that it fits properly and securely, and whenever possible, cut large eye holes.
- Inspect the treats. Anything that is tampered with, has loose wrappers, or just doesn’t seem right should be disposed. Also, homemade treats should be trashed, unless you know the person who gave it to your child and are sure that it is safe.
- Children under the age of 13 should always be supervised by an adult. Older teens should trick-or-treat in groups and have a set curfew. Creating a route ahead of time will help to keep track of your kids as well.
- Walk slowly. As with any other night, be mindful of cars and make eye contact with drivers. Always walk on sidewalks and cross at the crosswalks or traffic signals. If there are no sidewalks, then it is strongly advised to walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.
- Children should only go to well-lit houses and remain on the porch within street view. Also, remind children to never cross between parked cars and to look both ways before crossing.
- Drivers: back out slowly while keeping a watchful eye for children. High times for trick-or-treating are usually from 5:30pm-9:30pm. Distracted driving is dangerous and illegal, on Halloween and every day. If you must, pull over and park in a safe location, otherwise, it can wait.
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