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Independence Day Fireworks Safety
Summer is here and Independence Day is right around the corner. Most people celebrate with fireworks, whether they watch professional public displays or they light their own. While the former is encouraged, those who choose the latter should be extra cautious. Fireworks can be very dangerous if not handled properly. Before you put on your own fireworks show, please review these fireworks safety tips.
- Leave Fireworks To The Professionals
- As mentioned, if at all possible, enjoy the view at a public fireworks display and leave the heavy-lifting to the professionals.
- If you prefer to light your own fireworks, be sure that they are legal in your area.
- Be Extra Careful With Sparklers
- Because sparklers are fairly easy to use, people may think they are safe for kids, however, this is not the case. Sparklers can heat up to 1,200 degrees and are not meant for children’s short arms. Glow sticks can serve as a safer alternative.
- As a reminder, always closely supervise children in the presence of fireworks.
- Take Necessary Precautions
- Avoid wearing loose clothing while using fireworks.
- Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
- Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves, and flammable substances.
- Always Be Prepared
- Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do NOT stand over it to investigate. Instead, put it out with water and dispose of it.
- In addition, always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Also, you should know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
- Should a child or adult become injured by fireworks, go to a doctor or the hospital immediately. If an eye injury occurs, don’t touch or rub it as this may cause further damage.
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Please remember, we will be closed on Tuesday July 4, 2017, for the holiday. Normal hours will resume on Wednesday July 5, 2017. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. From everyone at SecurityCamExpert.com, please enjoy a safe & happy 4th of July!
Happy New Year From SecurityCamExpert.com!
It’s been another great year providing you with the quality security cameras and surveillance systems you deserve. We have had the great pleasure of serving our fine customers, both old and new, and look forward to continuing this into the New Year.
What were your greatest achievements of 2016? What do you look forward to the most for 2017? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
As a friendly reminder, we will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2017. We appreciate your understanding, and from everyone at SecurityCamExpert.com, we wish you a happy and prosperous 2017!
SecurityCamExpert.com Sends Warm Wishes For The Holiday Season!
The holiday season is here and everyone at SecurityCamExpert.com is grateful for another year filled with your loyalty and support. We value each and every one of you, which is why we are always working hard to provide you with the quality products and service you deserve.
As a reminder, we will be closed on Monday, December 26, 2016, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Our normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, December 27, 2016. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
From the SecurityCamExpert.com family to yours, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season!
Beware Of Holiday Scams
While the holidays are a great time for deals, it is also a prime time for scams and fraud. To avoid falling victim to these deceptive offers, watch out for these common tricks.
Unfamiliar Sites Offering Steep Discounts
If you come across any of these, proceed with caution. Often times, these websites promise incredible deals on brand names or gift cards as a bonus for purchasing a product, but they don’t deliver. You submit your payment, but never receive your order, and there’s no way to contact the business. You are left giving away money, personal information, and potentially compromising your identity. In addition, you should always be careful with unsolicited emails promoting these too-good-to-be-true deals, which usually contain phishing links that put your information at risk.
And if you’re shopping online, never wire money for a purchase. Once a money transfer is received, it cannot be recovered. Also, be sure you are shopping on secure sites and use two-factor authentication and complex passwords for customer accounts. While online shopping and checking out, make sure that the URL remains at the same domain. If it changes, this may be a sign that you are being redirected to a fraudulent site. Bottom line: Err on the side of caution and stick with known retailers and manufacturers.
Fake Charities
During the holiday season, generosity is usually high and charities often reap these benefits. Scammers tend to prey on the kindness of others by creating fake charities or misusing the names of well-known charities.
Before you donate, do some research and verify that the charity and web address are valid. Also, use a check or credit card, rather than a wire transfer or cash, when you donate. In case the charity is fraudulent, it would be easier to recover your donation if a check or credit card was used.
Seasonal Employment Scams
Seasonal employment allows for workers to make some extra cash during the holidays. Scammers see this as an opportunity to offer fake jobs that require prospective employees to pay for “training” or a “start-up kit.” Consider these red flags, as well as job listings that state “no experience necessary” and “work from home” (especially if they are used in the same post).
Social Media Mishaps
Social media can be risky in many ways. Scammers may use social media to post deceptive links to install malware or viruses on computers. To cut down on your susceptibility to this, avoid accepting friend requests from people you don’t know well and refrain from clicking on suspicious posts.
You can also make yourself an easy target by sharing too much information on social media. You may enjoy checking in and posting your location on your profile, however, this can give thieves an upper hand by inadvertently promoting the fact that your home is vacant. Avoid posting concert tickets and trip accommodations as well, since they can be printed and sold to someone else. Tip: If you must share your tickets on social media, refrain from sharing the barcode and event date.
Smartphone App Scams
Be careful when downloading apps. Apps disguised as games and offered for free can be used to steal personal information from your device. Look for third-party reviews before downloading from an unknown source, and if anything seems suspicious, skip it.
Do you have any other advice or tips on avoiding holiday scams? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
To protect your home with quality CCTV security cameras and surveillance equipment, visit SecurityCamExpert.com. We also offer site surveys and installation services – call 1-888-203-6294 to learn more.
Package Theft Prevention Tips
Both convenient and easily accessible, online shopping has become a preferred method of shopping for most. The number of consumers who shop online only grows during the holiday season. The downside is that package thefts also tend to increase during the holidays. Protect your possessions with these smart delivery tips.
Require A Signature
Choose this option whenever it is available. If your package requires a signature and no one is home, the package cannot be left at your doorstep, thus, eliminating the risk of someone snatching your package.
Use Shipping Locations For Delivery
If you have a secondary mailbox at a shipping location, you can usually have your packages dropped off here for free. That way, your package will be waiting for you at a secure location.
Flaunt Your Home Security System
Install signs to make others aware that you have a security system. This poses an added challenge and will likely deter most thieves from targeting you. If someone does approach, you can enable push notifications and will have pertinent footage to capture the suspect.
Sign Up For Email Notifications
FedEx and UPS, along with other businesses including Amazon, send email notifications for tracking. This allows you to virtually monitor your package from shipment to delivery.
Deliver To Your Place Of Business
Before doing this, make sure that management approves. If they do, this will ensure that you are able to receive your package rather than leaving it at your front door all day.
Lastly, if you are shipping a package to a friend or relative, include a piece of paper with your address and the destination address inside the box. In case the shipping label is damaged or missing on the package, FedEx or UPS can open the package, find the address, and ship it.
Do you have any other delivery tips for your peers? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Monitor your front door and your home property with our quality CCTV surveillance systems. Find affordable prices and great service when you shop SecurityCamExpert.com.
Thank You From SecurityCamExpert.com
Thanksgiving is a day set aside to be grateful and humble to all that we have, and we are so blessed to have such loyal and wonderful customers like you. Without your continued support over the years, we would not be here, and for that, we sincerely thank you. From the SecurityCamExpert.com family to yours, happy Thanksgiving!
Please remember that we will be closed on Thursday, November 24, 2016, and Friday, November 25, 2016 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Our normal business hours will resume on Monday, November 28, 2016. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
We hope you enjoy a safe & happy holiday weekend filled with love, happiness, and laughter!
Halloween Safety Tips
This year, Halloween falls on a Monday night. Whether you’re trick-or-treating with the kids, enjoying a night on the town, or simply commuting home, be sure to be vigilant and heed these safety tips.
Adjust To Your Surroundings
Drivers should turn headlights on by dusk, and watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Remember, there is more foot traffic on Halloween.
Pedestrian Safety
If you are the pedestrian or cyclist, do your best to make sure drivers can see you. For dark costumes, try adding something bright or reflective so that they are easier to spot. Cyclists should wear bright, reflective clothing and utilize flashing bike lights if possible.
Trick-Or-Treating
Children age 12 and under should travel with adult supervision. Those going door-to-door should remember to cross the street at corners, using the designated crosswalks and obeying traffic signals.
Strength In Numbers
Those mature enough to celebrate without a chaperone should stick to familiar and well-lit areas. If you will be celebrating outdoors, it is better to travel in groups.
Driver Safety
Popular times for trick-or-treating span from 5:30pm until 9:30pm. You should always be alert for pedestrians, but especially during this time, practice extra caution.
If you have any other Halloween safety tips to mention, please share them with us and your peers on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Everyone from SecurityCamExpert.com wishes you a happy and safe Halloween!
BBQ Safety Tips
With Memorial Day approaching, many of us may be dusting off our barbecue grills. Whether you consider yourself to be a grill master or a novice, it’s wise to review some barbecue safety tips and tricks. Remember that the U.S. Fire Administration estimates roughly 6,500 grill fires will occur, resulting in hefty property damages. You never know what could happen, and you’re better safe than sorry, right?
Location
You want to set up shop in a well-ventilated area. An open area away from buildings and high traffic is ideal. Aside from good ventilation, you want to steer clear of any falling debris (ex. dry leaves) or anything overhead that could catch fire.
Patience
Take your time when lighting the grill. If it doesn’t start right away, don’t keep pushing the ignite button. Since gas has been leaking since you first turned on the burner, you should turn off the gas and allow the gas to dissipate before trying again. Because gas is heavier than air, you will want to wait at least a few minutes.
Watch The Grill
Never leave your grill unattended. Never. While this seems like common sense, we often overlook this. Especially with children running around, always make sure someone is manning the grill.
Clothing
Avoid loose attire or anything that hangs which could possible catch fire. While you may want to look cute for your get together, safety should always come first. And you can always change after the grilling is done.
Food Safety
Aside from fire hazards, food safety is important, too. Remember that any marinade that has touched raw meat is not safe to reuse for basting (unless it was brought to a rolling boil). You also want to avoid reusing any cooking utensils that touched uncooked meat.
Temperature
A meat thermometer is a smart thing to have on hand when grilling. No matter how experienced you are, it doesn’t hurt to double check your grilling skills. Also, be sure not to leave anything raw out for too long. According to the FDA, raw foods should be left out no longer than two-hours.
Kids
Unless it’s an adults-only party, please keep a close eye on the little ones. Try to keep the grill away from the dining and entertaining areas to avoid kids running around the dangerous area.
Owner’s Manual
It’s okay to take a peek at the Owner’s Manual if you need to. It is also a good idea to read the manual before you start using your grill in the first place. It can afford you with helpful information on how to properly use your barbecue grill.
Will you be grilling over the holiday weekend? Do you have any other barbecue tips you would like to share? Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and Vine.
To secure your home or business with quality CCTV equipment for low prices, choose SecurityCamExpert.com. Browse our inventory online or call 1-888-203-6294 today!
How To Set Achievable New Year’s Resolutions
Year after year, most of us set resolutions and attempt to keep them up all year. Some of us succeed, while others forfeit along the way. Those who end up forgoing their resolution before the year’s end may feel discouraged when the New Year comes. However, there are effective ways of setting and reaching goals that can be implemented with New Year’s resolutions.
If you haven’t thrown in the towel yet, here are some tips on how to set realistic New Year’s resolutions for 2016.
Prioritize Three Goals
Of course, you likely feel inclined to make a list of all of the things you want to resolve to change in the New Year. The problem is that there may be too many things for you to focus on, thus dampening your success. Instead, focus your top three goals on something you want to stop, start, and continue.
STOP: There is likely a bad habit or more that you want to stop. Narrow it down to one habit and focus on eliminating it.
START: In the same vein, there are good habits we want to start or pick up, but we just haven’t gotten around to it. Pick one of those things to start in 2016 and stick to it.
CONTINUE: You should also acknowledge the things you are doing that are helping you succeed. Keep up your hard work and continue to be met with success.
Visualize Your Wins Use your imagination and visualize yourself achieving your goal. When we can picture our success, it automatically increases its probability in your mind. This also helps to make the goal a little less
Replace “What If I Fail” With “What If I Succeed”
Positive thoughts breed positive outcomes. Once we can start to see our goals being met, we must now change the way we speak to ourselves. By asking yourself, “What if I succeed?” you will find that this can change your whole mindset for the better.
Engage Others
By engaging our trusted friends and loved ones, you are enlisting a positive support system. They can hold you accountable for your actions, and help to encourage you along the way.
Track And Celebrate Your Rewards
An easy way to stay motivated is to reward yourself. Keep track of your progress and celebrate the milestones. By acknowledging these smaller feats, you are reminding yourself that you are getting closer to completing your goal.
Do you have any tips on how to stick to your resolutions? What will you resolve to do in 2016? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
If your resolution is to improve your security, visit us online to browse our grand selection of CCTV security cameras, surveillance equipment, and more.If you have any questions or want to speak to us directly about quotes or installations, please call 1-888-203-6294.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-horgan/5-tips-for-setting-new-ye_b_8748028.html
Avoid These Holiday Scams
Spending time with loved ones, presents, the end of the year – There’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to the holidays. Unfortunately, with the good comes the bad. There’s often an increase in package thefts and scams during the holidays. Luckily, if you play it smart, you can avoid becoming a victim. Here are some holiday scams to look out for this year.
Fake Shipping Notifications Be aware of what you order and take note of sender address, typos, and such. These emails may contain attachments or links which may potentially download malware on your computer or steal your personal information. Like any attachments in your inbox, proceed with caution.
E-Cards If you receive an electronic holiday card, be sure that you can easily identify who it’s from and that you do not have to enter any additional information to access the card. While they seem like a nice sentiment, it could be a ploy to steal your information.
Letters From Santa There are companies that provide personalized letters from Santa, however, there are also scammers who mimic these services to steal your personal information. If you are thinking of using a company, check with the bbb.org first to see if they are legitimate.
Temporary Holiday Jobs If you’re looking for a temp job to gain extra income during the holidays, be sure to apply in person or go to the retailer’s main website. There are listings out there that may require you to share personal information online or even pay for a job lead. If you encounter any of these, consider it a red flag and look elsewhere.
Unusual Forms Of Payment Avoid anyone who asks you to pay with prepaid debit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, third parties, etc. These forms of payment cannot be traced nor reversed. Use a credit card (they offer better fraud protection than debit cards) on a secure website. And always look for “https” in the web address (as the “s” is for “secure”) and the lock symbol.
Social Media Gift Exchange If it sounds too good to be true, more often than not, it is. This gift exchange promises 36 gifts in return if you buy one gift. But according to the BBB it is a variation of the pyramid scam and is illegal.
Phony Websites & Apps More and more people are opting for convenience by shopping online or through phone apps. Unfortunately, this makes shoppers more susceptible to fake websites and fake apps. Just because it’s marked with an Amazon or EBay logo doesn’t mean that it’s real. For online shopping, watch out for URLs with the names of popular brands along with extra words.
Bogus Charities Before donating, be sure the charity is real and you are using the proper donating method. Around the holidays, there are scam artists who send emails for fake charities or viral promos. Try these resources to ensure that you safely donate to the charities of your choice: Give.org, Charity Watch, or Internal Revenue Service.
Promotional Emails Pay close attention when you receive any promotional emails. If it is not from a trusted retailer, avoid clicking any links within the email if you open it.
Gift Card Scams There are thieves who copy the numbers off of gift cards in stores and call the number to check if the card is activated. Once it is, they spend the value online and the gift recipient is left with nothing. Also, never buy discounted gift cards online. The seller will keep your money and use the gift card as well.
Package Theft It’s likely that you’ve seen package theft all over the news since the beginning of holiday season. To prevent this, require a signature for your deliveries. If no one will be home during drop off time, arrange to have your package held at the nearest service location for you to pick up at a later time.
We hope these tips help to keep you safe this holiday season. If you have any other pointers, share them with us and your peers on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Want to secure your home or business? Shop our selection of security cameras, CCTV surveillance equipment, parts, accessories, and more at SecurityCamExpert.com. Inquire about our free CCTV quotes, sight surveys, installation, and other services by calling 1-888-203-6294.