Whether you have a home or business, a Washington security system can provide you with peace of mind as you have an added measure of protection for property, valuables and the people you care about. With the many advances in technology, you will find a host of options to consider including in your system. Honeywell’s LYNX Touch Dealer Toolkit is a popular feature for many. Through the use of CCTV, Washington residents can have mobile access to the security system, which allows homeowners to keep tabs on their property at all times.
Access Your System Any Time, Any Place
Honeywell's Lynx Touch Dealer Toolkit will give you flexibility beyond compare. Once outfitted with mobile access via CCTV, Washington residents can use a remote keypad to perform many helpful functions. When you are away on vacation, on a business trip, at work, or out late in the evening, your Lynx Touch Dealer Toolkit provides you with access to your security system to ensure everything is in order at your home or business.
Enjoy Energy Management Features
As a component of your Washington security system, remote access provides the ability to enhance energy management. You can control the lighting, ensuring that the premises are well-lit in the evening hours. Not only will you give the impression that someone is at home, you will not have to walk into a dark building upon arrival. You can also access your thermostat, which allows you to keep the heat or air conditioning turned down low while you are away and to make adjustments, so the temperature will be comfortable upon your return. It's a money-saving feature that can be extremely convenient.
Open Doors from a Distance
Through the use of wireless keys, you can open your doors as well. With the push of a button, your garage will be ready for you the moment you pull in the driveway. You can also use the touch screen on your mobile device to make sure your garage door is open or closed. How many times have you gone to work, wondering if you remembered to shut the door? You can rest assured that everything is secure using any mobile device, such as your mobile phone, tablet or laptop.
Include a Monitoring Service 24/7
A monitoring service can be a component of your Lynx Touch Dealer Toolkit as well. Staff at a central station will stand watch over your property as well, making sure first responders are alerted immediately in the event of an emergency or intrusion. While you can control your locks and arm your system through mobile access, you will appreciate the comfort that comes with knowing someone is monitoring your premises at all times. This holds true especially when you are sleeping, when loved ones are home alone or when you are away.
Be an Active Part of Your Washington Security System
When you include Honeywell's Lynx Touch Dealer Toolkit as part of your comprehensive security system, you will feel like you are taking an active part in maintaining the safety of your home or business. You'll find that its many features have been designed for convenience to meet your needs.
For more than 100 years, Bellingham Lock & Safe has been a part of the Bellingham community, providing security products for local homes and businesses.
Showing posts with label Washington security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington security. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
Employee Privacy Concerns for Employers Who Install CCTV in Washington
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) sounds like such a great idea when you consider high-crime areas. After all, law enforcement officials are able to access a tape that will allow them to see an actual crime take place and nab the bad guys in a timely manner. As with all other states, Washington security is something both residents and business owners must consider, but now that cameras are more common in public areas, issues of privacy have started to surface.
For instance, what if your employer decides that installing security cameras will cut down on theft and minimize the amount of time employees "waste" during the day? Once installed, CCTV in Washington businesses can give employers all kinds of information including how often you stop to answer the phone, grab a cup of coffee, visit the restroom and talk to a co-worker. Nothing you do within the confines of that business is considered "personal"
By installing security cameras, businesses can not only address issues of employee literal theft and “time” theft, but also other security concerns such as shoplifting, violence and insurance fraud. At the same time, the privacy of both customers and employees should be considered.
Legal Considerations
Much like the laws governing the recording of telephone conversations, federal and state law governs the placement of security cameras. Generally, in most states all parties under surveillance have the right to know they are being recorded. Companies that do not properly inform customers and employees they are being recorded are subject to litigation.
Transparency
Communicating with employees before the installation of CCTV is important. Although this can be done effectively through email, a face-to-face meeting will help ensure employee concerns are addressed and will give the impression that your desire is to be as transparent as possible. In some states, all parties must consent to being recorded, so obtaining a written confirmation from each employee may be necessary.
In addition to informing employees they are being recorded, businesses must also place a sign in plain view informing customers if they are in an area where security cameras are in operation. Washington security companies agree that, sometimes, posting these signs in addition to placing cameras in plain view is enough to deter would-be thieves.
Privacy
When it comes to camera placement, federal law tends to follow the guidelines for wire tapping. Camera cannot be installed in places where individuals could have a reasonable expectation of privacy such as bathrooms, fitting rooms, etc.
CCTV in Washington has proven effective in deterring theft and monitoring how employees spend their time during the work day. However if you’re wondering how to handle video surveillance issues with employees and customers, perhaps the Golden Rule is the best approach. Certainly, you would want to know if someone were watching you.
For instance, what if your employer decides that installing security cameras will cut down on theft and minimize the amount of time employees "waste" during the day? Once installed, CCTV in Washington businesses can give employers all kinds of information including how often you stop to answer the phone, grab a cup of coffee, visit the restroom and talk to a co-worker. Nothing you do within the confines of that business is considered "personal"
By installing security cameras, businesses can not only address issues of employee literal theft and “time” theft, but also other security concerns such as shoplifting, violence and insurance fraud. At the same time, the privacy of both customers and employees should be considered.
Legal Considerations
Much like the laws governing the recording of telephone conversations, federal and state law governs the placement of security cameras. Generally, in most states all parties under surveillance have the right to know they are being recorded. Companies that do not properly inform customers and employees they are being recorded are subject to litigation.
Transparency
Communicating with employees before the installation of CCTV is important. Although this can be done effectively through email, a face-to-face meeting will help ensure employee concerns are addressed and will give the impression that your desire is to be as transparent as possible. In some states, all parties must consent to being recorded, so obtaining a written confirmation from each employee may be necessary.
In addition to informing employees they are being recorded, businesses must also place a sign in plain view informing customers if they are in an area where security cameras are in operation. Washington security companies agree that, sometimes, posting these signs in addition to placing cameras in plain view is enough to deter would-be thieves.
Privacy
When it comes to camera placement, federal law tends to follow the guidelines for wire tapping. Camera cannot be installed in places where individuals could have a reasonable expectation of privacy such as bathrooms, fitting rooms, etc.
CCTV in Washington has proven effective in deterring theft and monitoring how employees spend their time during the work day. However if you’re wondering how to handle video surveillance issues with employees and customers, perhaps the Golden Rule is the best approach. Certainly, you would want to know if someone were watching you.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Back-to-School Safety Tips from Security Solutions—Washington Security Specialists
Today, when parents refer to school safety, they’re typically talking about bullying and other forms of school violence. Thanks to heightened Washington security protocols and CCTV in Washington schools, violence of this regard is down considerably, but studies show that children are nine times more likely to suffer an unintentional injury while at school or on the playground than they are of becoming the victim of school violence. In fact, according to the National Safe Kids Campaign, more than two million children under the age of 14 are injured in accidents while at school every single year.
Fortunately, with proper education and procedures, most of these accidents can easily be avoided. In an effort to keep your kids as safe as possible this school year, here are some valuable safety tips provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Safe Kids Campaign.
Traveling to and from School
Fortunately, with proper education and procedures, most of these accidents can easily be avoided. In an effort to keep your kids as safe as possible this school year, here are some valuable safety tips provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Safe Kids Campaign.
Traveling to and from School
- If your child is walking to school, plan the safest and most direct route. If possible, try to choose a route with the fewest street crossings.
- Walk the route a couple of times with your child before the first day of school.
- Of course, educate your child on the dangers of talking or accepting gifts from strangers.
- If your child is walking to school, try to have him or her accompanied by a friend, sibling or neighbor.
- When driving your kids to school, try to drop them off and pick them up as close to the main entrance as possible. As an added precaution, don’t leave until they reach the schoolyard or enter the building.
- If your child rides a bike to school, make sure that they wear a helmet.
- If taking the bus, teach your child to stay out of the street and wait for the bus to stop completely before approaching the street.
- When on the bus, remind your child to keep his arms and head inside the bus. When exiting the bus, your child should wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before standing up, exit the bus at the front and cross the street more than 10 feet from the front of the bus.
- Finally, make sure your child knows his or her home address and phone number, your work number and how to call 911 in case of an emergency.
- The majority of the two million school-related accidents that occur each year take place on the playground. Therefore, before the start of the school year, you should check the playground equipment and ensure that there is no broken equipment and the surface surrounding the equipment cannot be hazardous.
- It may be cold in the winter and hoodies may be popular at the moment, but you should try to avoid clothing your child in sweatshirts or jackets that have drawstrings around the neck. Also, to avoid getting tangled in playground equipment, drawstrings hanging at the bottom of jackets should be no longer than three inches long.
- Teach your child the safe way to behave on the playground, which includes not crowding, pushing and shoving their fellow classmates.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
What Small Businesses Need to Know About Washington Security
Nowadays, businesses need more than the traditional chains and locks to protect themselves. Because criminals are more sophisticated, all businesses could benefit from the services provided by a Washington security company, which can help businesses manage modern-day risks.
As in other states, in the state of Washington, security must be a top priority. A commercial security company is capable of protecting your place of business and giving you peace of mind. In contracting with a commercial security company, business owners will receive support during the installation process as well as when maintenance and repairs are needed.
In order to keep your business safe, the security company uses the most advanced technologies. Commercial security systems are highly sophisticated systems, which protect your entire business space through a centralized unit.
At one time, CCTV in Washington was all the security one needed to make sure things ran smoothly inside the business establishment. Today, tougher times call for much tougher measures. Consequently, alarm and detection systems are needed in business establishments as well. The good news about these commercial systems is they have several models to choose from. This means that no matter how large or small your business and no matter what type of protection you need, you can always find the perfect commercial security system.
For the average business, CCTV in Washington and security alarms will do. However, even some smaller business owners choose a more sophisticated system of protection. This might include motion detectors that sense any type of movement in specific areas of the business both inside and outside. Motion detectors are commonly found in larger businesses such as malls and banks, since they need top-notch security.
As for burglar alarms, there are now plenty of silent alarms that are activated with just the touch of a button. You can also have your security system alert the local police department immediately if a break-in or burglary occurs. This is automatically set up with the alarm company, so if you are not in the building when something happens, the police are still notified. You can also keep an eye on your business through various security cameras that are accessed through your personal computer, cell phone or tablet. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you can always keep an eye on your business and make sure that things are operating smoothly.
All businesses should carefully consider their Washington security needs, but small businesses in particular should weigh the pros and cons of purchasing professional security services. Though it may seem like an unnecessary expense, consider the cost of recovering from unexpected losses.
As in other states, in the state of Washington, security must be a top priority. A commercial security company is capable of protecting your place of business and giving you peace of mind. In contracting with a commercial security company, business owners will receive support during the installation process as well as when maintenance and repairs are needed.
In order to keep your business safe, the security company uses the most advanced technologies. Commercial security systems are highly sophisticated systems, which protect your entire business space through a centralized unit.
At one time, CCTV in Washington was all the security one needed to make sure things ran smoothly inside the business establishment. Today, tougher times call for much tougher measures. Consequently, alarm and detection systems are needed in business establishments as well. The good news about these commercial systems is they have several models to choose from. This means that no matter how large or small your business and no matter what type of protection you need, you can always find the perfect commercial security system.
For the average business, CCTV in Washington and security alarms will do. However, even some smaller business owners choose a more sophisticated system of protection. This might include motion detectors that sense any type of movement in specific areas of the business both inside and outside. Motion detectors are commonly found in larger businesses such as malls and banks, since they need top-notch security.
As for burglar alarms, there are now plenty of silent alarms that are activated with just the touch of a button. You can also have your security system alert the local police department immediately if a break-in or burglary occurs. This is automatically set up with the alarm company, so if you are not in the building when something happens, the police are still notified. You can also keep an eye on your business through various security cameras that are accessed through your personal computer, cell phone or tablet. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you can always keep an eye on your business and make sure that things are operating smoothly.
All businesses should carefully consider their Washington security needs, but small businesses in particular should weigh the pros and cons of purchasing professional security services. Though it may seem like an unnecessary expense, consider the cost of recovering from unexpected losses.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Washington Security Company Helps Explain Summer's Sizzling Crime Rates
Summertime is the most anticipated season of the year. Children are out of school, swimming pools offer relief from the rising temperatures, and families finally have time to bond on getaways and excursions. But with rising temperatures also comes rising crime rates. In fact, police departments throughout the nation urge citizens to be vigilant and use common sense throughout the summer months when both violent and non-violent property crime rates skyrocket. According to statistics from the prior years, homeowners, car owners, and citizens are all at a greater risk of becoming the victim of an assault, a robbery, or even a homicide during the hottest and most anticipated season of the year. If you are wondering why such a fun time has become a time for criminals to run rampant, here is a straightforward explanation from an experienced and respected Washington security company.
School's Out For Summer
Most people are familiar with the song, but what you may not realize is that when school's out for summer, there is a lot of time for mischief. While the crime rates are higher in every category, police officials acknowledge that the most common type of crimes committed in the summer are vandalism and robbery. School-aged kids are to blame for some of these property crimes, but seasoned criminals are also aware of the fact that getting away with valuables is much easier during the summer heat.
Why Is There Easier Access?
With summer comes heat, and when it is hot, it is common for homeowners and vehicle owners to crack their windows or leave their doors open in an effort to improve airflow in a space. Thieves with experience know that it is common for homeowners to leave their windows open to reduce cooling costs during the nighttime hours. They also know how to get past flimsy screen locks without so much as making a noise. With easy access comes more stolen valuables, more vandalism and more crime as a whole.
Why Home Security is Important
You may be wondering how you can combat crime before you become one of the long list of victims that are making police reports in Seattle each summer season. While there is no full-proof way to avoid becoming a target, there is a way to deter would-be vandals and criminals by working with a home security Seattle expert. Here are some tips you can use to your advantage as the heat and the crime rates in Washington continue to rise:
Only leave windows open on the second level. First-level windows give intruders easy access.
Ask neighbors to keep an eye on your home during the day or while you are on vacation.
If you have children, get them involved in an activity, so they do not participate in mischief.
Pay attention to your surroundings and report suspicious activity.
Do not leave valuables visible through the windows of your cars or in your home.
Invest in a home security system that is monitored by a reputable and local Washington security company.
The FBI has done a lot of research on crime rates in the summer, and they have found that the heat is to blame for a 10 percent rise in crime. While there are a number of causes, frustration, substance abuse and chemical changes due to heat all play a role in why criminals prefer to strike in the heat. Take notice of the problem, deter the criminals with help from a team of home security Seattle experts and stay safe.
School's Out For Summer
Most people are familiar with the song, but what you may not realize is that when school's out for summer, there is a lot of time for mischief. While the crime rates are higher in every category, police officials acknowledge that the most common type of crimes committed in the summer are vandalism and robbery. School-aged kids are to blame for some of these property crimes, but seasoned criminals are also aware of the fact that getting away with valuables is much easier during the summer heat.
Why Is There Easier Access?
With summer comes heat, and when it is hot, it is common for homeowners and vehicle owners to crack their windows or leave their doors open in an effort to improve airflow in a space. Thieves with experience know that it is common for homeowners to leave their windows open to reduce cooling costs during the nighttime hours. They also know how to get past flimsy screen locks without so much as making a noise. With easy access comes more stolen valuables, more vandalism and more crime as a whole.
Why Home Security is Important
You may be wondering how you can combat crime before you become one of the long list of victims that are making police reports in Seattle each summer season. While there is no full-proof way to avoid becoming a target, there is a way to deter would-be vandals and criminals by working with a home security Seattle expert. Here are some tips you can use to your advantage as the heat and the crime rates in Washington continue to rise:
The FBI has done a lot of research on crime rates in the summer, and they have found that the heat is to blame for a 10 percent rise in crime. While there are a number of causes, frustration, substance abuse and chemical changes due to heat all play a role in why criminals prefer to strike in the heat. Take notice of the problem, deter the criminals with help from a team of home security Seattle experts and stay safe.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
A Washington Security Company Offers Tips on Protecting Your Home While on Vacation
Homeowners leaving to take the family on vacation mull over whether or not they locked the front door or left the light on in the living room as everyone heads on down the road. However, there is more to protecting your home while away on vacation. In addition to the basic tips of having someone keep the lawn mowed or the snow shoveled, our Washington security experts at Security Solutions share their best advice for keeping your home safe while on vacation.
1. Stop the Mail and Newspaper Deliveries
An overstuffed mailbox and newspapers piling up on the porch are beacons to burglars signaling instantly that no one is home. Putting a hold on mail delivery as well as any other deliveries that routinely come to the house is a standard trick most homeowners already do before leaving. However, our experts in home security in Seattle recommend having someone you trust pick up the mail, the paper and any packages that may be delivered while the family is away on vacation. This way, neither the paper delivery person nor anyone at the post office is aware that the house is empty. This also means that the house will be visited every day it sits empty.
2. Effective Use of Timers
Any criminal worth his or her salt is going to be looking for patterns. Most can readily identify senseless use of light timers. Instead of just randomly picking a time for a timer to turn a light off and on, think about normal routines in the house. What gets shut off as everyone goes to bed? Typically, the living room lights and TVs are on until bedtime. Then a light goes on in an upstairs bedroom and bathroom for a time. Then the last light to go out is often the one next to the bed. Also consider what is on during the day. Since most televisions are not compatible with programmable timers, use a portable radio instead.
3. Managing the Drapes
Some homes always have the window shades, blinds or drapes closed. Other homes may open them during the day and close them at night. Deviation from the routine is a red flag that gets noticed by both good and bad people. Your good neighbors will notice any break from a routine just the same as you would notice a change in their routines. Any neighbors who are interested in stealing what is in your home will notice too. If the drapes are going to be closed while away on vacation, begin by closing them a couple of weeks before departure while everyone is still at home.
4. Lock Everything That Has a Lock
This includes the garage door as well as the door from the garage into the home. Most homes have locks on bedroom and bathroom doors that can be locked from the outside using a small screwdriver inserted through the tiny hole in the handle. Make it inconvenient for anyone who may enter the home to get around. Lock every window too.
5. Dealing With Appliances That Use Water
Since the clothes washer uses rubber hoses as water inlets, it is not a bad idea to shut off the water supply to the washer before leaving. The hoses on clothes washers can burst much more easily than metal pipes. Also, if there is a toilet in the house that has a leaky tank valve, shut off the water to it to prevent it from running nonstop while no one is home.
6. Monitored Home Security
Having a system installed that provides 24-hour monitored home security in Seattle is a great way to protect any home. Home alarm systems deter burglars, and the systems also automatically alert the monitoring center of any emergency condition. Sensors installed in your home by our Washington security experts detect intrusion, smoke, fire and carbon monoxide. We also have specialty sensors to detect movement, breaking glass, temperature extremes and even flooding. So, even though no one is at home, the home security system is guarding everything.
Every family wants to protect their home whether they are there every day or away on vacation. Following some simple protocols can prevent a home from being targeted while a family is away on vacation. A home security system will be there every day no matter if family members are asleep in their own beds or a thousand miles away enjoying a tropical paradise vacation.
1. Stop the Mail and Newspaper Deliveries
An overstuffed mailbox and newspapers piling up on the porch are beacons to burglars signaling instantly that no one is home. Putting a hold on mail delivery as well as any other deliveries that routinely come to the house is a standard trick most homeowners already do before leaving. However, our experts in home security in Seattle recommend having someone you trust pick up the mail, the paper and any packages that may be delivered while the family is away on vacation. This way, neither the paper delivery person nor anyone at the post office is aware that the house is empty. This also means that the house will be visited every day it sits empty.
2. Effective Use of Timers
Any criminal worth his or her salt is going to be looking for patterns. Most can readily identify senseless use of light timers. Instead of just randomly picking a time for a timer to turn a light off and on, think about normal routines in the house. What gets shut off as everyone goes to bed? Typically, the living room lights and TVs are on until bedtime. Then a light goes on in an upstairs bedroom and bathroom for a time. Then the last light to go out is often the one next to the bed. Also consider what is on during the day. Since most televisions are not compatible with programmable timers, use a portable radio instead.
3. Managing the Drapes
Some homes always have the window shades, blinds or drapes closed. Other homes may open them during the day and close them at night. Deviation from the routine is a red flag that gets noticed by both good and bad people. Your good neighbors will notice any break from a routine just the same as you would notice a change in their routines. Any neighbors who are interested in stealing what is in your home will notice too. If the drapes are going to be closed while away on vacation, begin by closing them a couple of weeks before departure while everyone is still at home.
4. Lock Everything That Has a Lock
This includes the garage door as well as the door from the garage into the home. Most homes have locks on bedroom and bathroom doors that can be locked from the outside using a small screwdriver inserted through the tiny hole in the handle. Make it inconvenient for anyone who may enter the home to get around. Lock every window too.
5. Dealing With Appliances That Use Water
Since the clothes washer uses rubber hoses as water inlets, it is not a bad idea to shut off the water supply to the washer before leaving. The hoses on clothes washers can burst much more easily than metal pipes. Also, if there is a toilet in the house that has a leaky tank valve, shut off the water to it to prevent it from running nonstop while no one is home.
6. Monitored Home Security
Having a system installed that provides 24-hour monitored home security in Seattle is a great way to protect any home. Home alarm systems deter burglars, and the systems also automatically alert the monitoring center of any emergency condition. Sensors installed in your home by our Washington security experts detect intrusion, smoke, fire and carbon monoxide. We also have specialty sensors to detect movement, breaking glass, temperature extremes and even flooding. So, even though no one is at home, the home security system is guarding everything.
Every family wants to protect their home whether they are there every day or away on vacation. Following some simple protocols can prevent a home from being targeted while a family is away on vacation. A home security system will be there every day no matter if family members are asleep in their own beds or a thousand miles away enjoying a tropical paradise vacation.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Advice from a Washington Security Company: Avoiding Fires During Peak Grilling Season
Security Solutions, a full-service company providing state-of-the-art home security in Seattle, wants to help keep you safe this summer from grilling fires. Statistically, home fires started by grills average out to a little over 1,400 per year. Outdoor grilling is supposed to be both a fun and delicious time shared with family and friends, not a time to call the local fire department. Here are some tips from our Washington security specialists to help keep you safe in grilling season.
Grill Placement
Fires that consume more than the grill are most often due to grill placement. All propane and charcoal grills are designed for outdoor use only, but proper placement of grills helps to protect homes from fires. Most people place that shiny new grill on a wooden deck up against the perimeter railings or close to a wall of the house. A propane or charcoal grill of any size is capable of creating enough radiant heat to catch nearby combustibles on fire.
Also, to avoid grilling in the hot sun or rain, many place a grill under the roof of a porch or deck. Vinyl siding and vinyl ceiling covering materials are found on many homes. This material cannot take the heat of a grill that is in close proximity. The vinyl begins to deform, and then will turn into a hot liquid that eventually catches fire. Dry deck railings, nearby lawn furniture and other items are also a problem.
Read and heed the manufacturer's instructions on how far the grill must be kept from combustible materials. Ideally, a grill should be placed on a concrete pad with nothing above or around it on all sides. This includes tree branches that can burn if the grill itself catches fire.
Things Never to Do When Grilling
Never use gasoline to light a charcoal grill.
Never light a dirty grill.
Never leave a lit grill unattended.
Never dump out charcoal that is still hot.
Never attempt to light a grill that is leaking propane.
Never let children or pets near a grill.
Never use a grill indoors.
Never squirt charcoal lighter fluid onto hot coals.
Fire Prevention, Protection and Early Warning
Grills are not the only home fire hazard, especially during the summer months. Many homes now use fire pits of both the permanently installed and portable varieties. Summer also includes the Fourth of July holiday and even though personal fireworks are illegal in Washington, there are still many incidents of home fires caused by them. A still burning bottle rocket or Roman candle landing on a combustible surface can start a home fire blocks away from where it was launched.
Following common sense fire safety rules is the first step in prevention. However, even the best safety measures may not be enough. The next level of protection is a fire extinguisher. When grilling, always keep a spray bottle filled with water to extinguish tiny flare ups. You should also keep a 10-pound or larger dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby.
Early warning is the next level of protection, and it comes from having round-the-clock monitored home security in Seattle. As your Seattle, Washington security specialists, we install residential alarm systems to protect your home and family not only during the summer grilling season but year-round.
Grill Placement
Fires that consume more than the grill are most often due to grill placement. All propane and charcoal grills are designed for outdoor use only, but proper placement of grills helps to protect homes from fires. Most people place that shiny new grill on a wooden deck up against the perimeter railings or close to a wall of the house. A propane or charcoal grill of any size is capable of creating enough radiant heat to catch nearby combustibles on fire.
Also, to avoid grilling in the hot sun or rain, many place a grill under the roof of a porch or deck. Vinyl siding and vinyl ceiling covering materials are found on many homes. This material cannot take the heat of a grill that is in close proximity. The vinyl begins to deform, and then will turn into a hot liquid that eventually catches fire. Dry deck railings, nearby lawn furniture and other items are also a problem.
Read and heed the manufacturer's instructions on how far the grill must be kept from combustible materials. Ideally, a grill should be placed on a concrete pad with nothing above or around it on all sides. This includes tree branches that can burn if the grill itself catches fire.
Things Never to Do When Grilling
Fire Prevention, Protection and Early Warning
Grills are not the only home fire hazard, especially during the summer months. Many homes now use fire pits of both the permanently installed and portable varieties. Summer also includes the Fourth of July holiday and even though personal fireworks are illegal in Washington, there are still many incidents of home fires caused by them. A still burning bottle rocket or Roman candle landing on a combustible surface can start a home fire blocks away from where it was launched.
Following common sense fire safety rules is the first step in prevention. However, even the best safety measures may not be enough. The next level of protection is a fire extinguisher. When grilling, always keep a spray bottle filled with water to extinguish tiny flare ups. You should also keep a 10-pound or larger dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby.
Early warning is the next level of protection, and it comes from having round-the-clock monitored home security in Seattle. As your Seattle, Washington security specialists, we install residential alarm systems to protect your home and family not only during the summer grilling season but year-round.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Fire Prevention Plays Integral Role in Washington Security
Fire prevention should be synonymous with home security in Seattle because it is the most prevalent form of financial damages and loss of life in residential structures. The state of Washington has made great strides in laws, regulations and fire codes, but many people remain unprotected in homes that that have inadequate fire prevention and detection measures in place.
Seven People Die Daily in House Fires
Recently, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) introduced new statistics that emphasize the need for better fire prevention and detection in homes. According to the NFPA’s report, seven people die every day in a house fire. In addition, those fires account for more than one billion dollars in damages, and in a majority of them, there is no smoke alarm present or the smoke alarm is not operational.
Protecting Your Home
The first step in protecting your home is to have a working, tested smoke alarm at each level of the home, including the attic and the basement. An optimal layout will have dedicated alarms in attached garages, kitchens and bedroom areas. Ideally, a Washington security firm will monitor those smoke alarms around the clock. Without monitoring, you rely on the residents being able to hear and react to the alarm, which isn’t always possible.
Monthly Inspections
The next step is to review your home every month. Home security in Seattle may take care of the testing for you, but if not, you should test the device and check the battery level. It is also important to examine ignition zones inside and outside the home. Inside, common ignition zones include damaged electrical outlets and frayed wires. Outside, common ignition zones include the roof and the area directly around the base of the home.
Cooking Dangers
The NFPA report indicates that cooking is the most likely cause of residential fires. What usually happens is that someone leaves a stove or other appliance on and unattended and then forgets about it. To avoid such an accident, establish a rule that you turn off any appliance when you leave the kitchen. Brief loss of heat isn’t going to ruin a meal, and if you forget, it’s better to lose the meal than start a fire.
Smoking Dangers
The NFPA report also indicates that smoking is the leading cause of fire-related death. The best solution is to ban smoking in the home. If you need a smoking area, designate one outdoors. Preferably, it should be at least three feet away from the home or any nonflammable items. If that isn’t possible, have a Washington security firm come in, secure the area and install an external smoke detector.
Security Solutions
If you’re a homeowner in need of fire and home security in Seattle, then contact Security Solutions, Bellingham Lock & Safe. Security Solutions is a leading Washington security firm that has been in business since 1904. Since 1971, it has been a leader in electronic security solutions, and it specializes in developing security plans that are uniquely suited to the client and his or her residential space. For more information, please visit www.ssnw.co.
Seven People Die Daily in House Fires
Recently, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) introduced new statistics that emphasize the need for better fire prevention and detection in homes. According to the NFPA’s report, seven people die every day in a house fire. In addition, those fires account for more than one billion dollars in damages, and in a majority of them, there is no smoke alarm present or the smoke alarm is not operational.
Protecting Your Home
The first step in protecting your home is to have a working, tested smoke alarm at each level of the home, including the attic and the basement. An optimal layout will have dedicated alarms in attached garages, kitchens and bedroom areas. Ideally, a Washington security firm will monitor those smoke alarms around the clock. Without monitoring, you rely on the residents being able to hear and react to the alarm, which isn’t always possible.
Monthly Inspections
The next step is to review your home every month. Home security in Seattle may take care of the testing for you, but if not, you should test the device and check the battery level. It is also important to examine ignition zones inside and outside the home. Inside, common ignition zones include damaged electrical outlets and frayed wires. Outside, common ignition zones include the roof and the area directly around the base of the home.
Cooking Dangers
The NFPA report indicates that cooking is the most likely cause of residential fires. What usually happens is that someone leaves a stove or other appliance on and unattended and then forgets about it. To avoid such an accident, establish a rule that you turn off any appliance when you leave the kitchen. Brief loss of heat isn’t going to ruin a meal, and if you forget, it’s better to lose the meal than start a fire.
Smoking Dangers
The NFPA report also indicates that smoking is the leading cause of fire-related death. The best solution is to ban smoking in the home. If you need a smoking area, designate one outdoors. Preferably, it should be at least three feet away from the home or any nonflammable items. If that isn’t possible, have a Washington security firm come in, secure the area and install an external smoke detector.
Security Solutions
If you’re a homeowner in need of fire and home security in Seattle, then contact Security Solutions, Bellingham Lock & Safe. Security Solutions is a leading Washington security firm that has been in business since 1904. Since 1971, it has been a leader in electronic security solutions, and it specializes in developing security plans that are uniquely suited to the client and his or her residential space. For more information, please visit www.ssnw.co.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Fire Prevention Plays Integral Role in Washington Security
Seven People Die Daily in House Fires
Recently, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) introduced new statistics that emphasize the need for better fire prevention and detection in homes. According to the NFPA’s report, seven people die every day in a house fire. In addition, those fires account for more than one billion dollars in damages, and in a majority of them, there is no smoke alarm present or the smoke alarm is not operational.
Protecting Your Home
The first step in protecting your home is to have a working, tested smoke alarm at each level of the home, including the attic and the basement. An optimal layout will have dedicated alarms in attached garages, kitchens and bedroom areas. Ideally, a Washington security firm will monitor those smoke alarms around the clock. Without monitoring, you rely on the residents being able to hear and react to the alarm, which isn’t always possible.
Monthly Inspections
The next step is to review your home every month. Home security in Seattle may take care of the testing for you, but if not, you should test the device and check the battery level. It is also important to examine ignition zones inside and outside the home. Inside, common ignition zones include damaged electrical outlets and frayed wires. Outside, common ignition zones include the roof and the area directly around the base of the home.
Cooking Dangers
The NFPA report indicates that cooking is the most likely cause of residential fires. What usually happens is that someone leaves a stove or other appliance on and unattended and then forgets about it. To avoid such an accident, establish a rule that you turn off any appliance when you leave the kitchen. Brief loss of heat isn’t going to ruin a meal, and if you forget, it’s better to lose the meal than start a fire.
Smoking Dangers
The NFPA report also indicates that smoking is the leading cause of fire-related death. The best solution is to ban smoking in the home. If you need a smoking area, designate one outdoors. Preferably, it should be at least three feet away from the home or any nonflammable items. If that isn’t possible, have a Washington security firm come in, secure the area and install an external smoke detector.
Security Solutions
If you’re a homeowner in need of fire and home security in Seattle, then contact Security Solutions, Bellingham Lock & Safe. Security Solutions is a leading Washington security firm that has been in business since 1904. Since 1971, it has been a leader in electronic security solutions, and it specializes in developing security plans that are uniquely suited to the client and his or her residential space. For more information, please visit www.ssnw.co
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