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.

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.

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.

Leading Lock Security in Washington by Security Solutions

Security Solutions: Bellingham Lock & Safe is one of the leading Washington security companies and has a long and rich history. In fact, the locksmith aspect of the business dates back to 1904 and played an important role in the formation of Bellingham. Today, Security Solutions is a high-tech security provider, but it still offers a wide range of locksmith services, including:

Hardware Installed & Repaired

Basic lock hardware plays a crucial role in security in Washington, and Security Solutions has more than 100 years of experience. Services include repairing, replacing and upgrading the locks and other hardware for doors, windows and other access points. Security Solutions can also perform a security appraisal of your doors and install deadbolts that provide real security.

Door Locks Rekeyed

If you’ve misplaced a key for your home or business or fear that someone could have copied the key, then a rekeying service is the most cost-effective way to ensure security. Washington security companies like Security Solutions can rekey installed locks or install locks that use keys that cannot be copied.

Automotive Keys and Transponders

Automotive security in Washington is also an important consideration, and Security Solutions provides a full range of automotive key services. Their most common service is unlocking a car door for people who have accidentally locked themselves out. Other services offered include repairing locks, upgrading locks and replacing or acquiring additional transponder car keys.

Decorative Home Hardware

Security Solutions also specializes in both modern and antique decorative home hardware. In Bellingham and the surrounding areas, many homes have hardware that is no longer readily available. Bellingham Lock & Safe, however, can acquire these pieces or upgrade them without significant changes to doors and windows. Security Solutions can also ensure that antique hardware provides modern security while still looking classic and beautiful.

High Security Locks

Security Solutions installs both Medeco and Mul-T-Lock high-security locks, which are the most popular and effective brands used by Washington security companies today. Medeco is made in the USA, and Mul-T-Lock is manufactured to international standards. Both brands provide superior protection and are resistant to picking, drill attacks, bump keying and key copying.

Keyless Entry Locks

A growing trend in residential security in Washington is the keyless lock. Electronic keyless locks can be as simple as a keypad or include remote capabilities that are accessed from a remote device or even a smartphone app. These locks are secure, convenient to use and they make lockouts a thing of the past. You no longer have to keep a key under the flowerpot or break a window to get in.

Safes Sold, Serviced & Opened

Security Solutions sells a wide range of safes, including gun safes, and can custom-order safes. In the event of a lockout or malfunction, their technicians can repair and open any safe. For high-quality safes, Security Solutions also offers service agreements to ensure that the safe remains in peak condition.

Locking Mailboxes

The average homeowner tends to think of identity theft as a high-tech affair, but most identify theft happens due to information stolen from a mailbox or the trash. For this reason, USPS-approved locking mailboxes have become a very popular trend in this area. Security Solutions can install the unit in the ground or simply replace the current mailbox on existing hardware.

Whether you need locksmith or security system services for your home or business in Seattle, Bellingham, Mt.Vernon or surrounding areas, please visit www.ssnw.co for information.

Summertime is a wonderful time for all children and their families. There is more time to spend doing fun activities such as swimming in the pool, soaking up the sun at the beach and enjoying the outdoors. While these are all fun activities, for summer safety in WA, it is important for parents and guardians to keep a watchful eye on their children and keep these safety tips for kids in mind.

When traveling with your child, always keep them secured in the proper child seating for their age and size. Never leave children unattended in a car. In the summer, temperatures can soar to 100 degrees or more. Just a few minutes spent inside of a sweltering vehicle can be fatal to a child.

Heat can also be dangerous for children when they are outside. Keep your children properly hydrated with water when they are outside and bring them in for 15 minute breaks every hour on extremely warm days.

Too much sun exposure can damage your child’s skin and make them more likely to develop skin cancer later in life. Always apply sunscreen to your child’s skin before letting them play outside on a sunny day. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied if your child goes for a swim or plays in water. Also provide them with hats, sunglasses and other types of protective clothing. If your child is very sensitive to direct sunlight, keep them inside between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. since the sun’s rays are strongest during this time of the day.

Accidents involving children who were not properly supervised while in water happen every year. Remember these crucial safety tips for kids. Keep your child safe by always having an adult nearby who can swim and knows how to perform CPR. Children should be properly taught how to swim before they are allowed to get into the water on their own. If your child is younger than four, they should never be allowed to get into the water without an adult holding them.

Children should always wear a lifejacket and other water safety equipment that will help to keep them afloat. Never allow children to run or play near water. If swimming in the ocean, river or a large lake, teach your child about currents and what to do if they get caught in one. If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, childproof the area by installing a fence that is at least four feet tall. The gate should self-close and lock automatically.

Waterparks and amusement parks are places where children are commonly injured in the summertime. Summer safety in WA is important no matter where you go. Always supervise your children at all times. Make sure any rides they get on are appropriate and safe. Get on the ride with them if possible or observe them closely while they are on it. Frequently check your child’s body temperature and make sure they do not get overheated. Take them indoors at least once every hour for breaks. Young children should always be with an adult, but children over the age of ten can use the buddy system as long as the children know how to get help in case of an emergency.

These are just a few summer safety tips for kids that will help to keep your children safe this summer and lower the likelihood of injury. Summer safety in WA is very important as more people head outdoors to enjoy the sunny weather.

Security Solutions is a security company in the Pacific Northwest dedicated to protecting homes and families. For more information about keeping your home and family safe, please visit www.ssnw.co.​

Fire Prevention Plays Integral Role in Washington Security

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

Security Solutions, a Leading Provider of Security in Washington

Modern security in Washington for your home or commercial space requires a unique, comprehensive solution that is networked, integrated, redundant, interactive and monitored around the clock, year-round. The newest alarm systems integrate sophisticated surveillance cameras and even provide remote access capabilities. With remote access, you can use your system, including locking and unlocking doors, from any smartphone or web-enabled device, and if your system has home automation features, you can even turn off lights and manipulate the thermostat.

Security Solutions

The leading provider of such systems in Bellingham and throughout Washington is Security Solutions, Bellingham Lock & Safe. Security Solutions has been in business for over 100 years and offers residential, commercial and industrial services. No security job is too small or too large for them, and they handle large contracts, including schools, churches, grocery chains and new home construction. In addition to electronic security services, Security Solutions offers a full range of traditional locksmith services and life safety products.

The History of Security Solutions

Charlie Stanbra and Hugh Diehl started Bellingham Lock & Safe back in 1904 as a bicycle shop as well as a locksmith business. Not incidentally, 1904 was the year that the City of Bellingham incorporated after four adjacent towns voted to consolidate. Many of the historic buildings in the area still have lock hardware installed by the company. In 1971, Jim Vos assumed control of the business. He took on the name Security Solutions, and expanded the business from just the locksmith service to a diversified security and safety provider. In the 1990s, Jim’s sons Tobey and Jamie joined the company, which ensures that Security Solutions remains a locally owned, family operated business that has a real stake in the area that it serves.

Residential Services

Few security companies in Bellingham specialize in unique residential security solutions the way that this company does. Security Solutions takes great pride in developing unique systems that are perfect for the particular client and home. Security Solutions also provides a full range of locksmith services, including installing high-security locks on all doors and windows, and it offers a full range of advanced security measures, including surveillance, medical alert and remote access.

Commercial Services

Security Solutions is the leading provider of commercial and industrial security in Washington, and the company has an impeccable reputation for finishing jobs on time and under budget without sacrificing workmanship or the quality of tools and materials used. Security Solutions counts many of the biggest businesses in Bellingham and its surrounding areas as its loyal clients.

Customer Oriented

Security Solutions stands out from other security companies in Bellingham because of an unwavering commitment to customer service and an unparalleled attention to detail. The company takes great pride it providing its neighbors with outstanding service and flawless security, and it is committed to offering aggressive rates while still using the most state-of-the-art equipment on the market. If you are a homeowner or business owner near Bellingham, then give Security Solutions a call and request a no-obligation quote. www.ssnw.co.