Fire Safety Tips for Fall

Each new season presents its own fire hazards, but as the weather starts to cool, the average number of residential and outdoor fires increases. Simply being cautious can go a long way in protecting your home, but here are some special considerations for fire safety as the weather starts to cool.

1.Fire Alarm Systems

f you already have installed security systems in your Washington. home, you are off to a good start. An important part of home security in Seattle is having a fire alarm that is activated if a fire is detected. Security systems in Washington homes alert an alarm company in the event of a fire, and the alarm company then notifies the local fire department. This is just one way home security in Seattle helps protect the people and things that mean the most to you.

2. Space Heaters

Many people like to use space heaters to make a room toasty warm in the winter. Space heaters can also prevent the need to use a furnace to heat the entire house when only one room needs to be heated. However, they can be extremely dangerous. Here are some good rules to follow when using space heaters:
- Purchase a space heater with an automatic cut-off switch that turns the heater off if it overheats or gets knocked over.
- Never place clothing on a space heater to dry.
- Keep all drapes and furniture a safe distance from the space heater.
- Turn your space heater off when you are not home.
- Any objects that can easily catch fire should be kept far away from the space heater when it is in use.
- Space heaters might overheat if the air intake gets blocked. Make sure there is a minimum of three feet of space on all sides of the space heater.

3. Home Heating

People use different devices to heat their homes during the cold months. Before turning on your heating device for the first time, thoroughly inspect the unit and make certain it is working correctly. Many problems can develop in a heating device when it sits over the spring and summer. Checking your heating device will not only help to keep you safe from a possible fire, it will also decrease the chances that your device will break down in the middle of the winter when you need it most.

4. Fireplaces

If you use fireplaces to heat your home, or just to add supplemental heat, here are a few things to keep in mind:

- If you have a natural gas fireplace, have a technician check out the connections and lines prior to the cold weather arriving.
- Once every year, have your chimney cleaned and inspected.
- Use a screen to prevent sparks from shooting out of your fireplace.
- Never use gasoline to start fires in the fireplace.
- Make sure someone is always watching the fire.

5. Battery Changes

Devices used to detect smoke and carbon monoxide need regular battery changes. If this task is neglected, there is a chance they will not work when they are needed. Set up a routine for yourself. The easiest thing to do is to change the batteries in all of your devices during Daylight Savings Time. Use this time to also check your fire extinguishers.

6. Leaf Burning

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends discarding yard debris in other ways since burning leaves produces dangerous cancer-causing chemicals. Since many families still prefer to burn their leaves, however, here are some tips to help keep the fire contained:
-Always keep a water hose handy.
-Burn leaves and yard debris in barrels, if possible.
-Keep the fires away from buildings, fuel sources and trees.
-Check the weather report, since this activity should not be attempted on windy days.
-Wear a protective mask, since burning leaves produces cancer-causing chemicals.

Outdated Security Systems Cost Seattle Residents in Money and Aggravation - Is Your Security System Up-to-Date?

The security system in your home is like any other electronic component you may have lying around the house. It is only a matter of time before it becomes outdated and obsolete. It is important to know when this occurs, especially since you are relying on the security system to protect the people you love and the possessions you have worked hard for.

We are fortunate to be living in an amazing age of technology. Because of this, there is constantly new and improved equipment available on the market, so much so that it is often difficult to keep track of all the different technological advances. The home security field is one of those industries that is always developing new ways to keep you and your family safe.

If you feel like your home security system is not as good as it can possibly be, an expert can come to your house and examine your current system to find out if your home security in Seattle is outdated. However, the following items should give you some idea as to whether your security system is outdated or not:

1. No Outside Surveillance

While a home security system should monitor all parts of your house to make sure they are safe and secure, the best security systems today offer the ability to monitor all of your property's outside perimeters. It is wise to have cameras watching your driveways or parking area. If you park your car outside, you should always have a camera pointing directly at it. Intruders are often scared off if they trigger outside alarms, preventing them from getting close to your house. You should upgrade if the outside of your house is not adequately protected.

2. Wiring

If a criminal wants to disable security systems in Washington, one of the first things they will attempt is to neutralize the wiring. Often, it only requires a pair of wire cutters to render an expensive security system inoperative. However, new security systems are designed with back-up power sources. This type of back-up makes it impossible to defeat the system by simply cutting the wires. If you have a security system that has wired sensors, or if it is dependent on an analog system or a keypad, you need to upgrade to a more secure system immediately.

3. Low-Camera Resolution

Obviously, if a crime occurs at your home, you want to be able to see who committed it. Any hope of finding and arresting the people responsible rests with the video images being as clear as possible. If your home security system video resembles the video from a black-and-white convenience store security camera, you need to get a better camera. Luckily for homeowners, the resolution quality of cameras that serve as the eyes of security systems in Washington has increased dramatically in recent years.

Hopefully, you will never have to experience someone breaking into your home. However, these things do happen, so you need to be prepared in order to protect your family. Many burglaries and home invasions happen in neighborhoods that are considered safe. Therefore, many people lower their guard, thinking it will never happen to them. Do not make this mistake. For the safety of you and your family, upgrade your home security in Seattle today.

Remote Access to Your Washington Security System

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.

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.

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

• 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.

On the Playground

• 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.

Between back-to-school shopping and arranging after-school care, safety may be the last thing on your mind. Sure, with CCTV in Washington schools, violence may be decreasing, but millions of children get hurt at or on their way to school each year. So, other than having a home surveillance system installed by Washington security professionals like Security Solutions, educating your child on proper safety procedures is the best way to ensure their safety while traveling to school or on school grounds. By following these valuable tips, your child can have a safe and happy school year.

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.

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.​