Emergency Security Sysytem



	The number one benefit of owning an alarm system is the peace of mind it provides for your family, home and business.
	Security signs and decals indicating your home or business is protected can often stop a criminal from even trying. They are more likely to seek an easier, unprotected target.
	Depending on your insurance company, alarm systems generally benefit homeowners with discounts on their home and business insurance policies.
	The keypad that controls the system can also be programmed to send police, medical, fire, and ambush signals directly to the Central Station where the proper authorities can be alerted immediately.
	Security Systems add extra value to your home at the time of resale. And now, with the growing concern for security, many homeowners are making an alarm system a necessary feature when buying a new home.

	Residential Alarm Systems will increase by 64% over the next 5 years.
	Two out of three burglaries are residential.
	The FBI indicates that most professional burglars will avoid homes with alarm systems.
	Eighty-nine percent (89%) of residential burglaries occur when the home is empty. Eleven percent (11%) occur while the residents are home. This 11% is highly dangerous.
	The FBI reports that most residential break-ins are through doors, often through a door left unlocked. When a window is used for entry, many times it will also be a window left unlocked.
	Crime Statistics Journal indicates that a burglary occurs every 7 seconds.
	Over half of all residential burglaries occur during daylight hours. Most commercial burglaries occur at night.
	Homes without an alarm system are 2.2 times more likely to be burglarized than a home with an alarm system.
	Top 25 most stolen items in burglaries reported by Insurance Companies, Burglar Alarm Companies and the FBI:

Bicycles
Cameras
Drugs
Furs
Gold
Audio/Video Tapes & CD's
Personal Computers
Tools
Toys

Guns/Ammunition
Antiques
Coins & Stamps
Cosmetics
Clothing & Accessories
Currency, Notes, Securities, etc.
Fine Arts
Household Appliances
Jewelry

Luggage & Leather Goods
Perfume
Precious Stones & Metals
Records
Sporting Goods
Stereo Equiptment & Televisions
Electronic Games

RESIDENTIAL

Install solid doors. Make sure you have quality locks on both the doors and windows. The secret is to not only make it tough for burglars, but also time consuming.

Don't put valuables where they can be seen from the window, especially removable items.

When service men come to your home, ask for an ID and don't be afraid to call the company for verification.

If you arrive home and find the door open, DO NOT go inside. Go to a neighbors house and call the police. Do not enter your home until the police have checked it thoroughly.

Avoid hiding a key under the door mat or in a flower pot. These are no longer secret hiding places.

	Sure signals to confuse criminals are the sounds of running central air systems, furnaces or radios. This tells criminals that the house is either occupied or will soon be. Invest in light timers to aid in burglary prevention when your home will be unoccupied for an extended period.
	Keep all excess cash in checking and savings accounts and secure important papers and negotiable securities in a safe deposit box. Safe deposit boxes are relatively cheap and can be obtained most often with your checking and savings accounts issued by your bank.
	Mark all valuables with a permanent etching. This can be done with an engraver or permanent marker. Markings should be your name and address. Avoid labeling with more information than needed such as your social security number. This gives criminals information they should not have.
COMMERCIAL SECURITY
	Install lighting that surrounds the premises of your business. A brightly lit area will take away the shadows that intruders seek for concealment.
	Make sure door frames are not easily accessible to foul play such as using jimmy devices to open doors. Use deadbolt locks where possible and take extra precautions for concealed windows. Install block type glass in extremely vulnerable areas.
	Arrange merchandise so that a passerby can see into the store. Keep your expensive merchandise away from the windows. Eliminate anything on the windows, such as posters or window paintings that may block the view from the outside.
	Install and use a drop safe. Limit the amount of cash in the register. Post signs indicating that a drop safe is used and that the register only has limited cash.
	Check ventilation openings to determine if they are secure enough to avoid entry.

Limit the amount of power used by electric sockets. In other words DO NOT OVERLOAD. Some typical examples would be when installing Christmas lights, computer terminals and accessories, and kitchen appliances.

Clean and service heating systems and furnaces annually. By neglecting service you can run the risk of poor ventilation or deterioration of wiring that may lead to a fire.

Always use the manufacturers specified fuses or circuit breakers to replace damaged ones. Using devices of higher amperage than what is required can create instant fire hazards.

	Check all appliances and extension cords for frayed or exposed wires. Damaged wires start a vast number of home fires.
	Turn off and unplug heat producing appliances when not in use, such as toasters, ovens, space heaters, irons and electric skillets. While these are only a few examples, there are many more possibilities of items that need special attention.
	Keep matches and all flammable products out of the reach of children and away from any heat sources. While this may seem obvious, every day children are injured because, in our fast paced lives, we overlook something as simple as a pack of matches lying on the table. If you have small children, take time to be safe.
	If you live in an older home, have the wiring checked to make sure it meets current building codes. Faulty electric outlets are often the cause of fires.
	Smoke Detectors are CRUCIAL to your safety. The most dangerous fires occur at night while you are sleeping. Toxic gases from a fire can numb your senses, and can disorient and kill you. Don't wait until it's too late. Start by buying and carefully maintaining quality smoke detectors. Use detectors monitored through our Central Station.
	Fire Extinguishers come in a variety of sizes and modules. Identify one that has been approved, tested and labled by Factory Mutual Research or Underwriter Laboratories.
	Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family and practice periodically. Have at least two escape routes in case one is blocked.