BBS Security Systems, LLC

When you think about it, living a safer life is often a simple question of “why not?” For instance, if you’re going out with your family to a mall, amusement park or other public place, why not write your cell phone number on your child’s hand in case they get lost? When you go away for a long weekend, why not turn down the volume on your telephone or answering machine so it can’t be heard by a potential burglar?

At BBS, we’ve found that when it comes to safety, little things can make a big difference. That’s why we are sharing this special Home Safety Guide. It’s our gift to you and our way of helping to make your home a safer place.

PROTECTING YOUR HOME
One of the biggest enemies of home security is thinking “It won’t happen to me.” Although we all know that prevention is important, most people don’t take the steps they need to protect their home and family. Whether it’s installing a monitored home security system, or just being able to identify potential risks of hidden dangers, such as fire and carbon monoxide throughout your home, these precautions can help create a safer environment to live in.

So what can you do better to protect your home and family from fire, break-ins or medical emergencies?

WHO'S THERE?
The first step to keeping unwelcome visitors out is to protect the entrances to your home.

A locked front door is your first line of defense. And with locks, you get what you pay for. By spending a few dollars more for a good lock, you can potentially save thousands. So get the best quality locks you can afford. We recommend deadbolt locks. Deadbolts provide better security than sliding locks because they can’t be opened without a key. Bored-in deadlocks that are embedded into the door are even harder for a burglar to get through.

Without a deadlock, burglars may be able to open your front door simply by using a credit card to push back the tongue of the lock. Doors with exposed hinges are even more vulnerable because a burglar can simply remove the pin on the hinge and get inside.

Locks are just the beginning. Another good investment is a peephole. 180-degree peepholes give you the advantage of checking to see who’s at the door before you open it. And make sure that the area outside your door is well-lit. If you can’t see who’s at the door, don’t open it.

If you’ve just moved into your new home, it’s a good idea to replace all the locks. Locks only provide security if you know who has every key. Pay for a qualified and reputable locksmith to change your locks. And keep track of all the keys you have made. This is especially important if there have been a lot of previous owners. The only keys to your new home should be the ones you have made.

To help prevent burglars from getting into your home through a window, install locks or pins. We recommend using the same brand of lock for all your windows so it’s easy and convenient to use them. And that’s an important point, because when safety and convenience are at odds, convenience usually wins. Make sure to keep the key in a safe but easy-to-access location so you can get to it quickly if there’s a fire.

Also keep any trees or shrubs around windows trimmed. While they may seem to increase your privacy, they also increase a burglar’s privacy while they’re breaking into your home.

Two of a burglar’s biggest enemies are noise and light. Installing lights around your home that are activated by movement can help scare off unwelcome visitors. Exterior sensor lights also help to light the path to your front door when you come home. It’s also a good idea to use timers to light inside areas of your home if you’re home alone or away. Setting these economical timers gives the appearance that someone is at home, and is a good way to make sure you’re consistently protected.

A security system is your best protection. There are two main types of security systems available: a local alarm and a monitored system. Local alarms are designed to make a lot of noise to help scare off a potential intruder.

A fully monitored system doesn’t just make a lot of noise, it sends an emergency signal to a monitoring center so that the right people can respond in case of an emergency. Another benefit of having a monitored home security system is that it may qualify you for up to a 20% discount on your homeowner’s insurance.

Here’s a list of things to think about when considering monitored alarm systems:

1. Is the system easy to use?
2. Does the system come with a maintenance plan to cover parts and service?
3. Does the system have a rechargeable backup battery?
4. Is the system connected to a UL-Listed, 24-hour monitoring center?
5. Who does the monitoring, and what is their experience and reputation?
6. Can the system help protect you against fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, household flooding and other dangers, as well as burglary?

In addition to protecting your home against break-ins and intruders, you can also take some simple precautions to help prevent another, and often even more devastating threat—fire.

The first step toward better fire prevention is to determine where your home’s potential hot spots are located. Hot spots are hazard areas that can start a fire. One potential hot spot can be faulty wiring. To help avoid this danger, be sure to have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.

Another common problem is overloading your circuits. If you need more outlets, have them installed professionally.

Your kitchen has a lot of hot spots. The biggest ones are the oven and range. Always make sure your burners are off when you leave the house or go to sleep at night. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy in this area, and that all members of your household know where it is and how to use it. And of course, if you smell gas, you are advised to leave your home immediately. Once you’re in a safe location, call the gas company and alert them of the situation.

1. Keep your grill away from anything flammable — including your home, shrubs and cars.
2. Protect yourself with oven mitts and a heavy apron.
3. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by never using a charcoal or gas grill inside your home or in an enclosed area.
4. Don’t let small children remove or place food on the grill.
5. Don’t leave an uncovered grill unattended.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
7. Check gas grill tubes leading into the burner for any blockage from insects, food or grease.
8. Prevent gas leaks by promptly replacing scratched or nicked connectors.
9. Keep propane containers upright at all times.
10. Keep propane containers outdoors.

Smoke alarms play an important part in fire protection. Be sure they’re working and that the batteries are always charged. Also be aware that when a smoke alarm goes off, there isn’t a lot of time to escape.

Take time to set up a fire emergency plan for your family. Making sure everyone knows exactly what to do and how to get out today could save a life tomorrow.

1. Turn the telephone and answering machine volume down when you go out so burglars can’t hear that no one’s home.
2. Don’t leave notes for family or friends outside your home.
3. Don’t leave tools or ladders lying around your yard since impulse burglars can use them to gain access into your home.
4. Install sensor lights at all outside entrances.
5. Remove any shrubs or trees next to your home that could hide a potential burglar from sight.
6. Install a monitored security system, and make sure all members of your household know
   how to use it.
7. Install deadbolt locks on your outside doors and make sure all door hinges are on the inside.
8. Lock garage doors and sliding glass doors every night and whenever you are away from home.
9. Don’t hide keys outside your home, such as in your mailbox, under doormats or above doorways. Burglars usually know where they are.
10. If you’re planning to go away, either have your mail picked up by a trusted neighbor or have your local post office stop delivery until you get back. You’ll also want to cancel any other regular deliveries such as newspapers.
11. Tell relatives or neighbors when you’ll be back and let them know where you can be reached in an emergency.
12. When you buy a new appliance such as a TV or computer, destroy the box or hide it in your trash so others won’t know you have something new and valuable inside.
13. Videotape, photograph and keep a written register of all your valuables and their serial numbers.
14. Store valuable documents such as insurance policies and wills in a safety deposit box.
15. Program emergency contact numbers into your phone memory and clearly label them so it will be easy to dial them in an emergency.
16. Every six months or so, inspect your home as if you’ve been locked out without your keys. How would you get in? Examine any weak spots and realize that if you can get inside, so could someone else.
17. Check to see if there’s an active Neighborhood Watch association in your community. This program helps keep you updated on problems in your neighborhood, and gets more people to help watch and protect your home and family. If there is no active Neighborhood Watch group in your community, contact your local law enforcement agency to find out how you can start one.

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
When burglarizing a home becomes difficult, hardened criminals often look for other ways to steal. This can lead to crimes, such as personal assault, purse snatching and home invasion.

Included in this section are some general security tips to help you better protect yourself and your family at home and away, as well as some tips on staying safe in your car.

Unfortunately, many burglaries happen while someone is at home. A simple thing like leaving an outside door open while you run over to a neighbor’s house can give an intruder just enough time to get in. So always keep your doors and windows locked.

A few things to remember:

1. Don’t enter your home if you see signs of forced entry. Go to a neighbor’s house, call the police and note the description of any strange cars or people near your home.
2. If you detect an intruder, don’t confront them. Panic can sometimes turn a burglary into a more dangerous crime.
3. If a stranger wants to use your phone, don’t let them inside. If they say they have an emergency such as their car breaking down, take down the details with your security door closed and make the call for them.
4. Never tell a stranger you are home alone.
5. All representatives of legitimate companies have ID cards. If you’re even a little bit unsure about a person at your front door, write down their ID or badge number and make sure you lock the door before calling their company for verification.
6. If you get a harassing phone call, say nothing and hang up the phone immediately. If you keep getting them, call the police and your telephone company. Also consider installing an answering machine or caller ID unit so you can screen your calls before you answer them.

Taking a few extra precautions while you’re away from home can help you avoid problems. A simple thing such as making sure your car doors are locked can keep someone from jumping inside.

When you're out walking:

1. If you carry a purse, keep it close to your body at all times. If you have a wallet, keep it in an inside jacket pocket or front pocket. Try not to carry more cash than you need.
2. If someone grabs your purse or wallet, don’t fight or run after them. No amount of money is worth getting hurt over.
3. If you ride the bus, train or subway, be aware of their schedules so you don’t have to wait any longer than necessary at a bus stop or train station.
4. On a train, choose a seat near the conductor. On a bus, sit near the driver.
5. If a friend or taxi driver takes you home, ask them to wait until you’re safely inside.
6. Don’t cross the road from between parked cars or in front of a bus because that can make it hard for other drivers to see you.
7. Don’t walk in isolated places at night. If you have to, wear light-colored clothing and carry a flashlight. You may also want to carry a personal alarm siren or pepper spray. (Please consult local and state laws and regulations on personal defense sprays.)
8. If someone tries to grab you, yell “FIRE!” because this gets more attention than shouting “Help!”
9. If you think you’re being followed, turn around to see if someone’s there instead of being taken by surprise. Walk to the nearest store or office where there are other people around and let someone know you’re being followed.
10. If you take money out of an ATM, choose a machine in a well-lit location.

1. Always lock your vehicle.
2. Don’t leave your keys in the ignition.
3. Hide any valuables in the trunk or the glove compartment. Seeing something valuable on a seat may tempt someone to break in.
4. Use as many antitheft devices as you need to feel secure, including a steering wheel lock, locking wheel nuts, a car alarm or an engine immobilizer.
5. Avoid driving down deserted roads. If you do break down in an isolated spot, put your hood up, get back inside and keep your doors locked. Wait for a police car or other emergency vehicle to stop and help. Don’t leave your vehicle to go with strangers—even if they are a couple.
6. Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
7. When you park on the street, put the emergency brake on and turn the steering wheel toward the curb to lock the steering column.
8. When walking up to your car or front door, have your key ready and out in your hand.
9. Before you get into your car, check the back seat. If you’re traveling alone, close the windows and lock the doors at all times.
10. Don’t put identification tags with your name and address on your keys or key ring.
11. Think about a lockable gas cap if you don’t already have one. Many criminals simply steal a car for a joy ride. If you have a gas cap, they’ll be forced to abandon the car when it runs out of fuel.
12. When you have your car repaired or leave it with a valet, take your house keys off your key ring to prevent them from being copied.
13. Make sure to carry your cellular phone with you to use during emergency situations. However, it is advised not to use your phone while operating a vehicle as this can present a danger to yourself and other motorists. (Please consult local and state laws and regulations on cell phone use while driving.)

CHILD SAFETY

Most people think of their home as a fortress that will keep their children safe and sound. Unfortunately, there are many emergencies that are beyond our control. Just because a child is at home doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe. That’s why any safety plan has to begin in the home and be discussed with children so you can keep them safe whether you’re there or not.

As a rule, children shouldn’t be left at home alone. But if you’ve decided your children are old enough to stay home alone, it’s a good idea to walk through a few key safety and security tips, including:

Answering the phone:

1. Never let the caller know that you are at home by yourself.
2. Don’t give strangers your address or personal contact information.
3. Give your child a list of people they can speak to.
4. Think about installing an answering machine or caller ID unit so that calls can be screened, and tell your child they should only pick up the phone if it’s someone they know and are allowed to speak to.
5. Keep a list of emergency contact names and numbers near the phone or program them into the phone for faster dialing.
6. If you have a monitored alarm system, explain how it is to be used in an emergency.

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Call a neighbor or other nearby contact.
3. Run through the door at the opposite end of the house and over to a neighbor’s home.

In addition to these tips, it’s wise to find out as much as possible about who your child’s friends are and what activities they’re involved in. Also be aware if your child is having trouble at school or with friends.

It’s also smart to write out a list of things for your child to do to keep them busy—and out of trouble— until you get home. If you’re going to be running late, let them know as soon as possible.

It’s important that your child clearly understands the difference between a friend and a stranger. Friends are people such as police, teachers or relatives. A stranger is someone they do not know.

Teach your child to say “No” if they are ever approached by a stranger who asks them to go with them or offers
them a gift.

If someone ever makes them feel uncomfortable, tell your child they should let a “friend” know about it immediately.
Don’t put your child’s name on anything such as their T-shirt, lunch box, school bag or anything else that may be visible and that would let a stranger call them by their name.

A good way to help your child understand the difference between friends and strangers is to take them on a safety walk in your local area. Point out which areas are safe and which are dangerous. And show them where to go if they need help. If it’s possible, introduce them to some “friends” such as police, doctors, trusted storekeepers and your neighbors, and suggest places to go such as a police station or hospital if they ever find themselves in trouble.

Remind your children that it’s important to always try to walk with friends and not wander off without telling anyone where they’re going or when they’ll be back.