Hide-a-key
Many homeowners, afraid they will lose their keys and lock themselves out, choose to hide a key somewhere on the property. They think they are being sneaky by placing the key under a rock, under a doormat, in a potted plant, or above the door. Burglars absolutely know about all these commonly used hiding places. Under no circumstances should you leave the key to your house where it can be found. If you frequently lose your keys or lock yourself out of the house, consider getting a fingerprint or keypad door lock for your front door.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Blog title...
Common Home Security Mistakes:
Hide-a-key
Many homeowners, afraid they will lose their keys and lock themselves out, choose to hide a key somewhere on the property. They think they are being sneaky by placing the key under a rock, under a doormat, in a potted plant, or above the door. Burglars absolutely know about all these commonly used hiding places. Under no circumstances should you leave the key to your house where it can be found. If you frequently lose your keys or lock yourself out of the house, consider getting a keypad door lock for your front door.
Hide-a-key
Many homeowners, afraid they will lose their keys and lock themselves out, choose to hide a key somewhere on the property. They think they are being sneaky by placing the key under a rock, under a doormat, in a potted plant, or above the door. Burglars absolutely know about all these commonly used hiding places. Under no circumstances should you leave the key to your house where it can be found. If you frequently lose your keys or lock yourself out of the house, consider getting a keypad door lock for your front door.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Protecting children and pets
Protecting children and pets
On hot days, the temperature inside vehicles can climb rapidly and may exceed 100 degrees. Be very careful with children and pets -- even when you're at home and the car is parked.
* Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.
* Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars.
* Always lock car doors and trunks -- even at home -- and keep keys out of children's reach.
* Always make sure all child passengers have left the car when you reach your destination. Don't overlook sleeping infants.
* When securing your child in a safety restraint system in a car that has been parked in the heat, check to make sure seating surfaces and equipment (child safety seat and safety belt buckles) aren't too hot.
* Use a light covering to shade the seat of your parked car. Consider using shades on windows.
Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Weather Service, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Citizen Information Center, Washington State SAFE KIDS Coalition
On hot days, the temperature inside vehicles can climb rapidly and may exceed 100 degrees. Be very careful with children and pets -- even when you're at home and the car is parked.
* Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.
* Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars.
* Always lock car doors and trunks -- even at home -- and keep keys out of children's reach.
* Always make sure all child passengers have left the car when you reach your destination. Don't overlook sleeping infants.
* When securing your child in a safety restraint system in a car that has been parked in the heat, check to make sure seating surfaces and equipment (child safety seat and safety belt buckles) aren't too hot.
* Use a light covering to shade the seat of your parked car. Consider using shades on windows.
Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Weather Service, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Citizen Information Center, Washington State SAFE KIDS Coalition
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Park Safe!
Take Steps to Keep Your Car, Your Belongings and Yourself Safe in Parking Lots
By Andrew Wooten, president of S.A.F.E.
Parking lots are full of opportunities for criminals. Here are a few quick tips for parking safely:
-Park in well-lit spot, even if it's in the daytime. It may be dark when you return.
-Don't park close to a wall or shrubbery. They could provide a hiding place for a criminal.
-Don't park next to a paneled van or any vehicle that you can't see into.
When You Park
What else can you do to help ensure your safety in parking lots or garages? Look for things that are suspicious or just don't feel right. Trust your inner voice! When you park your car, before you turn off your engine and while your seat belt is still fastened, with your windows rolled up-take five seconds and look around. If something doesn't seem right, move your car.
Ready to leave your car? Keep all doors locked until the moment you're ready to exit. That means gathering all the things you are taking with you before you get out. If you need to gather things from the back seat, sit down in your back seat. Do not bend down into your car-this leaves you too vulnerable and you cannot see what is happening around you.
Hide Your Stuff
We all carry valuables in our car. If you must leave these things in your car, secure them in your trunk before you reach your destination. Never leave them in clear sight. Criminals case parking lots and garages, looking for valuables, and for people putting belongings in their trunks. They know that if they break a car window, there's a button they can push that will release the trunk.
Don't Linger in the Lot
As you walk away from your vehicle, take a few seconds and look back. This is a good time to lock your car again. Look around as you are walking up to your destination, and carry your purse or briefcase on the side farthest from passing traffic. This will keep someone from driving by and grabbing it off your shoulder.
As you walk back to your parking place, remember to be alert! Have your keys and your pepper spray in your hand. Turn around as you leave the building and look at where you just left. This gives the perception that you are paying attention to your surroundings and sends the message that the element of surprise will not be available to anyone with bad intentions.
Do not unlock the car until you are ready to enter. If possible, only unlock the driver's door unless others are riding with you. Once inside the vehicle, immediately lock your doors and get under way as quickly as possible.
In parking lots and garages, as in all outdoor settings, it's crucial to pay attention to your surroundings. Just a few seconds of looking around-but more importantly, paying attention to yourself and your behavior-is the most important thing you can do to ensure your safety.
Article by Andrew Wooten, a certified crime prevention practitioner and the president of S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness Firearms Education). He has been in the safety and security industry for over 25 years.
www.justbesafe.com
By Andrew Wooten, president of S.A.F.E.
Parking lots are full of opportunities for criminals. Here are a few quick tips for parking safely:
-Park in well-lit spot, even if it's in the daytime. It may be dark when you return.
-Don't park close to a wall or shrubbery. They could provide a hiding place for a criminal.
-Don't park next to a paneled van or any vehicle that you can't see into.
When You Park
What else can you do to help ensure your safety in parking lots or garages? Look for things that are suspicious or just don't feel right. Trust your inner voice! When you park your car, before you turn off your engine and while your seat belt is still fastened, with your windows rolled up-take five seconds and look around. If something doesn't seem right, move your car.
Ready to leave your car? Keep all doors locked until the moment you're ready to exit. That means gathering all the things you are taking with you before you get out. If you need to gather things from the back seat, sit down in your back seat. Do not bend down into your car-this leaves you too vulnerable and you cannot see what is happening around you.
Hide Your Stuff
We all carry valuables in our car. If you must leave these things in your car, secure them in your trunk before you reach your destination. Never leave them in clear sight. Criminals case parking lots and garages, looking for valuables, and for people putting belongings in their trunks. They know that if they break a car window, there's a button they can push that will release the trunk.
Don't Linger in the Lot
As you walk away from your vehicle, take a few seconds and look back. This is a good time to lock your car again. Look around as you are walking up to your destination, and carry your purse or briefcase on the side farthest from passing traffic. This will keep someone from driving by and grabbing it off your shoulder.
As you walk back to your parking place, remember to be alert! Have your keys and your pepper spray in your hand. Turn around as you leave the building and look at where you just left. This gives the perception that you are paying attention to your surroundings and sends the message that the element of surprise will not be available to anyone with bad intentions.
Do not unlock the car until you are ready to enter. If possible, only unlock the driver's door unless others are riding with you. Once inside the vehicle, immediately lock your doors and get under way as quickly as possible.
In parking lots and garages, as in all outdoor settings, it's crucial to pay attention to your surroundings. Just a few seconds of looking around-but more importantly, paying attention to yourself and your behavior-is the most important thing you can do to ensure your safety.
Article by Andrew Wooten, a certified crime prevention practitioner and the president of S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness Firearms Education). He has been in the safety and security industry for over 25 years.
www.justbesafe.com
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Emergency Contact Numbers
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL NEED US, BE SURE TO SAVE OUR NUMBER IN YOUR CELL!
I just spoke with Sandra, who was locked out of her house and car yesterday and although she has used us before she didn't remember our number and our card was inside the glove box! She called her friend to look us up in the phone book but...
Flagler: 386-4...45-3680
E. Volusia: 386.254.0630
W. Volusia: 386.738.0980
While you are updating your cell phone with our phone number this would be a great time to add some emergency numbers as well, you never know when you will be without internet and are unable to locate these phone numbers:
Palm Coast, Disaster Preparedness: (386) 986-2489
Volusia County, Communications Center: (386)-252-4900
FPL Hotline: 1-800-4-OUTAGE
FEMA Assistance number:(800) 621-3362
American Red Cross:(866) GET-INFO (during crisis)
United Way: 386- 253-0563
I just spoke with Sandra, who was locked out of her house and car yesterday and although she has used us before she didn't remember our number and our card was inside the glove box! She called her friend to look us up in the phone book but...
Flagler: 386-4...45-3680
E. Volusia: 386.254.0630
W. Volusia: 386.738.0980
While you are updating your cell phone with our phone number this would be a great time to add some emergency numbers as well, you never know when you will be without internet and are unable to locate these phone numbers:
Palm Coast, Disaster Preparedness: (386) 986-2489
Volusia County, Communications Center: (386)-252-4900
FPL Hotline: 1-800-4-OUTAGE
FEMA Assistance number:(800) 621-3362
American Red Cross:(866) GET-INFO (during crisis)
United Way: 386- 253-0563
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
5 Great Places to Retire
Our town has done it! We made the list of the five best places to retire and I can tell you why... Palm Coast is a city full of genuine individuals who care about their neighbors. In our short time here (less than a year), I've met a lot of individuals who want to see our community grow and want to help each others businesses. The town is small, I seem to run into someone I know every weekend! Retirement here means a life of golfing, the ocean, and great fun friendly events. Our local Chamber hosts a ton of events for the community each month where residents go to mingle, eat, listen to food, and enjoy life! Another reason this town is so great is that the City spends our tax money wisely. They invest in parks, trails, trees, and other things to make our city more attractive for residents. I'm so glad we moved here and I would suggest anyone to check us out, we are Florida's little secret just between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.
Of course, when you plan your move let us know! As you are aware, when you purchase a home stray keys are out there everywhere. Give us a call and we will make sure you don't have to worry that a previous owner still has a spare to your home!
Make it a safe and secure day!
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/fortune/1005/gallery.retire_rich_places.fortune/6.html
Of course, when you plan your move let us know! As you are aware, when you purchase a home stray keys are out there everywhere. Give us a call and we will make sure you don't have to worry that a previous owner still has a spare to your home!
Make it a safe and secure day!
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/fortune/1005/gallery.retire_rich_places.fortune/6.html
Friday, June 4, 2010
NAHB: Checklist for Hiring a Builder or Remodeler
If you're planning a new addition to your home this summer please read this checklist first!!!
http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=124&genericContentID=125965
http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=124&genericContentID=125965
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