All-Guard Alarm Systems BLOG

Springtime – the time of the year where the sun starts shining longer and brighter, but unfortunately also highlights the pesky specks of dust and dirt around your home.

Before you pull out all the bottles, jars, and canisters of cleaning supplies from the cupboards, check that your rubber gloves are free from any holes and tears. If not, it might be time to replace them to avoid dry and cracked skin from hot water and various harsh cleaning agents.

Some cleaning agents can create harmful fumes so keep all rooms properly ventilated. Read the labels carefully before using any chemicals and NEVER mix your household cleaning products as they may produce poisonous gasses.

If you are using corrosive products such as bleach and drain cleaners, be sure to also wear protective clothing to keep your clothes and any exposed skin from harm.

Also wear a mask if your nose and eyes start getting irritated by dust and other airborne irritants.

Before you put everything away again, never pour left-over cleaning agents in smaller containers, such as food containers but keep them in their original packaging regardless of how little is left.

Happy and Safe Spring Cleaning from All-Guard Alarm Systems – protecting Northern California from Intrusion and Fire since 1952.

Top 5 Causes of House Fires

1. Kitchen & Cooking
Stats: 164,500 residential cooking fires occur each year, and account for 40-45% of all residential building fires.
Cooking fires are the leading cause of residential building fires. Most fires happen when an oven or a stove is left unattended, people are distracted, or a pot or pan overheats – it only takes a few seconds for a fire to start.

2. Heating Equipment
Stats: 50,100 heating fires occur each year, and 30% of heating fires occur because clothes, curtains, blankets etc. are too close to the heat source.
Heating fires are the second leading cause of fires. Keep combustibles such as curtains, blankets, and furniture at least three feet away from any heat source, and turn off portable heaters when you leave the room.

3. Electrical Equipment
Stats: 28,300 residential building electrical fires cause 360 deaths and 1,000 injuries each year. 47% of residential building electrical fires are caused by faulty wiring.
15% of residential electrical fires start in the bedroom but check your whole house for frayed cords, loose plugs, and overloaded extension cords and outlets. If possible, consult your electrician before starting any electrical projects.

An estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires occur each year, with the leading cause being failure to clean the dryer’s lint trap and vent ducts.

4. Candles
Stats: 23,600 residential fires are caused by candles and cost 165 lives and 1525 injuries each year.
Keep candles out of reach of children and away from curious pets. Place lit candles on an even surface and only use properly-sized candle holders. Never leave candles unattended; make sure they are fully extinguished before you leave the room.

5. Christmas Trees/Decorations
Stats: 11,600 fires require a fire department response each year, and result in 250 injuries and 40 fatalities.
Keep the tree moist; preferably leave it in a bucket of water. Keep the tree and decorations away from any heat sources, and check the plugs and cords of any decorative lights before you string them on the tree. Always use electric lights on and near the tree; never candles.

All-Guard Alarm Systems, Inc. – Protecting Northern California from Intrusion and Fire since 1952

School safety tips from All-Guard Alarm Systems

You have regular fire and emergency drills at home, and taught your children to shout “Stranger Danger” if they are approached by someone they don’t know. However, protecting their children from acts of violence at school is the main cause of worry for most parents.

Outside of the home, school is still the safest place for your child. Nevertheless, there are steps you can take to make your child’s school an ever safer place.

Visitors Check with the school if there is a sign-in procedure in place for all visitors, and if visitors are monitored during their visit as well as required to wear visitor badges. Also, check how the school handles unwanted visitors.

Access Find out if there are any unmonitored doors that will allow outsiders to access any of the school buildings unannounced. And find out if those doors can be locked from the outside while still allowing your child to get out quickly and safely in case of an emergency.

Cameras Check if there are security cameras inside and outside the school buildings, and if so, ask how the cameras are monitored.

Emergency Plan Ask if there are emergency plans and lock-down procedures in place, and how the procedures are communicated to teachers and students. Check how often they hold training sessions and emergency drills and how their effectiveness is evaluated.

Communication Find out how the school plans on communicating with law enforcement and fire and safety agencies and what the procedure is for notifying parents in case of an emergency. Also, ask how you, as a parent, can notify the school of suspicious activities and if there are any hotlines and tip lines in place.

Ask Questions Ask your child if there are places at school that make him or her feel uneasy and why, ask if he or she has overheard any of the students making inappropriate comments, and ask if he or she feels comfortable reporting any concerns to a teacher. Your child may be your best source for understanding and improving school safety.

All-Guard Alarm Systems, Inc. – Protecting Northern California from Intrusion and Fire since 1952

The beginning of the New Year is a good time to go over your home safety checklist to make your home an ever safer place for your family.

Sound the Alarm Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your house, covering all sleeping areas. Test all alarms on a monthly basis, and replace any faulty ones. Replace batteries every daylight-saving time change, or sooner if they start chirping. Keep alarms and detectors clean and make sure the grills are dust-free.

Outlet Overload Check for overloaded extension cords and make sure that you follow the recommended wattage usage. Consider adding additional outlets in areas where you rely on extension cords. Childproof unused outlets, and don’t run cords loosely across walkways or under rugs. Replace frayed wires, and make sure that all major appliances are grounded.

Escape Plan Practice a fire escape plan with your family so everyone can get out quickly and safely. Draw a map for each floor in the house, and identify two exit routes for every room. Purchase collapsible escape ladders for the upstairs rooms. Set up a meeting place in case of a local or national disaster.

Sharper Objects If you have children, keep knives, scissors, and other sharp objects in childproofed drawers, and install a dishwasher lock so children can’t access any sharp or breakable objects. Keep the garage door locked, and lock up any tools and dangerous machinery or equipment.

State your Number Make sure that your house number is clearly visible from the street, and ensure that the number painted on the curb is not obstructed or worn off. Don’t put your name on your mailbox, only your house number. Consider getting a locked mailbox.

Color me Safe Store any used and unused paint cans in a safe area away from children. If you have an older house, check for any peeling paint or lead-based paint to avoid poisoning. When repainting, consider using VOC-free paint, natural paint, or milk-based paint.

Highly Medicated Make sure all medicine and vitamin bottles have childproof caps, and store all bottles where they can’t be reached by children. Consider purchasing a locked medicine cabinet. Regularly check the expiration date of used and unused medication, and check if your local pharmacy has a medical disposal program.

Fire Extinguishers Place portable fire extinguishers in all rooms, and make sure they are easily accessible. Practice with your family how to use them safely and properly. Regularly check the expiration date, and check the canister for cracks and corrosion. For bigger fires, don’t rely on your fire extinguishers but quickly leave your home and call 911 from a safe distance.

Name your Poison Safely store away any hazardous materials such as cleaning agents, disinfectants, batteries, fertilizers, and garden insecticides. Many indoor and outdoor plants are poisonous to children and pets; look up reputable agencies and websites, such as
http://www.cdc.gov
, for lists of poisonous plants and what to do in an emergency.

Check for Updates Check our website or call us at 800.255.4273 for any new and improved products and services. Follow us on Twitter for regular safety tips and updates.

All-Guard Alarm Systems, Inc. – Protecting Northern California from Intrusion and Fire since 1952

According to FBI crime statistics, on average, 6000 homes were burglarized every single day in 2010. Most burglaries took place during the day when the residents were at work, and the main point of entry was surprisingly the most obvious way to get in and out of anyone’s home – the front door.

Burglars will often “case” a neighborhood to seek out the most vulnerable houses, and there are a number of ways you can easily make your home look unattractive to a potential thief.

DO prominently display your security system yard signs and window stickers; a professional alarm system is the biggest deterrent for any burglar. If you’re in need of new All-Guard signage, please call us at 800.255.4273.

DO arm your alarm system whenever you leave the house – even for short errands.

DO trim bushes, trees, and shrubbery near windows and doors to ensure that entry points can be clearly seen from the street. And check that tree branches can’t be used as ‘ladders’ for the second floor.

DON’T leave out any tools or ladders that may help the thief gain entry to your home.

DON’T leave your garage door open – even if you’re at home, and DON’T leave your garage door opener in your car.

DON’T leave a spare key above the doorway, under the door mat, or in a key holder disguised as a yard ornament – these are all well-known hiding places to any burglar.

DO install exterior lights with motion sensors.

DO contact All-Guard to have outdoor cameras installed.

DO lightly close curtains and blinds when not at home – in case you forget to arm your alarm, at least the burglars can’t see the alarm panel.

DON’T take your home safety for granted – give yourself peace of mind with an All-Guard alarm system.

The bigger the obstacle, the safer the home.

All-Guard Alarm Systems, Inc. – Protecting Northern California from Intrusion and Fire since 1952

With the hustle and bustle of all the holiday shopping, cooking, and decorating almost behind us, we can now look forward to celebrating the New Year with friends and family.

Whether you are celebrating with a few friends in your home or attending “the party of the year”, it is important to make sure that you have all the safety checks in place.

Partying at Home Have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks at hand for your guests, and serve plenty of snacks so that no one is drinking on an empty stomach. Don’t leave unattended drinks sitting for too long, especially with children and pets around. Keep decorations and aerosol cans away from candles, and designate a place – preferably outside – if your guests smoke. And be prepared to have overnight guests in case they can’t make it home safely.

Pet Safety Make sure that all your pets are locked up safely and away from noise, party guests, alcoholic beverages, candles, and fireworks. Leave them in a separate room with plenty of food, water, toys, and a litter box for your cat. And make sure that their ID tags and microchips are up-to-date with your contact information.

Designate a Driver If you’re the one driving, don’t drink and drive! Keep an eye on your designated driver and make sure that s/he doesn’t drink any alcoholic drinks. Even the smallest amount of alcohol can impact the lives of too many people. Ideally, use public transportation or take a cab to and from your party destination.

Attending the Party of the Year Exercise caution when using cash or credits cards, and only bring credit cards with a limited value. Keep your wallet and purse with you at all times. Never leave your drink unattended – and don’t drink it if it smells or tastes odd. Before you exit the cab, make sure you don’t leave any of your possessions behind.

Fireworks Safety Check your local laws regarding fireworks; it might not be legal to shoot in the new year in your town. Wear eye protection when you light any fireworks, and always keep a bucket of water close by. Never re-light a “dud”, leave it for 20 minutes before soaking it in water. And only buy fireworks from a reputable vendor; don’t alter them or never attempt to make your own.

Have a great News Year’s Eve and best wishes for a safe and prosperous 2013 from your trusted alarm company.

All-Guard Alarm Systems, Inc. – Protecting Northern California from Intrusion and Fire since 1952

December is the time when the malls and shopping areas are full of shoppers. Unfortunately, this is also the time when these places are full of thieves, pickpocketers, and purse and bag snatchers.

1. Wear comfortable clothes and leave expensive jewelry at home
2. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and don’t carry it all in one place
3. When inside stores, restaurants, or coffee shops, never leave your purse and shopping bags unattended
4. Avoid carrying too many bags, and don’t use your phone while walking – you need freedom to move to avoid mishaps
5. Don’t be distracted. Keep an eye on people around you, especially those right in front of you and behind you
6. Beware of strangers approaching. Pickpocketers only need a couple of seconds to distract you, check your wallet and valuables if someone bumps into you.
7. If possible, shop during daylight hours and at times when the malls and streets are less crowded
8. Don’t be the last one to leave the store; leave the store while there are still other shoppers around
9. Teach your children to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated
10. Park in a well-lit area. Be sure to lock your car, close your windows, and don’t leave shopping bags and valuables where they can be seen from the outside
11. Be alert when putting packages in your vehicle. If someone approaches you, get inside your car, lock the doors, and wait until the person leaves the area. If the person does not leave, drive away
12. Only use ATM machines that are located in stores or well-lit and populated areas; cover the keypad as you enter your pin number

Avoiding the mall and stores altogether? Have your purchases delivered to your place of work or to a trusted neighbor who will be at home during delivery.

Best wishes for a safe, happy, and peaceful holiday season from your trusted alarm company.

All-Guard Alarm Systems, Inc. – Protecting Northern California from Intrusion and Fire since 1952

Stay Safe – at Home The holiday season is upon us; the days are getting shorter and the evenings colder and darker and we light up our candle sticks and fire places while enjoying the warmth indoor. Unfortunately, the winter is also the season for candle and chimney fires. On average, 42 home candle fires are reported every day with December being the peak time of the year. 20% of candle fires are caused by unattended or abandoned candles, so never leave a lit candle where you can’t see it, and never let children play with candles and matches.

Before you light up the fireplace, make sure your chimney has been inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney specialist, and make sure that the area surrounding the fireplace is free from any flammable materials. Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces that do not have a glass door, and only use seasoned hardwood. Also check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in full working order.

Stay Safe – and Away Burglaries are on the rise in the San Francisco Bay Area. The average number of residential burglaries is up nearly 22% from 2011 with Palo Alto at 63%, closely followed by Daly City at 63%, and San Jose and Sunnyvale at 39% and 38%, respectively.

If you plan on going away for any length of time during the holidays, lock all windows and doors, turn off any space heaters, and make sure to set your All-Guard alarm system before you leave.  Even if you leave the house for just 15 minutes.

Make your home look occupied while you’re away; the LYNX Touch L5100 allows you to easily control your indoor and outdoor lighting from your smart phone or your tablet. You can control the lighting in real-time or schedule the lights to turn on and off at different times. Also, ask a friend or a neighbor to remove any newspapers and flyers from your driveway, front yard, and front porch while you’re away.

The best gift you can give is the gift of security. For every referral you give that turns into a sale All-Guard will reward you with three (3) months FREE monitoring (up to $35.00 per month). Click here for more details. Link: http://www.allguardsystems.com/Refer-a-friend.html

Best wishes for a safe, happy, and peaceful holiday season from your trusted alarm company.

All-Guard Alarm Systems, Inc. – Protecting Northern California from Intrusion and Fire since 1952