Safety and Security Tips

The safety and security of you and your loved ones are important to us. Ignorance can cost you extra money and in worse circumstances, someone’s life. We encourage you not to push off updating your family’s security routine. Focus on what you know your family needs to adjust and start there. We have gathered some helpful tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

Security:

• In most cases, people who want to cause harm also do not want to draw a ton of attention to themselves. The harder you make it on them, the more likely they are to give up:
• Make sure to keep all of your home’s windows and doors locked. Never leave a spare key outside. Give a spare key to one of your neighbors or a family member.
• Keep your outdoors well-lit during nighttime. Installing a motion-detecting light near doors will help scare off intruders.
• Have an emergency plan ready for your family. In case of a fire, know where to meet once everyone is outside of the house. In case of a tornado, make sure everyone knows where to go and how to stay safe if they cannot make it to the basement. In case of a health issue, have an emergency contact list available to your family and friends.
• Try not to post your location online. This can be difficult for the younger generation, but it is incredibly dangerous to put your whereabouts online for anyone to see. If you must post your location, try to wait an hour or so after you leave the specific place.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. We do not want you to be over paranoid, but if you are ever alone, make sure to keep an eye on your surroundings. Put away your music and stop texting until you are safely at your destination.
• Do not let strangers know when you are going out of town. Put a hold on your mail and try to keep on a few of your house lights. Ask a neighbor, friend or relative to check on the house while you are away.

Safety:

• Carbon Monoxide: Also referred to as “the silent and odorless killer.” Carbon Monoxide is an extremely dangerous risk that can quickly take on any household. Be smart and install a Carbon Monoxide Detector to ensure your family’s safety.
• Smoke Detectors: Make sure always to change the smoke detector’s batteries when needed. Fires can begin anywhere. It is important to have smoke detectors throughout your home and not just in your kitchen.
• Allergies: Have a list of allergies available to any babysitters, family or friends that may be watching your little ones. Also, provide them with a list of emergency contacts in case something happens.

We are sure that safety and security is a priority to you and your family. Stay safe by staying smart. If you are ever unsure about something, contact your local police department. It is better to be safe than sorry.