Security Tips

Outside

• Prune lower limbs from trees near the house.
  
• Trim bushes so windows are visible to neighbors.
  
• High fences shield burglars from sight.
  
• Lock up your ladders and tools.
  
• Trellises help a burglar climb to a second story.
  
• Porches and entrances should be well lit.
  
• Your street number should be clearly visible for police and firemen.

Doors & Windows

• Entry doors should be solid core wood that is at least 1-3/4" thick, or metal.
  
• Doors should fit tightly. 1/8" clearance maximum.
  
• Doors with glass panels should have a break-resistant plastic panel or a metal grill.
  
• Sliding doors need special locks or a wooden strip in track to block door from opening.
  
• Don’t install door hinges outside where they can be easily unscrewed.
  
• Use a dead-bolt door lock with a strike plate attached by 3" screws.
  
• A rim mounted lock with bolt affords good protection. Attaches to door with long screws.
  
• Police locks on rear and basement doors.
  
• Padlocks must be sturdily constructed. Hasp must be bolted, not screwed.
  
• Use special locks for double hung windows.
  
• Use metal grills on vulnerable windows.

Vacation Check

• Advise police that you will be away.
  
• Have your neighbor pick up packages.
  
• Have a friend pick up mail and newspapers daily.
  
• Use timers to turn on lights automatically.
  
• Hide garbage cans in garage or basement.
  
• Double check locks on all windows and doors.
  
• Leave your shades and blinds in their normal position.
  
• Turn bell on telephone low so burglar will not hear it ringing.
  
• Stop deliveries of papers and magazines.

Keys

• Never carry identification tags on your keys.
  
• Don't hide keys outside.
  
• Have locks rekeyed or changed when moving.
  
• Keep daily routines confidential.
  
• Don't put valuables where visible.
  
• Don't let strangers into your home to use the phone.
  
• Be aware that wrong numbers or telephone surveys may be used by burglars to "case" your home.
  
• Avoid listing name or address in newspaper advertisements.

These tips were prepared by the US Department of Justice

• On the day of a funeral, you should always have a sitter in your home.
  
• A First Alert Professional Security System from general Security entitles you to a discount on your homeowner's policy. For more information, contact your local insurer.
  
• Mark a special identification number (from Police Dept.) on all valuable possessions. Use an electric engraving pen. Place Operation Identification stickers on your window.
  
• In case your home or apartment appears to have been broken into, don't go inside. Call the police.

Security Systems

• Carefully consider installing an electronic security system by General Security if your home contains valuables, is in an isolated area, or if you want more protection for your family.

Fire Prevention Tips

Every 57 seconds a fire threatens a home and family. You can reduce the danger of a fire by following these simple precautions in your home whenever possible.

Things to remember to reduce your risk:

• Don't overload your electrical circuits. This is one of the foremost cause of fires.
  
• Keep children out of reach of matches and lighters.
  
• Don't smoke in bed.
  
• Don't accumulate grease soaked rags or oil.
  
• Keep combustibles far from heat sources.
  
• Use a fire detection and/or smoke warning system in your home.
  
• Develop and review with your family an escape plan that has primary and alternative escape routes for each member with an outdoor meeting place a safe distance from your home. Call General or request a FREE copy of the publication "Your Fire Escape Plan from First Alert Professional" sponsored in part by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Poisoning Prevention Tips

Over 4 million people are poisoned in the United States every year.

How can I prevent poisonings in my home?

• Store all medicines and household products in the original containers.
• Use child-resistant packages for medicines and potentially dangerous household products.
• Lock medicines and products out of sight and reach of children.
• Follow product label warnings about not mixing different products, ventilating the area, or wearing gloves.

What are some dangerous household poisons?

• CLEANING PRODUCTS:
  • Regular household cleaning products are the major cause of unintentional poisonings of children.
  • Those that are especially dangerous are those that can cause chemical burns- drain opener, toilet bowl cleaner, laundry detergent.

• COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS:
  • Permanent wave neutralizers and hair straightness can cause burns. Mouthwash contains alcohol, dangerous for children who drink it. Some nail care products can also be poisonous.

• PESTICIDES, INCLUDING LAWN AND GARDEN CHEMICALS:
  • Many chemicals used to control insects, rodents and weeds are as toxic to humans as they are to their intended victims. When ingested or inhaled in very small amounts, most are capable of producing illness.
• HOUSEHOLD AND AUTO MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES:
  • Antifreeze and windshield washer solution are dangerous to swallow and their sweet taste makes them appealing to children and pets.
• FOOD POISONING:
  • Food poisoning may be caused by storing food at the wrong temperature, not scrubbing knives, utensils and cutting boards after cutting raw meat and poultry, and not carefully washing hands before handling or preparing food. Symptoms of food poisoning may vary, but often include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms may begin soon or may not occur for more than a day or two.
  • Follow these food safety tips:
    • Counter tops, utensils and hands should be washed with warm, soapy water prior to and after food preparation.
    • Thaw meat and poultry in the refrigerator, not at-room temperature.
    • Avoid leaving perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
    • Do not use canned foods with bulging lids or cracks.
    • Thoroughly cook all meat, poultry, seafood and eggs.
• ALCOHOL:
  • Found in alcoholic beverages, mouthwash and perfume and aftershave lotions. Alcohol is a dangerous poison for children because small amounts can slow down their breathing and heart rate, cause seizures and coma, and even kill them. Watch children closely at adult parties and clear the "empty" glasses and cans immediately. Use child resistant closures on mouthwash bottles.
• PLANTS AND WILD MUSHROOMS:
  • Some indoor and outdoor plants can pose a hazard to curious youngsters. Berries and wild mushrooms pose the greatest outdoor hazards. Philodendron and Dieffenbachia are indoor plants that can cause pain and swelling in children and pets who nibble on them.
  • SEASON CHANGES AND HOLIDAYS bring a variety of potential poisons. Be alert around Easter and Halloween because chocolate candy is poisonous to dogs. Before allowing children to indulge in Halloween "treats" inspect them to be sure that wrappers are intact. Discard non-commercial treats, fruits, homemade goods, etc. During winter holidays avoid decorating with holly or mistletoe berries.