Knowing where to start can feel overwhelming when it comes to protecting your home and loved ones. Especially now with so many options when it comes to security companies, products, and services, it can be hard to tell what's actually worth your time and investment. At Alert 360, we’re committed to all our customers' safety and peace of mind. Outside of the smart security solutions we provide, we've compiled this comprehensive guide of home safety tips and security insights to help you make the right decisions for your situation.

Home Safety Tips: Start with the Basics

For starters, we don't have to dive directly into the home security technology deep end. In fact, when it comes to your family's safety, it’s best to start with the basics. Here are some simple areas of your home to keep in mind as you begin assessing your home security needs.

Entrances

How many points of entry do you have in your home? Consider backdoor or porch areas, garage doors, and even basement entrances when running through your mental checklists. Here are a few tips and suggestions to get you started:

• Always lock all doors every time you enter and leave your home.
• Check that all locks and deadbolts fully turn and do not get stuck (you may even consider adding an Alert 360 keyless door lock).
• Make sure all hinges are functioning properly – old hinges could pose a security risk.
• Always change your locks when you move into a new space.
• Consider adding a video doorbell.

Windows

Windows are your potential secondary points of entry in the event of a home invasion. But they're also a great feature of your home that provides natural light and fresh air, and shouldn’t be a source of fear. Just be sure to remember upkeep like:

• Always keep your windows locked if not open or in use. If you open a window for fresh air, just make sure to lock it when you are finished. If windows don’t have locks, install them.
• Never leave home with a window open.
• Trim back any trees or shrubs that are near your windows to avoid potential storm damage.

Outdoor Lighting

Remember your space is your own. Which means getting the most from your outdoor spaces as well. Protecting that space can be as simple as adding outdoor lighting, while adding increased function and usability for you.

• Keep your front and backyard lit with motion-activated floodlights that can alert you to unwanted guests and deter potential burglars.
• Smart lights can be controlled from anywhere and programmed with timers, so they function even when you’re not at home.

Your Home Alarm System

These days there are so many home security options. From DIY security products and full alarm monitoring companies like Alert 360, there's a plan for protection that fits every lifestyle and budget. If you’re considering a security provider like Alert 360, there's still some regular maintenance to remember on your end:

• Install a home security system. This can include a control panel, motion detectors, glass breaks, smoke & carbon monoxide detectors, and more.
• If you have a security system, be sure to test it regularly.
• If your system is currently running on a landline, consider upgrading to cellular, which is more secure and reliable during weather events.

Home Protection from a Security Provider

There are a lot of home security providers on the market that provide a wide variety of services. It never hurts to ask questions if you're unsure of what to look for in protection. As part of our home safety tips guide, here are some questions to consider when shopping for the right company for your needs.

Questions to Ask

How long have you been in business?

Newer companies might not be able to stay around and handle the needs of their customers. Well-established companies are going to have systems in place and know how to best help you. For instance, Alert 360 has been in business for nearly 50 years! In that time, we have grown to become the 5th largest residential security provider in the country serving nearly a quarter of a million customers.

Are there any extra charges? What is the overall cost?

You should know the costs of installation, activation, and monthly monitoring as well as if any rates are subject to increase over time. This will help you understand exactly what you are paying for. At Alert 360, we offer a variety of smart security packages that fit the needs and budgets of our customers.

How will your system protect my home if someone tries to break in?

If the worst-case scenario occurs, you need to know what your security system will do to protect you. What good is a security system that doesn’t respond in any sort of meaningful time or can’t help protect you and your family? Having a professionally monitored system can add an additional layer of protection and comfort. The professional Alert 360 monitoring center watches over the safety and security of your property and loved ones 24/7. In the event of a triggered alarm, our team will contact you, assess the situation, and quickly dispatch first responders when needed.

Can you share any customer testimonials or successful case studies?

A security salesman will always make it sound like their system is the fastest, most reliable, and best on the market, but customer testimonials and case studies can help you see real facts. That should be a red flag if they can’t provide any testimonials. As a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating and Five Diamond Monitoring Center, Alert 360 has received over 20,000 customer reviews as well as a 5.0 Trustpilot rating

How often does the company check their system?

Regular maintenance checks by the security provider ensure the security system is in perfect working condition. There should be scheduled regular checkups or a maintenance plan option as part of your contract to ensure your system works as planned.

Do you provide any warranties?

Most companies should offer some type of warranty on their product. Warranties are designed to reduce the risk of financial impact in the unfortunate circumstance there is an equipment failure. During the long life of your system, should an unexpected repair be needed, the Alert 360 extended warranty helps protect your budget and ensures your system will be there when you need it most.

What kind of customer support do you offer?

Make sure that should you have any problems, you’ll be able to easily reach a qualified customer service representative to help you. At Alert 360, our customer support team is available for your needs and questions 24/7.

What happens if I move? Can I take my system with me?

If you love your security service, you’ll likely want to bring it with you if and when you move. It’s important to know what your providers policies are when you move and how that will affect your contract. Even if you can’t move with your equipment, you can be eligible to receive a discount with transferring your service to your new home or even referring the new homeowner to the same company.

Does the system qualify for a home insurance discount?

Depending on your insurance provider, you might qualify for a reduction in your home insurance of up to 20% when you buy a home security system. At Alert 360, we proudly offer customers our 360 insurance deductible program as an added benefit in our services. If a covered loss is suffered, we reimburse paid homeowner’s insurance deductibles up to $1,360.

What to Expect During Your Home Security Safety Assessment and Installation

Once you decide to purchase a home security system and enroll in alarm monitoring, usually an in-home assessment and professional installation take place. During the safety assessment, you can expect a thorough look at the potential hazards in and around your home. This is a great tool to help discover what steps you can take so your home is as safe as possible in any emergency situation. For the installation of a security system, the process will depend on whether your system is wired or wireless. If you are getting a wired system, in most cases, holes will be made in your wall and sheetrock to install your system. They are needed for the wires, the security control panel, new locks, cameras, and more. For a wireless system, there will typically be less drilling involved. However, there might still be some depending on the system.

Protecting Your System

Most security systems on the market offer the latest in technological advancements. But that doesn't mean there's nothing required in upkeep on your end. Because most systems rely on your home network and WIFI, keeping your network password protected is essential. Here are some other internet home safety tips to consider:

• Use a private network and hidden SSID.
• Use strong passwords that have at least one special character and a mix of capital and lowercase letters.
• Change your password every 2-3 months.
• Add two-factor authentication.
• Have unique codes for each user of your system.
• An important part of owning a home security system is knowing how to use it. Make sure your entire family is aware of how it works, as well as how to activate and disarm the system.

More Home Safety Tips

Home safety and security is more than just owning a security system. Think of your system as a safety net to protect your home and family from the unexpected, but it's always important to be mindful of potentially dangerous situations that could be around the corner. Let's take a closer look at home safety and security issues that can arise – from natural disasters like fires and floods to more direct threats like burglaries and child safety.

Fire Safety and Prevention

When it comes to fire home safety tips, prevention and planning are your best options. Here are some specific ideas about fire safety you can use in your home. That way, in an emergency, everyone under your roof is ready.

Make a Plan

Make a fire emergency plan for your family, including multiple escape routes and a designated place to meet outside as a family to make sure everyone is safe. As part of this, teach your children to “get low and go” to show them how to get out of the house in case of a fire while avoiding dangerous smoke inhalation. Never go back into a building that is on fire and wait for first responders to arrive.

Identify Potential Hazards

Finding potential fire hazards and taking action to address safer use of them can help your entire family and prevent house fires. Some common fire hazards include:

• Damaged electrical equipment
• Candles
• Barbecues, smokers, or grills
• Curtains or towel racks too close to burners in the kitchen
• Space heaters too close to flammable materials
• Dirty or clogged chimneys

Check Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Ensure you have fire and carbon monoxide alarms installed on every home floor. Test them monthly to make sure they are working and replace batteries if needed. Carbon monoxide can be tricky to understand and is called “the silent killer” because it is a colorless, odorless gas, which makes it very easy to overlook or not recognize in your home. That’s why it’s important to follow these safety tips to keep you and your family protected:

• Don’t warm up a vehicle or leave the engine running in your garage.
• Keep running generators in a well-ventilated area away from your home.
• Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home.
• Keep fireplaces, furnaces, dryers, and stoves clear of debris before you use them.
• Make sure to have at least one CO alarm in your home. It will act just like a fire alarm, telling you when you are in danger. If it goes off, get outside to get fresh air immediately and call 911.

If you are using a home security company— fire and carbon monoxide alarms should be professionally monitored 24/7 whether or not your home is armed.

Check Your Kitchen

Your kitchen has a lot of potential for smoke, fire, and dangerous conditions. To prevent or reduce the damage of these potential threats in your kitchen, you should:

• Have a fire extinguisher handy and inspect it regularly.
• Don’t leave the oven, stove, or heating appliance unattended like a toaster oven.
• Make sure any heating element or burner is turned off when you are finished using it.
• Never use a grill inside or in an enclosed area. Keep propane containers outdoors, upright at all times, and replace if scratched or dented.

Prevent Electrical Fires

Electrical fires can seriously damage your home and put your safety at risk. Luckily, electrical fires are almost always preventable in your home. To avoid electrical fires:

• Be careful not to overload your circuit breakers.
• Keep heat-producing appliances unplugged when not in use.
• Only use extension cords for temporary solutions.
• Never use a device with a damaged power cord. If a cord is cracked, frayed, or loose from its plug, you should either have it repaired or get a new one.

Child Safety for When They Are Home Alone

When your kids are old enough, it’s okay to let them stay home alone, but there are still a few tips you can use to make sure they’re safe.

• Make sure they know how to use the monitored alarm system.
• Leave a list of people they can contact in an emergency.
• Check-in on your child regularly.
• Don’t post anything online about them being home alone. Your kids should do the same, and avoid posting about being alone for their safety.
• Tell them to screen calls and only pick up the phone for someone they know.
• They should call 911 immediately if there is an emergency or any suspicious activities around the house. Establish a neighbor or friend’s house they can go to and wait for help.

Burglary Prevention

You can take some of these simple steps to help protect your home against burglary:

• With your home security provider window and door sensors and establish alerts to help you know when someone has trespassed onto your property.
• Never let strangers into your home or tell them you are home alone.
• Check for legitimate ID cards for people claiming to represent a company and call the company to verify their ID and/or badge number before letting them in the house – door-to-door scams are still far too common!
• Hang up immediately if you get a harassing phone call and report it to your police and telephone company.
• Don’t enter your home if you see signs of forced entry. Call 911 immediately.

Home Security and Safety Tips for Vacations

Home security and safety tips matter even when you're not at home. Maybe even more so since you're not there to monitor activity and potential emergencies! There are a few easy ways to make sure when you’re out of town and enjoying your vacation that your home stays safe:

• Lock all doors and windows.
• Clear out the mailbox. If you are gone for a longer period of time, you can get a friend or family member to check the mail for you or request a temporary mail hold through the USPS.
• Use smart devices to create the illusion of someone being home. With smart home devices, you can turn your lights on and off from anywhere.
• Depending on the season and how long you’re away for vacation, set up a way to maintain your yard. An overgrown yard or a snow-covered driveway is an easy way to tell no one has been home.
• Don’t announce your trip online. By sharing travel plans, you’re advertising that your house will be empty. If you have a public profile, anyone can quickly learn you’re away from your home.
• Notify your security company that you will be setting an alarm while you’re out of town. Let them know if you’ll have a house sitter or a neighbor checking in, and give them an up-to-date list of how to contact you on your vacation in case of a security emergency.

Smart Home Automation with Alert 360

Believe it or not, home automation is much more accessible than it used to be. With plenty of direct-to-consumer products created by some of the biggest tech companies today, more and more people are discovering the amazing benefits of home automation. Interactive home security can do everything from turning your lights on and off and locking your doors to monitoring your property with video surveillance and adjusting your thermostat, all remotely from your mobile device. With more convenience, a more relaxed approach to home safety and security can come with it. But don't think of smart home integration as an excuse to not have a personal stake in your home and family's safety. Instead, use these tools to make it even easier to be active and aware of what's happening with your home security.

Quality Smart Security Tips and Solutions from Alert 360

Knowing where to start with home safety and security can be overwhelming. But if you break it down into smaller steps to make it more manageable, you’ll be one step closer to better protection and the peace of mind that comes with it. For more about Alert 360 home security services, business security systems, company history, locations, and more, visit Alert360.com. Alert 360 is an award-winning company that offers free security system consultations and is currently hiring. For a new career click the following link: home security careers. Branch offices: Anaheim Home Security Atlanta Home Security Austin Home Security Dallas Home Security Fort Worth Home Security Fresno Home Security Houston Home Security(North Office) Houston South Home Security Kansas City Home Security Los Angeles Home Security Miami, OK Home Security Oklahoma City Home Security Philadelphia Home Security Phoenix Home Security Sacramento Home Security San Antonio Home Security San Diego Home Security Sarasota Home Security Springfield, MO Home Security Tulsa Home Security Wichita Home Security Alert 360 Blog is ranked one of the top 10 Home Security Blogs in the United States.