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Why is a Child Seat Belt Important for Safety?

In a car, children are far more susceptible than adults, so taking the time to make sure you’re using the proper kid seat (restraint) or booster might save your child’s life. When drivers and passengers do not use seat belts, they are more likely to be killed or badly hurt.

You must use the proper car seat for your child in the following situations:

  • Automobiles
  • Mini buses
  • Vans
  • Other commercial vehicles

Any youngster under the age of 14 must wear a seat belt or the appropriate child restraint. Any kid restraint used must meet either Regulation 44.04 or Regulation 129 of the European Union’s safety regulations (also known as i-Size seats). All children up to 135cm (4ft 5in) tall or 12 years old (whichever comes first) must use a proper child restraint – that is, one that is appropriate for your kid’s height or weight.

For failing to use the proper kid restraint, a £60 fixed penalty fee and three penalty points are imposed. If the matter proceeds to court, the maximum penalties for every person in the automobile may be increased to £500.

Seat Belts Save How Many Lives?

Over 22,000 individuals were killed in vehicle accidents in 2019. Nearly half of the passengers in those vehicles were not wearing seat belts. If everyone had worn their seat belts, more people could have survived vehicle accidents.

Wearing a seat belt can cut the risk of major injuries in half. The usage of a seat belt decreases the number of people who die in car accidents by 45 percent. This translates to an average of 15,000 lives saved each year due to the use of seat belts.

To learn more, click here.

What Are the Child Safety Seat Requirements?

In the United States, all states require children to be secured in a car seat or booster seat until they reach a certain height or weight. This is because it’s important for your child’s safety and health that they are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle. It’s also required by law.

You may be wondering why it matters what type of car seat or booster seat is required for children in each state. The answer is simple. Different types of car seats are designed to protect children at different stages of development, which means they have different height and weight limits. So if a child exceeds those limits before reaching their next stage, they could be seriously injured in an accident because their restraint system no longer protects them properly. 

That’s why it’s important to understand what types of restraints are allowed by law where you live so that your kids will always be protected while riding in a vehicle. And don’t forget – even though some states allow certain types of restraints for older children, all states require infants and toddlers to ride rear-facing until they reach age 2.

Some states may require a car seat until the children outgrow their infant carrier’s maximum height or weight limit. This requirement applies regardless of whether the infant carrier has been approved as a rear-facing only model or as a convertible model with higher height/weight limits when used forward-facing. 

Recommendations from different organizations may apply but only if your state does not have its own specific requirements regarding age, weight, height, or other factors that may affect whether a particular type of restraint is safe for use by a given child at any given time during their growth process (for example, many states allow rear-facing infant carriers beyond 1 year old). 

If you do not see your state listed below please consult this website which has links directly into each individual state’s Department of Transportation website where you will find more information about local laws as well as for instructions on how best to install various types of restraints depending upon the size and age/weight range of your child.

Visit our blog section to learn more about the importance of following traffic and state laws.

What Are Child Safety Seats?

We know that safety is important to you. Child safety seats are designed with your little one in mind, and they are easy to install, comfortable, and safe. Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury for children, but using a car seat is the law in every U.S. state. Because car seats save lives, you must use them correctly every time you drive with your child. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants and toddlers ride in rear-facing convertible or combination seats until at least age two or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their particular seat (usually around 40 pounds).

The best car seat is the one that fits your child’s weight, size, and age. It also needs to be compatible with the vehicle’s make, so you don’t end up in an accident when driving around town or on long trips.

The rear-facing infant seat is designed to protect your baby from birth until they reach up 35 pounds (16kg) or up to the age of three to four years. This means that it will snugly fit them in a crash with their head supported and stay securely attached while protecting you against any angles or forces involved. A small child’s neck isn’t strong enough, so this position reduces the risk of death by 50%.

Kids who have outgrown their rear-facing seat’s height and the weight limit should use a harnessed seat for as long they can while still being protected by it until they reach 40lbs (18kg). Once this point arrives, parents will want them in either two different types of booster seats: A high back Booster that relies primarily on adult belts; And then there’s also an apostle type that uses both child safety belt systems.

Learn more about car seats and how they are important for children’s safety at our blog page.

What Age Are Safety Seats For?

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You’ve probably heard that your child should stay in a booster seat until they are 8 to 12 years old. But did you know that most children will not fit in the adult seat belt alone until 10 to 12 years? That means it is important for kids to stay in their booster seats longer than many parents realize.

It’s important to ensure that children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommendations for all age groups. 

Rear-Facing Car Seat

Rear-facing car seats are important for young children because they allow you to keep your child in the seat longer and can reduce their risk of injury. Rear-facing seats are ideal for infants and children up to three years old. Infants of up to 12 months should always be placed in infant seats under different types. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, you can move on to the other category of child safety seats, the forward-facing seat.

Forward-Facing Car Seat

Forward-facing seats are optimal for children ages 4 to 7 years; these seats are the best way to protect your child in the car with a harness and tether until they reach their height or weight limit. Once you know it’s time for them to move up into a booster seat, make sure that this happens from behind the wheel of our vehicle, not while riding shotgun.

Booster Seat

All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster until they are 8 to 12 years old. Keep your child in this type of seat until they are big enough that it will no longer fit, typically when they reach about 4 feet tall without needing any extra support from another person sitting beside him on either side (as long as both front seat occupants have shoulder restraints).

Once your child has outgrown safety seats, you can move them to normal seats and make them safe by wearing seat belts.

Learn more about car seats and how they are important for children’s safety at our blog page.

How Much Are Home Alarm Systems?

A good home security system can bring you peace of mind when it comes to the safety and security of your family and belongings. That’s why most people who have them insist they’re worth every penny. But if you’re thinking of having one installed, you might be wondering about the average cost of a home security system.

The truth is that many factors go into determining how much an alarm will cost, including what type of equipment is included in the package and any additional features or add-ons that may be available to purchase separately. And while some companies offer free installation with their systems, others charge extra for this service – which can also affect pricing overall.

So before we dive into specifics on costs, let’s take a look at what goes into making up an alarm system so we can better understand how prices vary from provider to provider and product to product.

Cost Of Equipment

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the plethora of home security equipment on offer. Some systems come with bare-bones, others have robust packages, and there are even à la carte options to pick what features suit your needs best.

However, costs vary depending upon how much protection (or lack thereof) one requires – starting at just $0 if no contract has been signed yet but going up significantly more than 600$ for an advanced package that includes everything.

Home Security System Monthly Cost

Most home security systems are a monthly fee for monitoring services. The cost can range from about $10 to 50 with prices depending on the amount of equipment being monitored and how advanced these features are in comparison.

Activation and Installation Cost

The price of a security system depends on the brand you purchase. Some brands don’t charge an activation fee, while others can cost as much $200-$300 for installation and setup alone.

Visit our blog page to learn more about different kinds of home security alarms.

How To Safeguard Your Home From Unexpected Disasters?

Unexpected disasters such as those caused by nature are unavoidable, and we are no strangers to them either. However, the damage they can cause is something to be concerned about. Living in certain states of the U.S, you could face wildfires, hurricanes, and the accompanying floods. So, you need to know the basics of how to protect yourself and safeguard your home. 

We talked to the experts, and here are some tips we gathered from them.

Safeguard Against Climate Disasters

The first thing homeowners should have before all else to mitigate disaster costs is homeowners insurance. Get insurance that is relative to your property’s location and probable disasters. You can also take precautions to make your home safe against climate disasters. 

For example, if your property is susceptible to earthquakes, a sufficient safeguard would be to bold your home to the foundation. If your home’s property is susceptible to flooding, I recommend installing black flow valves into your plumbing system to prevent sewage from flowing reversely into your home. 

Leonard Ang, CEO of iPropertyManagement

Get Insured

To safeguard a home from unexpected disasters, I highly recommend obtaining the right insurance. This may include flood insurance for homes in flood plains and extensive fire insurance for areas where wildfires are likely to occur, including California or Texas. However, another way to safeguard homes is to have adequate protections. 

There are protective windows and protective sidings that can preserve the home from inclement weather. There are many other ways for homeowners to protect their residences from disaster, including leaf clearing gutters to protect the roof from extensive weather damage. 

Omer Reiner, a licensed Realtor & President of FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC. 

Invest In Smart Gadgets

To safeguard your home from unexpected disasters all comes down to being prepared. A common disaster(and an important one) that every homeowner should prepare for is fire prevention. 

Home fires are very costly if they happen, so I always suggest investing in smart gadgets that will help prevent such disasters like smoke alarms, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers, to name a few. But that shouldn’t be it; knowledge on different fire safety/prevention is much more important. 

Make a plan, do some fire safety drills, ensure that your family knows how to leave the house immediately and they know where to go in case of fire. Doing this will make sure your family is ready and prepared when unexpected situations arise. 

EW Bratcher, Owner B&W Fire Security Systems

Pack An Emergency Kit

Figure out the number of important items you would need if you had to evacuate your residence. Store these in an emergency kit, and know where they are in case of emergency. Know the emergency routes, don’t forget smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors, learn how to turn off your soon-to-be flooded or exploded natural gas lines (check on that with the gas company).

Develop a family communication plan ahead of time, so everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes—plan for pets too. Reconfigure your home, so all bathrooms are on one side, bedrooms on another – this allows for easy access during evacuation scenarios while not having inhabited spaces right next to each other. Store water supplies at various locations close by.

Ryan Fyfe, COO Workpuls Inc

Non-Combustible Boundary Around Your Home

When it comes to unexpected disasters like wildfire, there is no complete safety. But creating a boundary around your home with non-combustible materials that has a height of around 5-10 feet at least would increase the safeguard proximity of your home by any means. 

More importantly, remove any sort of materials like wooden patio, mulch, outdoor furniture, and others that are combustible. These are termed fire-hazards materials. In 2017 alone, there were over 10,289 wildfires in the US, burning 2.1 million acres. The number of structured damage was above 4,636. So better for you to prepare your home for the wildfire. 

Also, check your fire detectors more than often to ensure they function well. And keep gloves, thick-soled shoes around your household. 

Seth Williams, Co-founder and Real Estate Broker Ledge & Young Real Estate

Stay Safe from Fire

Fire can cause a lot of damage to you and your house, but it does not take a lot of effort to safeguard your house against fire. To start with, keep multiple fire distinguishers in your house and keep them in places that are easily visible. 

Also, consider installing smoke detectors on each of the floors. Consider the option of purchasing a fire escape ladder in case you have a two-story home. Lastly, come up with a fire escape plan and make your family members understand it properly. 

Fortify Entrances To Protect Against Hurricanes and Tornadoes. To protect your home against the danger of hurricanes and tornadoes, you need some strong doors and windows. When buying windows, consider having a glass that contains an inner layer of polyvinyl butyral or PVB.

This kind of material keeps the window safe from breaking even if it shutters on the inside. When it is about the door, consider products that are manufactured with steel plates inside. These types of doors are highly resistant to hurricanes.

Ron Wysocarski, an FL Broker/CEO Wyse Home Team Realty

Take Inventory and Plan

Certain natural disasters, such as a hurricane, generally come with a notice. However, most are entirely unexpected, such as a fire, flood, tornado, or earthquake. Taking some precautions now can help homeowners and renters keep their properties and personal belongings safe. 

Start by having insurance and creating a home inventory, emergency kit, and emergency plan. Also, understand what your home or renters insurance does and doesn’t cover. For instance, a typical policy doesn’t cover flood damage due to groundwater. Flooding is the nation’s most common and expensive disaster. Plus, they can happen anywhere and don’t need to be catastrophic to cause costly damage. 

Flood insurance is a separate policy that homeowners, renters, and business owners can purchase. They typically have a 30-day waiting period, so you can’t wait until a storm approaches your property because it will be too late. In addition to having home insurance, owning a generator can be a lifesaver during a disaster that leaves you without power for an extended period. It can make sure your food is refrigerated, your cell phone is powered, and that you have access to disaster news updates.

Laura Adams, a home insurance expert with Clearsurance.com

How To Turn Off Home Security System?

We know how frustrating it can be when your alarm goes off and you have no idea what to do. That’s why we created this easy-to-follow guide on how to turn off your home security system.

If you have a home alarm console, it’s important to know how to disable the AC power. This will allow you to reset or troubleshoot any problems with your system without having an active connection between the panel and the backup battery. 

Turning off the home security system is also a good idea if you’re going on vacation for more than a day or two because it can prevent false alarms from being triggered by an accident while you’re away.

You can turn off or power down your home alarm system by disconnecting its backup battery and then unplugging the transformer from the wall outlet for the device. You can confirm that the panel has been powered down by checking its touchscreen or keypad and making sure it is blank.

If the power goes out or you just unplug the system, your alarm system will continue to function because it has its backup battery. However, if the power outage lasts longer than 48 hours, the battery may die and turn off the alarm system. 

To prevent this from happening, disconnecting the backup battery is necessary before turning off or unplugging any other components of your security system. This ensures that all systems are powered down properly so no one can access them while they are not in use.

The next step is to unplug both ends of the transformer for your device from their respective outlets (the wall outlet and another electrical socket). Once these two steps have been completed successfully, you can confirm that everything has been turned off by checking its touchscreen or keypad and making sure that it is blank. 

To learn more about various features of home security systems, visit our blog section.

How To Ensure Your Family’s Health And Safety During A Hurricane?

Getting through a hurricane is never simple or easy. You will face panic, anxieties, dilemmas, property damage, loss of possessions, hard times, and in some unfortunate cases, it could even result in loss of lives. However, unpredictable as they are, there is plenty we can do to plan and prepare for a hurricane to keep the damages at a minimum. 

To help you ensure your family’s health and safety during a hurricane, we brought together a panel of experts on disaster preparedness. The experts have offered their vital pieces of advice on how you can plan and prepare for a hurricane.

Janet Coleman is an Environmentalist; TheConsumerMag.com. Janet advises…

You should prepare your family for any eventuality, but especially hurricanes. Hurricanes are unpredictable, so it is important to have a plan in place. It is not just about having the right supplies on hand but also being aware that you are putting your family’s safety first by taking the necessary precautions. 

Do not live near high-risk areas, if possible. If you do live in an area at risk of flooding or storm surge, make sure you have signed up with the National Flood Insurance Program so that if there is flooding or damage to your home or business, you will be eligible for some form of reimbursement. Prepare an emergency kit with food and water in case of evacuation.

When the aftermath of a hurricane has left your family’s health and safety at risk, it is important to take care of yourself and your loved ones in the best way possible. One of the most important things that you can do is to make sure you have enough food and water to last for at least seventy-two hours. By doing this, you will be helping to ensure your survival in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

Mo Mulla is the Founder of Parental Questions. Mo advises…

If you live in an area that has a high risk for hurricanes, it is good to have shelters installed in your home. It’s recommended to take precautions for the following things: food, water, first aid kit with necessities like needle and thread (useful should prolonged power outage affect prevent you from pursuing treatment), flashlights with extra batteries, essential medications (especially those for common medical conditions such as asthma); dust masks; steel garbage cans or earth quails at least 10-gallon size or larger; plastic storage containers w/lids – 2 Gallon capacity minimum; sturdy shoes and cooking utensils.

Axel Hernborg is the CEO of Tripplo. Axel advises…

Sitting in a room with a light source is far better than sitting in the dark and thinking when all this will be over. Storms and hurricanes result in no electricity, and that’s when batteries come in handy.

Make sure you have plenty of batteries stored and if not, go and buy a few before the hurricane hits. This will help you with your flashlights, battery-operated home devices, radios, lamps, etc. Also, ensure to charge your power banks way prior so that you don’t run out of phone battery. 

Jordan W. Peagler, Esq. is a Personal Injury Lawyer at MKP Law Group, LLP in Los Angeles, CA, where he is both Owner and Partner. Jordan advises…

Unlike many other natural disasters, people generally have advance notice for hurricanes. It’s smart to put that time to good use. Here are some tips for staying safe:

  • Listen to the experts: If experts are telling you to evacuate, your best bet is to listen to them. It’s not smart or safe to stay in your home if they are telling you your best option is to temporarily leave the area. 
  • Install hurricane glass: If you live in an area that is frequently threatened by hurricanes, investing in hurricane glass for your windows will greatly improve your safety. If a hurricane hits, you won’t be injured if your window breaks and sends glass fragments flying through your house.
  • Put your outside belongings inside: Deck chairs, bicycles, and anything else outside in your yard could be turned into a flying projectile that can shatter your windows during a hurricane. Store them inside until the threat has passed.
  • Keep your car’s fuel tank on full: You need to have an exit strategy in place if you decide to wait out the storm and then realize you need to flee. That includes having a full tank of gas.
  • Make sure you have the essentials: Store up a lot of bottled water and food you can prepare and eat without power. 

Graham Spence is a resident survivalist and expert prepper at Mantelligence. Graham advises…

Nobody wants to think that something bad will happen to their family. But, whether it’s hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires, we need to be prepared just in case.

Here is how to protect yourself and your family during a hurricane: 

  • Plan Ahead: Preparation and having an action plan in place is everything, and it may save lives. Include your children in the planning, so they understand the basics and go over your emergency plan with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do. An emergency plan should include instructions and precautions on staying healthy and safe, calm, informed, and connected in an emergency.
  • Be Ready: Prepare now rather than waiting for an emergency to occur. Use the time between events to gather necessary supplies, develop self-help skills, and gain the confidence you’ll need to respond quickly and effectively in a crisis. It’s critical to be as self-sufficient as possible when services and supplies are limited. 
  • Take Action: Clear your yard to make sure nothing will blow around and cause damage to your home during the storm. Anything from bikes, yard furniture, and construction or garden materials should all be inside or undercover. Your home’s windows and doors should be covered. 

Use storm shutters or nail plywood pieces to the exterior window frames to protect you from shards of shattering glass. If you notice water or downed power lines, or if you need to leave your home, turn off the electricity. 

Consider your water source and fill clean water containers for drinking water. You should do this in case your water supply goes down during the storm. You can even use your sinks and bathtubs and fill them with water for washing. 

  • Stay Or Evacuate: Always follow the advice of authorities regarding whether to evacuate or stay at home. If a hurricane is approaching, authorities may issue an evacuation order.

Never disobey. It is not worth risking health and safety to remain at home to defend your possessions. Before leaving, however, take into account driving conditions. If it’s unsafe, staying at home may be a better option than going but contact your local emergency management office for further advice. Other things to consider:

  • Prepare a disaster and go-kit. At a minimum, it should include food, water, first aid, clothes, medication, flashlights,  and extra batteries.
  • Put important documents, including passports, medical and legal documents together, so it’s easy to take in the event of an evacuation. 
  • Know where to get credible information. Know where your evacuation zones are and how to get there. If available, sign up to get local emergency alerts and updates.
  • Don’t leave your pets out of your emergency or evacuation plans if you are a pet owner. Prepare a disaster kit for your pet as well. 

What Is The Average Cost Of A Home Security System?

Home security is a growing concern for many people. The average cost of a home security system can vary depending on the type of equipment, monitoring service, and installation costs. Some options don’t require any installation or monthly fees, but they may not be as effective at protecting your home.

You don’t have to be rich or famous to afford one, either. The average cost is around $1,500 for installation and equipment costs alone. That doesn’t include monthly monitoring fees which range from $5-$65 per month on average depending on what type of plan you choose. We recommend choosing a plan with no contract because it gives you more flexibility if you ever need to cancel service for any reason down the road.

A security system is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Installing a monitored alarm system can help keep intruders out of your house, but it’s also an effective deterrent against burglars. If they know that you have a monitored alarm system, they are less likely to break into your home. 

And if someone does try to get in, the monitoring center will call the police immediately, so you don’t have to worry about anything else. You can rest easy knowing that we are taking care of everything for you. A home security system can protect your family and property. It’s an investment that will pay off in the long run. 

If someone breaks into your house while you’re away, they could take anything they want, including all of your valuables like jewelry, cash, electronics, and even prescription medication that they can misuse in your name.

To learn more about different types of home security systems, visit our blog section.

What Are The Basic Firearm Safety Rules To Practice For Non-Law Enforcers

Keeping your firearms secure is critical if you have kids in the home. If you don’t, it is still essential you know basic firearm safety rules to ensure your safety and that of everyone around you.

We consulted a panel of experts on firearm safety to advise us on the basic firearm safety rules civilians need to practice. Our panel includes;

  • Chief Deputy (Ret) Jay Six, executive-in-residence at The Institute for Law Enforcement Administration at The Center for American and International Law,
  • Gene Petrino, the Co-Owner of Survival Response LLC.,
  • Ares Borg, a long-time counterintelligence officer and police associate.

Gene Petrino is the Co-Owner of Survival Response LLC. One of their services is firearms instruction from beginner to advanced. Gene has been featured in Forbes regarding mass shootings and would love to talk about gun safety;

While there are many safety rules for handling firearms, the most critical one is ‘Always assume a gun is loaded.’ All other rules merely build on this one.

Firearm safety rules are, in fact, designed to build upon each other. This redundancy helps prevent needless accidents and deaths. Take the second rule, ‘never point a gun at anything you do not intend to destroy.’ If you disregard the first rule, the second will ensure you do not point a loaded firearm at anyone.

Ares Borg is a long-time counterintelligence officer and police associate combating drug trafficking who also has war experiences. After retirement, Ares released five crime stories on Amazon. According to Ares…

The primary safety rules of firearms for non-law enforcement officers are; Procurement of weapons is essential. The short weapons, drum revolvers, are best, as they are less likely to self-injury than automatic and semi-automatic pistols. Pistols are thinner and easier to conceal in a suit, but they are more dangerous because it is easier to forget to insure the gun. There is no problem with a revolver. It is crucial to lock the weapon well and thus prevent access to the family, especially children. 

Children should never play with firearms. The owner must not lend his gun to anyone for any reason. Shooting and training should be strictly limited to secured shooting ranges. The pipe must not be turned towards another person, except in particular danger to life. But these are extraordinary cases. 

Weapons cleaning and maintenance are critical. If the firearm is aimed at you, particular caution is required, without any movement. The defense is an excellent danger; defense can only be attempted by specially trained specific experts in the military and police. The probability of success is minimal because the trigger time is short.

For self-defense, I recommend a small derringer with two barrels that carry only two caliber .38 SP bullets. It is a small but powerful weapon.  

Chief Deputy (Ret) Jay Six, executive-in-residence at The Institute for Law Enforcement Administration at The Center for American and International Law. Jay served 40 years as a Texas peace officer and recognizes as both a law enforcement official and father/grandfather full well the importance of ensuring firearms don’t fall into the wrong hands. According to Jay…

The first and primary rule is to store the weapon safely, unloaded, and fitted with a gun lock at home. At best, that means in a gun safe or locking gun cabinet. Ammunition should be stored away from where the weapon is kept and secured under lock and key. An ammo storage box with a padlock is effective. Several states have statutes that require firearms and ammunition to be securely stored to prevent access by children.

But what about keeping a gun ready for self-defense? Suppose a person wants to keep a loaded weapon available but not accessible to children or others. In that case, there are a wide variety of small gun safes that will accommodate a single handgun. Many of those safes use a punch code or biometric lock system. A few even have furniture or decorative look, so they provide a less industrial appearance.

Long guns, like shotguns and rifles, are harder to store, conceal, and keep secure. Here again, a gun safe or cabinet can lock away rifles and shotguns. The same rules apply to shotgun or rifle ammunition. Some companies make under-bed locking cases that provide reasonable access with enough security to prevent unauthorized opening.

If you carry a handgun, use a sturdy and secure holster to maintain control of your gun. You should be able to draw and re-holster without looking. It is imperative to develop the habit of locking your gun away after every carry. Never leave a gun unsecured, laying out in the open, or merely in a nightstand drawer. Responsible gun owners are serious about gun safety. 

Where To Buy A Home Security System?

Many alarm companies out there claim they can provide you with the best service for your needs. But how do you know which one is right for you? Alarm companies providing home security systems must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services to sell home security systems.

Mentioned below is a list of licensed sellers from where you can get your home security systems.

Bay Alarm Company

Bay Alarm Company can be a choice. They are an award-winning company with over 100 years of experience in the industry. The company has been recognized by Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur Magazine as one of America’s top companies to work for. You can trust them to protect your family and property when you need it most.

AT&T Home Security 

You can get your security system from AT&T. AT&T Digital Life Home Security is a new way to secure your home. It’s the first security system that works with all of your devices, so you can check in on what matters most from anywhere. You can even arm and disarm it using voice commands or by sending a text message. And if something does happen at home, our 24/7 monitoring center will call 911 for you.

Alert 360 Home Security

You can rest easy knowing that the Alert 360 state-of-the-art technology will protect your home from intruders while also keeping track of who comes in and out of it at all times. With motion sensors, glass break detectors, smoke alarms, and more, no one will get past them without getting noticed.

ADT Security Services

ADT Security Services is said to be the number one provider of home security systems in North America. They have been protecting homes and families since 1874 and are dedicated to providing their customers with peace of mind. Their team of experts will work with you to create a custom solution that fits your needs.

To learn more about security systems, visit our blog sections today.

9 Low-Cost Ways to Increase Your Home Security

While modern smart home security technologies are great to have, they can be pricey. If you are looking for something more budget-friendly, you can benefit from these excellent tips, by the experts, for low-cost home security.

1. If You Go, Don’t Make It Obvious That You’re Going

When homeowners are gone for an extended amount of time, burglars can readily detect them. To prevent your home from being broken into while you are away, ask your neighbors to mow your grass, collect your mail, move your car around, or do other things that suggest there are people inside the house. A vacant house is a potential target and an invitation to robbery.

Jason Feldman, Founder at Immigrate Me

2. Paying Attention To The Details

I strongly believe that if a burglar doesn’t know what’s inside, they’re unlikely to break in. They won’t take a chance on something they can’t be sure about. Burglars will know there’s a lot to steal if you keep your valuable stuff out in the open. 

If a famous painting can be seen through your home’s windows, for example, you may wish to move it an inch or two away or close the windows to keep it out of sight. Move your automobile to your garage if you leave it parked outdoors. Do the same thing with any other valuable items you have in your yard.

Gerrid Smith, CMO Joy Organics

3. Don’t Make It Easy For Criminals To Conceal

Trim any trees or plants that could provide a hiding place or unnoticed access to your windows. Any plants that are tall enough to block a window should be pruned. You should also think about the lighting in your home. Look for dark spots surrounding your house that could allow a burglar to enter your home under the cover of darkness. 

Consider placing lights in strategic locations to illuminate entrances. Motion-activated spotlights are the ideal way to save electricity while also not bothering your neighbors or yourself with harsh lights.

Amber Morland, CEO & Founder of WinCope

4. Deceive The Burglars

When you leave the house, close the curtains and blinds and turn on lights and a radio to give the impression that someone is home. A dog or an electronic emulator that sounds like a dog barking when someone approaches is an excellent deterrent. I came across a gizmo today while shopping that duplicates the patterns of light produced by television when viewed through curtains.

FakeTV is a compact anti-burglary device that features many high-intensity output LEDs of various colors. These are turned on and off at random, giving the effect of television. This may be left on in your house when you are not there, and it costs a fraction of what it would to run a television. The item can be purchased on Amazon. 

Rameez Usmani, Tech and Security Expert at The Code Signing Store

5. Light Up Your Home Exterior

Burglaries can take place in broad daylight, but criminals prefer to operate beneath the cover of night. You can reduce many of the shadows and dark spots in your yard with carefully placed outside lights, which will eliminate most of the space where robbers may feel comfortable entering your property. 

When putting lights on the outside of your house, try to think like a burglar. Look for access points that would otherwise be hidden by darkness. Cover the front and back of the home, and if there are any windows or doors on the side, try to bring some light in. 

Consider whether you want lights that you turn on with a switch or lighting that are activated by motion. Motion-activated lights have the potential to be a more effective deterrent while also being more energy-efficient.

Tommy Gallagher, Founder at Top Mobile Banks

6. Get to Know Your Neighbors

One of the best free things people can do for their home security is to get to know their neighbors. Even better, get people’s phone numbers and (with their permission) start a group chat via text message. That way, if any neighbor sees anything suspicious, they can immediately check in with the group.

This method can be especially useful in urban neighborhoods. By getting to know the people in my building and the neighboring building, I can be sure that even when I’m not around, my neighbors will notice if anything is out of the ordinary and let me know.

Michael X. Heiligenstein is the publisher of the Firewall Times

7. Install Inexpensive Window And Door Alarms

Your doors and windows are your first line of defense. You need to make sure that they are secured at all costs. It’s why you need to make alarms your second layer of protection. Thieves are generally afraid to make any noise and alert anyone. By installing wireless alarms, you can send them running from the get-go.

8. Have ‘Indestructible’ Padlocks

Most thieves are in a hurry to get in, take what they can, and then get out. As a result, plenty of them only bring bolt cutters with them, break locks, and work fast. However, with a ticker lock and less exposed shackles, your lock is protected from a bolt cutter. 

9. Be Careful With Your Social Media

If you’re going on a vacation or will spend hours away from home, don’t post about it on social media. Post about your activities when you’re already at home. You should also avoid posting about your home address on your profile. 

Social media accounts are public. If a thief is persistent, they can monitor you online and go to your home when you’re not around. Limit your posts to only your friends and only share your intimate details only when necessary.

Andrew Barker, Founder of HomeownerCosts