1. Various sources indicate that simply displaying WINDOW DECALS and/or yard signs can decrease your chances of being burglarized by up to 75%.
2. You can help secure your WINDOWS from being slid open by placing pins through the window frames.
3. A solid door with a double deadbolt lock can delay a burglar; and time to a thief is synonymous to their own safety.
4. A piece of wood placed in the window track or pins through the window frames prevent SLIDING GLASS doors from sliding open for the wrong person.
5. To get a DOG or not to get a dog (for protection), "that is the question". The real thing (guard dog) may protect you from burglary, but may cause a danger to others. Modern technology now provides many simulated dog alarm models ranging from motion to noise vibration sensors.
6. WIRELESS systems are often the easiest to install, but often are also the fastest to cause false alarms. These systems can be hooked up to a central monitoring system and there are many available.
7. Check with the local police for any advice they may be able to offer before you buy and especially, before you install a system. FALSE ALARMS for police have become a national epidemic and one that you don't want to contribute to. You may need to register your system, depending on local laws.
8. A strong motivator to buying a security system is that most home owner INSURANCE policies premiums will be REDUCED. Make sure to first consult with your insurance agent before making a final decision as to the type of system you want.

Environmental Safety:

Consult the National Center for Health Statistics to see what they say about Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Home Safety Resources:

Chimney Safety Related Information

Home Electrical Safety

Guide to Indoor Air Quality

Likely Sources of Carbon Monoxide in Your Home

Preparing for a Disaster

Protecting Your Family From Lead Poisoning

Poison Safety Information