With the holidays fast approaching, now’s the time to prepare for vacations, family visits, long nights out shopping and plain old household safety. Where many view the holidays as a joyous occasion; others, unfortunately, view it as a time where home and business owners are preoccupied and most vulnerable to attacks. This time of year also makes homes susceptible to incidental misfortunes such as fires (due to tree lights or holiday cooking) or electrical issues (due to bad weather). The good thing is, if you have a security system installed or plan to have one installed in the near future, it is simple to prevent break-ins, accidental fires and other incidents that can put a damper on your holiday spirit. These simple tasks will make a world of difference between a happy holiday with idyllic memories and a miserable holiday with ghastly recollections.
1. Check Over Your Alarm System (if you do not have one, now’s the time to consult Delco Alarm for additional information).
Now is a good time to schedule any needed maintenance of your alarm system. It is vital to ensure all fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are fully functional and have fully charged batteries in them. Contact Delco Alarm and request a test run of your alarm system to confirm that everything is working properly.
2. Make Sure Your Alarm Company Has The Most Current Contact Information
Out of sight out of mind is a concept all too familiar with home and business owners when it comes to their alarm systems. It doesn’t dawn on us to make sure the alarm company has all the current information. Maybe you have a new cell phone number or work address and number. Maybe life has shifted and your alternate contact is not as accessible as they once were. Regardless of the situation, now is the time to give Delco Alarm a call and ask them to update any relevant data. When it comes to an emergency, the time spent making a phone call to an incorrect number can mean the difference between a life saved and a life lost.
3. Don’t Announce Your Every Waking Move On Social Media
Now that you have ensured you have a fully functioning system and your detectors are working, charged and ready to go, it’s up to you to make be mindful of the everyday actions that can ultimately bring you harm. Where social media is a positive outlet for mingling and keeping friends and family up-to-date with the workings of your everyday life, it can also be used as a means to inflict harm. Try to avoid announcing your every move on Facebook. Try not to tweet the fact that you’re out shopping (spending lots of money) or that you will be away for exactly 2 weeks and the dog is at a great animal shelter during your absence. Comments such as these scream “I’M OPEN FOR THE TAKING!!” Make it a habit to post vacation photos and updates upon your return. That way it is clear you had fun but even clearer that you’re home.
4. Be Careful With Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations are fun, expressive and beautiful to look at, but if they are not installed and hung properly they can cause electrical fires and other destruction to your home. Using the proper wattage extension cords can go a long way in preventing a hazard. Never leave space heaters unattended during those cold fall and winter nights and ensure that your fire place is clean and equipped for home usage. The rule of thumb here is to be cautious this holiday season.
If you have any questions about residential or commercial alarm systems, don’t hesitate to call Delco Alarm at 610-459-0800. Delco Alarm is based out of Aston, PA and provides service to the tri-state area including West Chester, Aston, Media, Chadds Ford, Chester, Kennett Square, Newtown Square, Glen Mills, Malvern, Exton, Downingtown, Philadelphia, Wilmington, DE and New Jersey.