Tips Page

Security

Install outdoor security lighting. Motion activated lights will deter many home or business intruders.
Trim any trees or hedges near windows. Trimming helps prevent possible intruders from hiding behind foliage.
Put lights on a timer and set the on/off timer on your television while on vacation to give the illusion of being home. Better yet, have a friend or neighbor check on your house regularly.
Lock all doors and windows while home and while away. This includes an entrance from an attached garage.
Do not leave a message on your answering machine saying you are away from home.
We do not recommend the use of burglar bars on windows. These can prevent escape in a home fire.
Remove your house keys from your car keys when dropping off your car for service.
Regular door locks are not enough. Have dead bolts professionally installed.
Lay metal or wooden rods into sliding door tracks.

Fire

Test your smoke and CO alarms on a regular basis.
Do not remove batteries from smoke detectors during cooking. You may forget to replace the battery. Instead, fan the smoke away with a cloth or paper.
Teach your young children and teenagers a fire escape plan, and practice it regularly. Practice makes perfect, and even older teens can become confused and disoriented during an emergency situation. Please take the time to learn a Fire Escape Plan today, and practice it tomorrow.
Keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen and near fireplaces wood stoves.
Store flammable chemicals in a locked shed outside the home.
Do not overload outlets.
Have electrical work done by a licensed electrician.
Keep furniture and curtains away from heaters.
Never leave space heaters unattended.
Above all..... if there is a fire, GET OUT and never re-enter a burning building. Let the firefighters save the lives.