Did you know that around 80% of all burns occurs in or around the home? They’re totally preventable in both adults and children! Getting burned is a traumatic experience both physically and mentally, so be cautious and stay safe.

Burn prevention tips from Monitronics

* Keep water heater temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower

* Don’t cook at the stove with kids underfoot

* Turn handles of pots toward the back of the store and don’t leave pots unattended

* Never pour hot liquids while holding a child

* Check temperature of bath water before placing a child in it and don’t ever leave a child unattended in the tub

* Put matches and lighters in unreachable or locked location

* Keep key out of the gas control and put a heavy cover in front of the fireplace

* Use safety plugs in electrical outlets

* Avoid chemical burns by moving all dangerous products to an unreachable place

* Slather on the sunscreen when outside

* Install smoke alarms in multiple locations around the house (each floor and bedroom) and test monthly

* Candles are dangerous. Don’t leave them unattended.

I recently noticed that the back metal wall in our fireplace looks loose. When I push on it with a fire poker, it bows a little. Freak out! I love our cozy winter fires, but am acutely aware that our delightful fire could burn the house down. So what to do? Clearly we need to get a chimney check, which turns out to be tip #1 in the top ten provided by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Here’s how to stay safe, from their site.

1. Get an annual chimney check. Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a qualified professional chimney service technician. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys.

2. Keep it clear. Keep tree branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.

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Most folks don’t realize it, but one of the most effective crime deterrents is a little piece of metal. A Monitronics yard sign let’s criminals know that your home or business is protected 24/7 by our award-winning central station.

Some people buy fake signs on the Internet, hoping for some protection that way, but bad guys visit the same sites you do and know which signs are real and which ones are pseudo. Monitronics has been around for 15 years and is a known player in the industry. Our signs mean business.

Criminals look for easy marks and your monitored alarm system let’s them know your place is off limits. You’re a harder target. To get the most out of your yard sign, remember these things:

1. Replace old signs with new, highly visible ones.2.The effectiveness of the security yard sign depends on its placement: put it next to your front door, the curb next to the driveway, a flower bed, or by the garage door.

3. Get some Moni security stickers and place them on windows and other doors around the premises.

If you need a new yard sign, call customer service at 800-447-9239 and we’ll send you one right away.