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02
Mar 2010
Posted by Jason
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Tuesday Tips: Don’t get burned!

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.
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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.

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Posted in: Home Security, Tuesday tip

23
Feb 2010
Posted by Jason
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Tuesday Tips: Prevent chimney fires

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.

Chimney fire

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.

Read More

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Posted in: Home Security, Tuesday tip

16
Feb 2010
Posted by Jason
2 comments

Tuesday Tips: Sign up for safety

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.

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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.

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Posted in: Business Security, Home Security, Tuesday tip

09
Feb 2010
Posted by Jason
1 comment

Tuesday Tips: Picking a security company

There are loads of security companies out there clamoring for your business. How do you cut through the clutter and find the best fit and price? Obviously, we’re a little biased when we say this, but we think Monitronics is the way to go for residential or business security systems. Here’s a checklist for how to pick a security company and a bit about how Moni measures up.

    Security
    You want to know that your company is watching your premises at all times. Is the monitoring central station 24/7? Are they Five-Diamond Certified? We are both.

    Response
    How fast can the company respond to your alarm? Every second matters in an emergency. In 2009, our average response time was 22.1 seconds.

    Trust
    Who are you letting in your door? Are they well-trained and vetted? Our Monitronics authorized dealers go through background checks and are experts at security assessments and installations. They know how to customize a security system to fit your needs.

    Guarantee
    What happens if you have a problem with your system down the road? What’s the policy on fixing it? Monitronics’ lifetime service guarantee is great insurance. Generally speaking, it covers the parts and labor on your system with a reasonable deductible for any service request.

    Convenience
    With an online MyMonitronics account, you can pay your bill, update emergency contacts, test your system, and more.

    Portability
    Will your company relocate your home alarm system for free? We will!

Since 1994, we’ve been earning the trust of our customers through our proven performance and customer service. Let us prove ourselves to you.  Visit us online and we’ll connect you with a Monitronics authorized dealer in your area. If you prefer to call, you can reach us by phone at 800-290-0709.

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Posted in: Business Security, Home Security, Tuesday tip

02
Feb 2010
Posted by Jason
1 comment

Tuesday Tips: Reduce false alarms

False alarms are a waste of time and resources for everyone: you, emergency responders, and your alarm monitoring company. And in municipalities with false alarm ordinances and permit requirements, it can earn you a hefty fine if police or fire respond and there’s nothing wrong.

Perhaps worst of all, when you have many false alarms with your monitored alarm system, people will start to ignore them, which means in the event of a real emergency, you are up a creek, so to speak. So what to do to reduce them? Read on.

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Reducing False Alarms: A How To Guide

* Test your system once a month to ensure that it is working properly. Let more about doing that with your MyMonitronics account here.

* Keep your emergency contact up to date so that if your system goes off and we can’t reach you, one of them can either turn off the system or let you know about it. You can also do this with your MyMonitronics account.

* Train all expected visitors, like babysitters, housekeepers, or friends, on how to operate you system.

* Make sure your system is configured for your pets. Monitronics offers pet-immune motion detectors that “recognize” pets up to about 45 pounds.

* If you remodel your home and make interior changes, like adding drapes, moving large furniture, or adding ceiling fans, review your security system design with your authorized Monitronics dealer to ensure continued comprehensive protection.

* Secure all doors and windows so that they won’t trigger an alarm if blown open.

* Do not intentionally set off your monitored alarm for any reason other than a crime, fire, or medical emergency.

* False alarms are often triggered by circuit breakers that are not powered–keep on top of that.

* Clean the sensor lens on your smoke detectors and motion sensors regularly. Bugs, gunk or dust
 can trigger an alarm.

* Keep batteries fresh and within their expiration date.

* Adjust your system so that an alarm signal will sound for no longer than 10 minutes after being activated.

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Posted in: Business Security, Home Security, Tuesday tip