As a source of warmth or as a decorative way to celebrate the winter weather, wood burning stoves are often a cost-effective way to lower electricity bills. However, these beautiful sources of heat do require proper use and awareness of potential safety problems. A plume of thick smoke from a clogged stove or a wayward spark can create an out-of-control fire in minutes if a homeowner isn t careful.Minimize Creosote BuildupSales of wood-burning stoves have been skyrocketing, according to retailers, but many families have been using their stoves for heat for many years. Over time, contaminants can build up impeding proper operation of the stove. Maintaining the wood-burning stove may require a professional s tools, but keeping the stove area clean on a regular basis should minimize buildup of contaminants during the winter season.Additionally, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that safe operation may be enhanced through the use of a thermometer that can measure the temperature in
http://www.alarmcoinc.com/wood-burning-stove-safety-tips/Monday, December 23, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Does Geotagging Affect Home Security in Idaho?
Geotagging poses significant security risks, particularly as an aspect of social media. Even the military is concerned that its soldiers, sailors or marines could inadvertently distribute sensitive information through geotagging. In fact, the U.S. military lost four AH-64 Apache helicopters because the enemy was able to use a geotagged image uploaded to the Internet to discern their location. The risk has become so real for the military that all branches have actually integrated it into their training for new and established personnel alike.What Is Geotagging?A geotag is metadata that exists within an image or other media. Geotagging is the process of inserting that metadata into the image, video, SMS message, QR code, RSS feed and so forth. A geotag includes at minimum latitude and longitude, but it can also consist of accuracy data, altitude, bearing, distance and even the names of places. Geotagging has many very fun and practical uses. If, for instance, an adventurer were to photo
http://www.alarmcoinc.com/does-geotagging-affect-home-security-in-idaho/Wednesday, December 18, 2013
New Year’s Eve Safety and Security Tips
New Year s celebrations commonly feature raucous and all-night parties, but it s important to remember that some gatherings can get out of control if participants aren t aware of simple holiday safety tips. Thieves and criminals know that people let their guard down during holiday parties because it s so easy to have fun and relax with friends and family. However, this doesn t mean it s okay to forget about having good home security in Idaho that keeps revelers safe.Be Safe with AlcoholOne of the biggest contributions to dangerous New Year s celebrations is consumption of alcohol. Toasting with friends and popping the cork on a special bottle of wine is a great way to ring in the New Year, but for anyone who has decided to put alcohol on the menu, there are some important safety considerations to handle before the party begins. Designate a driver or a dry participant for the party Leave the cars at home or ask revelers to arrive by taxicab Know when to stop with alcohol and recognize
http://www.alarmcoinc.com/new-years-eve-safety-and-security-tips/Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Security in Boise Starts with New Year’s Resolutions
Most people make a New Year s resolution to lose weight, smoke less, or stop a bad habit, but a valuable post-holiday exercise is examining the family s home security to determine whether there might be any weaknesses in the system. Thieves today may use any number of tricks and devices to gain entry into an unsuspecting family s home. The arrival of the new year is a perfect time to get the family together and look at the home s safety and security systems. Burglars Get CreativeSecurity devices like surveillance cameras and alarms are an important part of comprehensive home defense; however, it s also essential for homeowners to consider that thieves don t always approach homes in the dead of night. A recent story reveals that criminals can talk their way into homes with ease when a homeowner isn t aware of the lengths to which a thief might go to get into a home.Ensure Smart Security DesignHome security systems may be designed to include any number of modern devices with wireless te
http://www.alarmcoinc.com/security-in-boise-starts-with-new-years-resolutions/Friday, December 13, 2013
Keeping Your Home Safe with Proper Candle Use
With windy and snowy conditions outside, the welcoming environment of a room lit by candles is a wonderful way to enjoy a winter evening. However, candles do represent a significant fire danger if they re not used properly and with safety awareness. A report in 2012 from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests that there were over 11,600 fires started by candles from 2006 to 2010. Incredibly, these fires caused around 126 deaths every single year.No family wants to experience the tragedy of an accidental fire, so it is important to use candles properly. Just because a candle looks small and non-threatening, doesn t mean that it s harmless. The NFPA suggests that holidays like New Year s Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day usually see a boost in the number of fires that occur. Knowledge of conditions that may make it likely that a candle fire may start is the best way to improving safety and security in Boise.Bedroom FiresA large number of candle fires begin because
http://www.alarmcoinc.com/keeping-your-home-safe-with-proper-candle-use/Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Fireplace Safety and Home Security in Boise
Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are a common feature of many American homes. The increased use of these toasty devices in winter means that homeowners must revisit essential fireplace safety each year and engage in responsible operation alongside smoke detectors from a home security system.
http://www.alarmcoinc.com/fireplace-safety-and-home-security-in-boise/Wednesday, October 30, 2013
What You Need to Know about Apartment Security Systems:Home Security in Boise Advice
If you live in an apartment, you may be under the mistaken impression that you are unable to use an alarm system from a home security company to protect your living space. Many apartment dwellers believe this because they have clauses in their leases that severely restrict the types of modifications they can make to their apartments. However, there is a way to install an alarm system in your apartment by using service options provided by home security specialists in Boise. Here is a look at an exciting development that will help you keep your apartment secure from thieves.The Power of WirelessBecause a majority of home alarm systems installed by Idaho home security companies are wired directly into the building s electric system, they are impossible to use in most apartments. Forward-thinking companies have come up with an option for apartment residents that uses a wireless network to provide the same security options as a hardwired system.It is very simple to install a wireless alarm
http://www.alarmcoinc.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-apartment-security-systemshome-security-in-boise-advice/