Living within walking distance of a sports arena is many people’s dream, but there are extra concerns that come with it, like needing additional home security. Read below for those and other things to consider before buying a home in a sports city

• Plan around games: Fans that live within walking distance don’t really have to worry about this. But if you aren’t attending the game, plan around game-time gridlock.

• Expect large crowds: Don’t expect it to be quiet or peaceful with droves of fans pouring into your area to cheer on their team.

• Enjoy more entertainment: Bars, restaurants and other attractions are plentiful near sporting venues, so take advantage of them when they aren’t crowded with visiting fans.

• Get more security: Larger crowds will mean more people, which in turn mean more potential intruders, whether they are over-celebratory fans or career criminals. Invest in a good home alarm system to help you concentrate on pulling for the team.

Enjoy your time out on the town and don’t compromise your personal and home security by being careless. Help ensure your fun and safety with these nightlife safety tips.

• Buddy up: Partner up with someone. Having another person with you will make you less susceptible to nightlife hazards.

• Tell someone else: Let someone else know where you’re going ahead of time in case an emergency happens.

• Be aware of surroundings: Know the address of the club you’re going to and the location of its emergency exits.

• Guard your drink: Never accept a drink that you didn’t see prepared. Also hold onto it to help prevent someone from slipping something malicious into it.

• Return home carefully: A home security system can help give you peace of mind, but also rely on your instincts. If a suspicious person follows you home, go to a well-lit, busy public place and call 911.

Activating your ADT alarm system before you leave home isn’t the only preparation you need to help protect you and your family at big sporting events. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re cheering on the team so an accident doesn’t spoil a great win:

• Guard against flying objects: Watch for fly balls, tires or any other sporting equipment while sitting in the stands. Also be sure to look out for your children’s sake, as well.

• Dress for the weather: Don’t go to a baseball game without sunscreen or a the Super Bowl in a T-shirt. Check weather conditions ahead of time and bring appropriate items.

• Watch your valuables: Keep your valuables in pockets inside your clothing or in hard-to-reach compartments. Just because everyone is cheering together doesn’t mean that there aren’t people looking for loopholes in your personal security.

Remodeling to make a return investment on your home is about keeping up with your neighbors, rather than carrying out huge additions or projects. Here are five updates that will help potential buyers want to sign on the dotted line.

1. Siding: First impressions do last and no matter how beautiful a home is on the inside, buyers will remember an unattractive exterior.
2. Deck: A well-outfitted one will be a source of enjoyment for you and potential buyers.
3. Security system: Also display the yard signs and window decals. Seeing evidence of an ADT home alarm system gives off the appearance of a safe neighborhood.
4. Bathroom: Remodeling the small, but often-used room costs less than others, but be sure to stick with neutral fixtures in the décor scheme that can be easily swapped out.
5. Landscaping: Focus on the doorway and attract attention to it with plant-it-yourself foliage.

ATM’s aren’t just convenient for you – they’re also convenient for potential thieves.  It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re outside the safety of your home and its security system. But when you’re at the ATM, it’s essential to keep your guard up and practice caution.

Be careful with these tips:

1. Prepare beforehand: Fill out all appropriate paperwork and endorse all checks before you go to the ATM. Time spent doing such things at the ATM is more time for someone to approach you.
2. Decrease temptation: Don’t wear expensive-looking jewelry or bring any overtly expensive-looking items that could make you a target.
3. Bring a friend: Avoid going to an ATM alone. It’s difficult to watch your surroundings and complete your bank transaction at the same time. Make sure that your friend accompanies you to the ATM.
4. Be aware: Keep watch of other people over your shoulder and decline any offers to help you complete your transaction. Shield the keypad and screen from others’ view.
5. Leave if you’re uncomfortable: If the area is dimly lit or looks suspicious, leave. The inconvenience of finding another ATM is worth not becoming a victim of crime.

For peace of mind at home order an ADT home alarm system now.

A beautiful lawn and garden can seem like the perfect place for children to play, but there are many overlooked hazards that compromise home safety lurking among the foliage and the tools you use to make it beautiful. Extend the protection that ADT offers to your green pride and joy with these tips.

* Bodies of water: Fence in and educate children about water gardens and ponds as drowning hazards.

* Plants: Keep play areas free of plants with thorns or prickly parts. Also tell children not to eat anything found in the garden because some common plants are toxic.

* Fertilizers: Lock fertilizers and other substances away from a child’s reach, and teach them not to eat them. Also wash your hands before handling food.

* Insects: Plant insect-attracting plants away from play areas.

* Tools: Store sharp tools behind locked doors when not in use and teach children to stay away from them.

Fixer-upper homes aren’t for the faint of heart. If you’ve decided to take the plunge and put some hard work into your home, be smart about it. Take these steps to ensure that investing in a fixer-upper is worth your time and money.

* Determine your time line: Whether you’re trying to flip the house as soon as possible or gradually make improvements while you’re living in it, plan ahead for improvements and give yourself plenty of time.

* Secure your investment: Improving a fixer-upper will get the attention of buyers – and potential criminals. Make sure that your money isn’t going to waste by helping secure your home and deterring break-ins by buying a home alarm system.

* Research contractors: Get referrals from friends and seasoned renovation experts. Check each referral with the Better Business Bureau before making a commitment.

* Assess the costs: Get multiple estimates for projects – whether you’re hiring them out or doing them yourself – and set aside money for extra and hidden costs.

* Reap your reward: Know when to sell and buy in the market. This can help save you time, money and frustration in the long run.

Having a dog can be a great addition to your home security system in helping ward off potential intruders. But puppies can get into all kinds of trouble around the house, so when you decide to adopt a furry friend, follow these tips to help keep your puppy safe.

* Guard heat sources: Never leave a space heater or open flame unattended with your puppy. Put up screens or barriers around sources like radiators and fireplaces. Also be sure that smoke detectors and any heat sensors as part of a home alarm system are working properly.

* Hide chemicals: Put chemicals and any household cleaners away so that your puppy won’t be tempted to taste them.

* Keep cords out of reach: Your puppy may confuse a colorful cord from your favorite electronic appliance with a chew toy so keep them out of his or her reach, and sight if possible.

Falls are a huge safety concern for older adults and according to the Center for Disease Control, they are the biggest cause of injury deaths in that demographic. These items are great additions to any bathroom to help prevent falls and other injuries.

* Grab bars: Install them in places near the tub and toilet at the appropriate height for the resident.

* Higher toilet seat: Help make going to the restroom less of a chore with a toilet seat that is easier to sit on and rise from.

* Rug-free floors: It’s best to avoid using floor rugs. But if it’s necessary, make sure they are non-skid.

* Smoke detectors: Check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have properly working batteries. Consider purchasing heat sensors as part of a home security system so residents will have more time to get out in less of rush in case of a fire.

* Hand-held shower and bench: Make unassisted showering easier with an easily-installed bench and hand-held shower head.

Concentrate on enjoying your new family member rather than fretting about his or her safety while they rest. Follow these guidelines to help make your nursery safe.

• Crib: Make sure the crib is assembled properly with no loose parts or screws and that the mattress fits tightly into the frame. Crib slats should be close enough together so that a baby’s body can’t fit in between them.

• Outlet plugs: Put safety plugs in all outlets that are not in use.

• Smoke detectors: Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the room. Also consider a home alarm system like ADT that can include heat sensors.

• Safe sleepwear: Dress your baby in flame-resistant or snug-fitting sleepwear. Don’t place stuffed animals or pillows in the crib and opt for sleepers rather than blankets to help prevent asphyxiation.

• Child locks: Secure choking hazards of toys and potentially poisonous cleaning products with child safety locks.