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.

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.

Whether you’re moving to a small rental space or just downsizing, deciding what to keep and get rid of can be tough. Help ease your transition and live efficiently with these tips.

1. Get rid of clutter: Sell, donate or give away old furniture and belongings that won’t fit in your new place. Additional items will just make your place look smaller.
2. Don’t skimp on home security: Be sure to have an ADT home alarm system installed in your new place to help give you peace of mind in your new dwelling and unfamiliar neighborhood.
3. Use all your space: Don’t let useful space go to waste. Invest in furniture that has hidden storage spaces like a shelved coffee table or ottoman.
4. Distinguish areas: Group together furniture to create seating areas in an apartment with few walls. This will make your space seem larger and homier.
5. Decorate temporarily: Buy decorations that can be moved or taken down on a whim like wall hangings and floor lamps. This will help you keep from committing to one particular style of décor and ease your transition to another place.

Whether you’re cleaning out the gutters or hanging holiday lights, don’t pull a Clark Griswold in “Christmas Vacation” by having an extension ladder fold up on you. Follow these tips to ensure that home safety extends past your ADT home alarm system.

• Cleat: Create or buy a 2×4 cleat, drive two stakes into the group and screw the cleat into the steaks to help steady the ladder.

• Good standing: Place the ladder on clear, level, dry ground only. Avoid snow, mud and ice.

• ¼ rule: Stand the ladder from the house one-fourth of the distance of its height.

• No outer limits: Don’t over- reach or out-reach while using the ladder.

Road trips take lots of planning, so when you’re mapping out your route and the stops along the way, make sure to prepare with these tips to help promote family safety and fun.

• Get a tune-up: Get your car serviced by a certified mechanic so you won’t have to deal with surprising auto problems while out on the open road.

• Prepare for the worst: Pack an emergency kit with a cell phone, flares, water, blanks, a flashlight, a first-aid kit and tools to change a tire.

• Lock up at home: Make sure your home and valuables inside are secure with a home alarm system. Ask neighbors to pick up your mail daily and alert you to any suspicious activity around your home.

• Sleep restfully: Never drive without a good night’s rest and switch driving duty with an adult every few hours.

• Take breaks: Even those who are along for the ride need a break every once in a while. Plan stops so everyone can have bathrooms breaks and time to stretch their legs.

When it comes to emergencies it’s always best to be prepared – which means having security measures like a home alarm system. But it’s also important to have a plan. If your family doesn’t already have a fire drill plan, make sure to implement one with these simple steps:

1. Make a plan: Draw a map of the house, mark two exits for each room and decide where you will meet in the event of a fire. Post 911 and emergency numbers by each phone.
2. Test smoke alarms: Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and heat sensors  are functioning properly.  If you have an ADT home security system,it’s easy to upgrade the system to monitor for these emergencies. You should also regularly check to make sure monitors have working batteries.
3. Clear exit routes: Check that all windows and doors are easily opened from the inside and all marked exits are clear.
4. Do a walk-through: Go through the plan slowly so each member will know how to execute it in a real-life situation.
5. Practice the drill: Watch children to make sure that they exit the house appropriately and practice the drill as if there is actually a fire.
6. Talk it over: Work through any kinks of the drill’s execution and post the plan on your fridge.