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.

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.

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.

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.

No matter what big city you’re heading to for vacation – New York, Atlanta or somewhere abroad – it’s important to remember that seemingly friendly situations can take a turn when you’re not familiar with your surroundings. Use caution when you’re out of town and away from the comfort of your home alarm system. Follow these helpful safety tips and have fun in the big city:

• Avoid bringing valuables: Avoid wearing flashy, expensive-looking jewelry that will get the attention of potential thieves. Put any valuable papers or passports in your hotel’s safe deposit box. Never leave them in your room.

• Keep bags close: Carry wallets in inside pockets instead of in your rear pants pocket. Carry your pocketbook close to your body when walking, keep it in your lap while dining out or seated anywhere in public, and leave credit cards and cash in your pockets.

• Use verified vehicles: If you need a car service contact a company directly. Never enter a solicited vehicle offering to take you to your destination for a fee. According to the NYPD, in New York City yellow medallion taxis are the only vehicles allowed to pick up fares on the street.

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.

Moving into a new place can be exciting, but just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you should forget about home security precautions that homeowners typically follow.

• Points of entry: All windows and doors should lock properly. Alert your landlord if they are damaged or seem faulty.

• Deadbolt required: A deadbolt that opens with a key from the outside is a must for any home. One on your bedroom door can also slow down an intruder from getting to your valuables inside.

• Lock changes: Some landlords will re-key properties when renters change. If your landlord won’t re-key your lock, it’s worth paying the money yourself to keep a former tenant from burglarizing your home.

• Monitoring services: Some rentals come equipped with a home security system provided by the landlord. Make sure that you know how to use and activate the system.

Feeling safe at home is essential. But  installing your home’s security system on your own isn’t. Don’t hassle with DIY home security systems. Instead, trust the professionals at ADT, which have helped protect American homes and businesses for more than 130 years.

If you still aren’t convinced, check out these reasons why you should let America’s #1 home security provider handle your home alarm system:

• Comprehensive monitoring: Rest easy with home monitoring for police, fire and medical emergencies.

• Around-the-clock monitoring: Security professionals monitor your home 24/7 at four interconnected command centers. You can feel peace-of-mind knowing that these professionals are on the lookout while you’re at work and the kids are at school.

• Simple controls: The system’s digital keypad makes it easy for people of all ages to use and the keychain remote allows you to arm or disarm the system from your driveway or bedside table.