In the excitement of a new school year, it’s easy to let important issues go by the wayside. But home security and back to school safety should be at the top of every parent’s mind. As students head back to school, it’s important to sit down with your children and refresh them on the best ways to stay safe. Below, you’ll find some simple tips that will help to keep your kids safe this fall.

Refresh them on the basics: After a summer away at camp or spending lazy days at the pool, kids can forget how important it is to focus on safety. Remind them that they should never walk alone to and from school or the bus stop. Create an emergency plan for what your child should do if he/she is approached by a stranger. If your child is home alone after school, create a list of home safety rules for them to follow.

Schedule a home alarm lesson: Whether your home security system is brand new or you’ve had it for years, sit your kids down for a refresher course. Show them how to arm the alarm system and how to signal for help if you have an ADT digital keypad. Remind kids that the security code is meant to be kept a secret from everyone outside of the immediate family. Also consider creating a safety plan for the family in case of an emergency.

Talk to your children about bullies: Immortalized in movies like Mean Girls and The Sandlot, bullying is an issue that needs to be taken seriously. Recent tragedies across the United States show the need to confront this problem head-on. Let your kids know that it’s okay to talk to a trusted teacher or school official if they feel threatened at any time.

Help your child enjoy a safe, fulfilling start to the 2009 school year. Take the time to reach out and talk about home security and school safety, so your kids can benefit from a memorable and safe year.

Over the years, homes face wear and tear that impacts their appearance, value and most importantly – their safety. People too often assume that if their home hasn’t been broken into, it’s safe. However, it’s essential to inspect your house and make home security updates every few years.

Start with the doors. The front door is the entry point of choice for 53% of burglars. Have you lent keys to neighbors, left a key under the mat for an extended period of time or given a key to your housekeeper? When moving into a new home it’s important to change all the locks. But it’s also important to do this every few years. There’s a chance the trusted people you’ve given keys to have misplaced them or made extra copies without your permission. Install 1-inch deadbolt locks for better home security.

ADT Security offers door and window sensors as part of their home security system, which are extremely helpful.  When someone breaks in, the alarm sounds and ADT and the police are immediately notified.

Buy some new batteries. While you can upgrade your ADT security system to monitor for smoke, flooding and carbon monoxide, it’s also important to check the batteries on all home detectors. Your chance of escaping a home fire increases by more than 50 percent when your smoke detector is working properly.

It’s also important to update odds and ends around the house. Replace burnt out bulbs from outdoor lighting fixtures. Well-lit entryways can make your home less appealing to burglars. Check the windows and update any loose windows frames and old locks.

To increase the overall safety of your home, install an ADT alarm system and make the most of all the features ADT offers. From the 24/7 home monitoring to the yard signs and window decals, everything will help protect your house. Plus, your home is three times less likely to be burglarized when you have a monitored home alarm.

ADT Security Services has been offering monitored burglary protection to homes and businesses for more than a century.  That long history has enabled ADT to develop a state-of-the-art monitoring system that surpasses all other home security providers, and has helped the company earn the title: “America’s #1 Home Security Provider”.

It’s a huge honor, but it comes with responsibility.  To show customers how seriously it takes that responsibility, ADT offers several guarantees to back up this claim.

First, ADT offers the Theft Protection Guarantee.  If your home is burglarized while your ADT system is armed, ADT pays your insurance deductible (up to $500).*  That’s pretty darn good.

Next, there’s the ADT Money-Back Service Guarantee.  If, within 6 months of installation, you’re unsatisfied with your ADT security system, ADT will refund your installation and monitoring fees if your concerns cannot be resolved.*  That’s a hassle-free guarantee many companies can’t — and won’t — offer.

Then there’s the Mover’s Security Guarantee.  If you move after two years of ADT service, ADT will provide a FREE ADT Security System for your new home, plus a 10% discount on upgrades.  That’s a value of up to $749!  The Premium Mover’s Package shows just how much ADT values its customers.  No matter where you’re moving, with ADT, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston or even Miami isn’t too far away to take the comfort of ADT security with you.

The last, and certainly not least, of ADT’s great customer guarantees is the Homeowner’s Insurance Discount offer.*  If you purchase an ADT security system, you could save up to 20% on your homeowner’s insurance.  This offer varies by insurance company, but it’s certainly worth asking your insurance agent if you qualify.

ADT Home Security makes customers its No. 1 priority.  Is it any wonder ADT is the No. 1 home security provider?

For great deals on ADT Home Security, check out these great offers.

* Certain restrictions apply. See reverse side of actual ADT Guarantee certificate for complete details.
** To qualify for the Movers Security Guarantee , you must have been with ADT for at least two years and your ADT account must be in good standing. You must also provide ADT with the name and telephone number of the new occupant of your former residence. Discount does not apply to purchase of the Safewatch ® Family package of the Safewatch ® Premier package in your new home. This discount cannot be combined with any other offers and is valid for residential customers only.

It’s the start of the Fall semester and college students around the country are gearing up for new classes, football season and fun with friends. Unfortunately, not enough students are concerned about safety. College campuses can give students a false sense of security, but the facts don’t lie. Each year, nearly 40,000 burglaries occur at colleges and universities across the country. The crime statistics are staggering – especially the ones revealing that most crimes committed are by fellow students. If you’re a college student or the parent of a college student, make sure you follow or share these safety precautions with others.

Be cautious at night. It’s not safe to walk home alone following a late night at the library or bar. Even if your campus is small or other students are walking around, find a friend to walk with. Many older campuses are not well-lit and ending up alone on a dark street is not a safe situation for anyone. Find out if your school has campus emergency transportation or “safe rides” for students alone at night and use them.

Lock your doors no matter where you live. Burglars are finding easier ways to get into dorms and access apartment buildings. Keep your dorm room locked at all times and even lock the windows when you leave. If you live in a house on or off campus, consider installing an ADT security system. Also make sure to hide valuables when you leave town for an extended period of time.

A growing number of colleges offer self-defense classes for students. Find a friend who is willing to join with you. It’s a great way to prepare yourself in case a dangerous situation arises. Following even the most basic safety precautions will help too. Always be aware of your surroundings when getting in and out of your car – especially at night. If you work late or take night classes, consider carrying pepper spray on your key chain. When it comes to campus safety, follow your instincts and always stick with friends.

These tips were brought to you by All Home Security, your online source for information about ADT Home Security. ADT Security is America’s #1 choice for home security.