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.

Extension cords are an easy fix for hooking up appliances, video game systems and even holiday decorations, but it’s important to keep safety in mind when using them. Smoke detectors and home security system equipment from companies like ADT can help alert you to fires, but take these extra steps to prevent fires before they happen.

• Read the directions: Remember that just because an extension cord is the right length, it doesn’t mean that it’s the appropriate cord for the job.

• Keep it cool: Never run the cord through a floor or wall opening, or under a rug. Keep it exposed so that it can cool properly.

• Childproof: Use outlet covers for any extension cord or power strip outlets not in use.

• Store properly: Always store outdoor and indoor extension cords indoors when not in use.

• Do not alter: Never file, cut or alter an extension cord or its plug.

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.

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.

It’s happened to all of us, the annoying call during dinner of someone trying to sell you something. Some of those callers actually are trying to sell you something, while others are posing as telemarketers to get your personal information. Help protect your home security with these tips:

• Register your number: Add your home and mobile phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry to avoid receiving telephone calls.

• Hang up: If you aren’t interested, it sounds too good to be true or the person on the line won’t stop talking, just hang up. Remember, they called you.

• Don’t pay anything: A caller asking for a fee upfront for a credit card, loan, gift or prize is a huge red flag.

• Screen calls: Pay attention to area codes that appear with calls on your caller ID. Some callers do business outside of the U.S. to avoid law enforcement or charge callers more money for call time.

• Don’t give out personal information: Companies you deal with for services like home alarm systems should already have your information on file. If someone calls and asks you to verify information, hang up and call the company’s customer service line instead.

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.

As they say, it’s a buyer’s market right now. Up your curb appeal and follow these simple suggestions to help improve your quality of life until you bait those buyers and move out:

• Detail the exterior: Update the address numbers on your house and mailbox if they look even the least bit worn. Buyers may not notice these details, but it can impact their overall impressions.

• Make an entrance: Treat your front door and entryway with special care by painting it and creating a welcome space once buyers are in the house by strategically placing furniture and decorations immediately inside the doorway.

• Fix your fixtures: Make sure that fixtures throughout the house have been dusted, and look updated and modern.

• Organize your space: Use organizational tools in your closets and pantries so potential buyers will feel like they too, can be organized if they move into your home.

• Secure the perimeter: Prominently display your home alarm system yard and window signs so home security won’t appear to be a problem.

Help your parents age comfortably and safely whether they reside in their own home or an assisted living facility. Be sure to check these areas of the place they call home to ensure their well-being:

• Bathroom: Look through the medicine cabinet and see if the amount of medicine there is equal to what your parent is supposed to be taking. Also make sure that floors are slip-proof.

• Bedroom: Test that area rugs don’t slip around and clothing is in good quality and clean. If not, take your parent shopping or make sure that the washer and dryer are easily accessed.

• Kitchen: Check the expiration dates and nutrition of the food in the fridge to make sure that your loved ones are eating healthy foods.

• Home security: Install smoke detectors or make sure existing ones still work and have batteries. Show your parent how to operate the alarm system.

Whether your kids are camping out in a tent that’s within a stone’s throw from your home and its ADT alarm system, or you’re taking them to the middle of the woods hours away from the security of your home, be sure to teach them these camping tips as part of family safety.

• Pack for seasonal changes: Look up the weather for the area you’ll be camping in ahead of time. Prepare accordingly by packing clothing for slightly cooler and warmer weather than expected. Also be sure to wear sunscreen, even on overcast days.

• Scout the campsite: Check the campsite for any debris like broken glass, needles or other hazards. Avoid setting up near any signs of animal or insect use. Look for clearings and previous fire pits before building your own.

• Stay put: Watch for landmarks and stay put when you’re lost. Equip them with whistles and teach them the universal signal for help of three blows.