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.

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.

Just because your child is playing in the backyard – close to your home and its alarm system – it doesn’t guarantee that an accident won’t occur. And if other parents or children won’t be around to alert you of an accident, it’s even more important to take the appropriate steps to improve you child’s home safety.

Use these basic tips to help keep children safe while they’re at play:

• Close proximity: Never let children play on equipment out of your sight. Kids will more likely be careful with you around and when an accident does happen, you’ll be there to help. Also keep a mobile or wireless phone nearby in case you need to call emergency services.

• Soft landings: Cover the ground below and around equipment with soft materials like rubber mulch, pea gravel or hardwood chips so when falls happen, these materials – rather than pavement or grass – will soften the blow and help protect from serious injuries.

• “Fall zone:” Make sure soft ground coverings reach out in a six-foot radius from equipment and each piece of equipment is at least six feet apart to allow for a proper “fall zone.” If your child falls, this will ensure that is nothing in their way except for the soft ground covering.

Everyone knows the feeling of opening the door with an armful of groceries, only to have to quickly set them down to shut off the home alarm. Of course, it makes sense that you have to quickly disarm your alarm once you get home: that’s part of what makes your ADT security system such an effective form of home security. Fortunately, ADT also provides easy ways to arm and disarm your home security system with the touch of a button.

ADT wireless home security systems make arming and disarming your home alarm possible from just about anywhere in the house. With the keychain remote you can turn your alarm on and off from the driveway. This means you don’t have to worry about tripping over anything in your effort to hit the lights and get to the alarm panel fast enough, and it also means that if you forgot to set the alarm after you already locked the door, you can actually do that without having to get your keys out again and go back inside. It’s exactly the kind of development that makes things easier without making anything less secure – another example of ADT’s industry leading technology at work.

While there’s a lot of helpful information out there about home security, there are also several myths that need to be addressed. Here are 3 common home security myths and the truth behind each one:

Myth #1 Pets and some security systems don’t mix. People often think that pets will set off home security sensors, preventing them from installing a security system. When you choose an ADT monitored home security system, you can get pet sensors so you won’t have to stress about false alarms. So don’t worry about Fluffy or Fido, and know that you can still up your home security while being a loving pet owner.

Myth #2 The more you pay, the better protection you get. The truth is that it’s how you utilize your home security purchases, not how much you spend on them, that really matters. So if you’re going to make an upgrade or install high-tech security cameras or deadbolt locks, realize that staying within your means can still be extremely effective. And remember to put your home security items to good use – always activate the home alarm and lock the doors.

Myth #3 Parents should be the only ones to activate the home alarm. The truth is that if everyone knows how to arm and disarm the home security system, you’ll have a fully functioning system. Even if you have a teenager, it’s better to stress the importance of keeping the information confidential and knowing your teen can set the alarm than not teaching them how to arm it and having them leave your house less secure. Definitely invest the time in teaching everyone how to make things work, and you’ll do wonders for your home security.

Most property owners picture deadbolts, motions sensors and an ADT home alarm system when it comes to proper home security. All of these items are crucial in the fight against criminal activity, but they’re also just part of the battle. Before these pieces come into play, a burglar must first surmount the exterior security measures that are in place around your home. Below, we’ve detailed some of the things you can do to improve the home security around your property.

Build a Fence: Obviously, you won’t be putting any barbed wire around your property. Your home doesn’t need to resemble a maximum security prison to thwart criminals, however. One huge point is deterrence; if a thief thinks he will have even the slightest trouble entering your home, he’ll likely skip it for the next house on the block.

Plant Some Bushes: Rose bushes strategically placed can go a long way toward protecting the points of entry. Windows on the first floor are easily breached, but prickly thorns will keep criminals out.

Park Your Car Inside: If you have a garage available, park your car inside. Leaving a vehicle exposed to prying eyes can have disastrous consequences. Rather than giving criminals any ideas, keep your expensive cars and SUVs in the garage.

Enclose Your Pool: There’s nothing better than a pool on a hot day, but it’s crucial to make sure the water is enclosed so young children are at no risk of falling in and drowning.

Start your home security makeover. By the end of the renovation, you’ll have created a safe cocoon for your family.

For high school and college students across the United States, spring break is something to look forward to the entire year. Warm weather and fun provide a wonderful break from the drudgery of school and winter. There’s nothing more thrilling than a new destination, but in all of the excitement, it’s crucial to remember the basic tenets of home security. Before you leave and during your vacation, keep the following tips in mind to help ensure a smooth, safe and enjoyable spring break holiday.

You’re Not the Only One Looking Forward to Spring Break: Criminals get excited about holidays too, because they know there will be plenty of easy targets for them to burglarize. Spring break is no exception, especially in college towns where the entire population empties out. Combat the possibility of a break-in by deadbolting all locks and arming your ADT home security system. Temporarily stopping mail and newspaper delivery is also a good way to lower the chance of an intrusion.

Personal Safety While You’re Away: Personal safety extends outside of where you live on a day-to-day basis. While you’re on vacation, take the same precautions that you would if you were at home. Feel free to relax and enjoy your vacation, but never lose sight of your friends, and never let anyone into your hotel room.

Don’t take the chance of ruining your vacation. With a few simple precautions, enjoying your spring break and maintaining home security can go hand in hand.

Traveling and experiencing new places is one of the most exciting parts of life. Leaving your home, however, can present a need for increased security. Home security is relatively easy, because you perform the same routine, day after day. For example, each morning when you leave your house or apartment, you arm your ADT home alarm system. When traveling abroad or in the United States, there’s no comparable safety net. Start preparing for your next trip with these top safety tips for travelers.

Research Your Destination: Gather some basic info about where you’re going. If it’s somewhere remotely dangerous, check the State Department’s website for warnings.

Have a Backup Plan: Recent natural disasters in Haiti, Italy, Thailand and Indonesia have shown us that catastrophic events can strike anywhere, anytime. Make sure you have a backup plan at all times in case of emergency.

Carry Insurance: Travel insurance can be a great idea for a big trip. Add to basic coverage with a package that pays for evacuation by helicopter or jet.

Travel With a Friend or Family Member: Help reduce the risk of an accident by traveling with someone else. That’s in addition to the joy you’ll share experiencing new things with someone you care about.

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: You never want to let your guard down while you’re away from home. Be cautious and avoid drugs and alcohol.

Arm Your Home Security System: Your ADT home alarm system is only effective if it’s armed. Make sure you set the control panel before you leave your property.

Keep Up Appearances at Home: Performing basic home security tasks like having the mail taken in and keeping your driveway shoveled will create the impression that you’re still in your home, which is a huge deterrent to would-be criminals.

Don’t Draw Attention to Yourself: Flashy jewelry and rowdy behavior makes you a target. Remember that you’re not in Kansas anymore, and do your best to blend into the scenery.

Traveling safely is an important extension of home security. Make sure you are focused on safety both inside and outside of the home.

I was reading some online news the other day when I came across on article about an elderly woman who had been the victim of a violent burglary. My heart was shaken by the story. I could not help but be saddened by the woman’s situation.

This situation is not an isolated incident. Across the country there are seniors living alone or with a companion that do not have adequate security. Often when these people become the victim of a violent break-in the perpetrator is from the neighborhood or knows that the home is occupied by seniors.

There are some things that seniors can do to make sure that they are protected from this type of crime. Here are a couple of quick tips for seniors:
•    Have your locks checked and replace any locks that are not of good quality or are not working.
•    When you leave the home make sure that you are accompanied by family and friends. This can minimize the potential of an attack as you leave the residence.
•    Do not open the door for anyone other than trusted friends and family.
•    If someone comes to the door for official business whether it be to drop off a package or check the meter ask for ID and call their company to verify there presence at your home.
•    Do not leave any keys outside the home under mats, in key holders, or under a plant. These are prime locations for people to look for keys to enter your home.

The most important thing that you can do to secure the home and protect senior residents is to invest in a home security system. I am a firm believer in keeping our independence as we age. Installing a security system with monitoring services can give your family the peace of mind that your home will be monitored 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It can allow you to rest easy and enjoy your time spent at home without fear of a break-in.

When looking for a home security system, find a trusted name in the industry such as ADT Security Services, Brinks, or Honeywell. ADT Security Services is the leading name in home security around the globe. Millions of customers are protecting themselves with their Safewatch QuickConnect system.

All of these systems work in generally the same way. If an alert is detected the monitoring center is contacted. A security associate will contact the number on file to verify the alarm and dispatch any local emergency response teams that are necessary. This all happens within a short timeframe which is much quicker than if you called 9-1-1 yourself. When selecting a system, investigate the company’s ability to monitoring the home. Most companies only have one monitoring center which can potentially leave your home unprotected. ADT Security Services has a total of five centers to make sure you truly get 24 hour coverage.

The ADT Safewatch home security systems have one important added benefit to seniors that companies such as Brinks cannot offer. Seniors can have difficulty getting to the telephone in a quick timeframe. This does not need to be a concern if ADT needs to verify an alarm. The control panel that is used with this system has built-in capabilities to speak with an ADT associate via speakerphone. The homeowner can be up to 75 feet away for the ADT associate to hear them which is an incredible range.

Another great feature of an ADT home security system is the instant call buttons for fire, police and medical. These buttons can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency. When the user hits the button emergency response teams will be dispatched to the location.

As you can see it is still possible for our seniors to live a safe and healthy life in their own homes. A quick and easy installation of a home security system such as the ADT Safewatch system can provide comfort and security. Your senior will never be alone while their home is being monitored and you can rest assured that if a problem arises help will be on the way.

Every homeowner should consider a home security system to help prevent burglary, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.  In addition, a home security system can provide local emergency notification for medical emergencies.

Your home is a place where you find peace and enjoy the company of your family.  While it is one of the most important investments you may make in your lifetime, the most important investment is the safety of your family.  A home security system is an ideal choice for families with children and when a spouse often travels for work.  It is also an ideal choice for the elderly and those that live alone.

Homes are always susceptible to burglary, which is why it is important to take the topic of home security seriously.  Even a basic system can provide protection and help prevent intrusion.  Burglars are more apt to choose a home that does not have a security system – and if your home does have one, it may be passed by.

Things to consider when choosing a home security system include researching security systems, comparing features and prices and contacting the local police dispatching center for information on how your area handles home security monitoring systems.

ADT Home Security is the nation’s leading provider of alarm systems, and while they are not the cheapest – they are the best by far.  A basic security system will include door and window contacts, interior motion detector and manual fire and emergency notification service.  Services start at only $35.99 per month.

Monitored home security systems provide enhanced features and are highly recommended.  The system will automatically contact the alarm dispatch center that will in turn confirm emergency services are needed.  If there is a real emergency, the alarm dispatch center will then contact the local fire and/or police to the home immediately.

Unfortunately, unmonitored systems must rely on the homeowner or neighbors to contact fire or police department.  The price difference between monitored and unmonitored is so negligible that it is recommended that homeowners invest the few additional dollars per month to provide a world of difference.

To help choose an ADT security package that is right for you, ask friends and neighbors about their home security systems and get feedback.  Review the features of the different plans available to see which plan meets your needs.  Be sure to ask about the warranty.  Learn all there is to know about monitored systems and how to handle home emergencies.  Educate the entire household on proper safety procedure and what to do should an emergency occur.

Next, call the local police department to see how home alarm dispatching is handled in your area; most communities have a protocol and will differ depending on where you live.  Finally, call your homeowners insurance company to find out what kind of discounts they can offer you based on the type of alarm system you have installed.  You may find you will save up to 20% per year on home insurance fees.