The snow outside your house is rapidly melting, and that means March is on the way. This prelude to the spring time is a great opportunity to get your home security affairs in order. Below, we’ve outlined several ways to boost your home security in the coming month.

Create an Emergency Action Plan: Having a set plan to act upon in the event of an emergency can save lives. Apart from the standard fire safety preparation, talk about a place to meet away from home if a natural disaster should strike, knocking out cell phone service and limiting communications.

Trim the bushes: Warm spring temperatures and melting snow means that you’ll soon have to contend with rapidly sprouting grass. This and other shrubbery make for excellent hiding spots for burglars and intruders, which can turn into a home security nightmare.

Talk to an ADT Specialist: If your home isn’t currently under the protective shield of an ADT home alarm system, contact a representative of the company to find out your options. If you are an ADT customer, call to find out what new options are available to make your home even more secure.

Change the Locks on Your Front Door: This should become an annual event, and there’s no better time than March. Throughout the hustle and bustle of daily life, you likely give you a key to a neighbor, housekeeper or friend. Who knows whether someone’s written your address on a tag, and then lost the key? Eliminate the possibility of a break-in by changing the lock cylinders.

Home security is an ongoing battle, but choosing a set date to focus on it will help you focus. Take a day in March to get yourself back on track to keeping your family safe.

The cold temperatures outside are no excuse to ignore your home security and safety. Property owners need to take special care to avoid potential disaster. Below, we’ve outlined ten of the top tips for keeping your home safe from the first freeze to the first thaw.

Don’t Be Afraid to Spread Some Salt: One hard fall can be the beginning of a lifetime of injuries. When the temperatures dip below freezing, spread rock salt liberally on walkways to avoid a tumble.

Have Your Home Inspected by an Expert: From faulty furnaces to blocked fireplace flues, there are hazards throughout your home. If you haven’t had an expert inspect your home yet this year, it’s not too late.

Drive Your Children to School on the Coldest Days: In the northern reaches of the United States, the coldest days of the year can mean a high risk of frostbite within minutes of exposure to the air. Drop your kids off at school rather than having them wait for the bus.

Have Someone Take in Your Mail: If you go away on vacation, have a friend or neighbor take in your mail and newspapers.

Protect your pipes: When the temperatures really start to drop, open a slow drip in a couple of faucets around the home to prevent burst pipes. The added cost to your water bill is nothing compared to plumbing expenses after a catastrophe.

Join a Carpool: Why drive if you can avoid it? Talk to neighbors and co-workers about carpooling. This not only saves energy but allows you to keep your car parked in your driveway; a clear sign to criminals that someone may be home.

Use Care With Fires: Your fireplace is a great way to stay warm during the winter, but take steps to make sure it is under control. Keep the glass closed, and don’t build the blaze past a reasonable level. Also look into a home alarm system that monitors carbon monoxide.

Install an ADT Monitored Home Security System: Short winter days give criminals the opportunity to take cover in the darkness. Make sure you have a home alarm you can trust.

Although there are many options when it comes to home alarm systems, only one company is the undisputed industry leader in home security. Below, discover five of the many reasons behind ADT’s continued success.

Pedigree: No other home alarm monitoring provider can match ADT’s 135 years in the business. For over a century homeowners across the United States have counted on ADT to keep burglars at bay.

Value: ADT offers its customers a variety of packages to fit any household budget. Even the most basic installation comes with the components necessary to deter and deflect criminals from gaining entry.

Customer Service: Year after year, ADT garners the highest marks from experts in the field for customer service. The company is proactive about your security; rather than waiting to hear about a problem, they’re out fixing it before it becomes an issue.

Technology Out of the Home: Most monitoring companies have a central facility that handles all of their reports. But what happens in the event of extreme weather or a power outage?  With ADT, you never have to worry, because five connected command centers spread across the United States offer secure backup protection.

Technology Inside of the Home: ADT’s technology solutions inside your house are just as powerful as the brains backing it up behind the scenes. Leading advances like CellTech, designed to eliminate the need for a land line connection, continue to set ADT apart from the competition.

Among the many reasons why ADT is the best choice for your home’s security, these five stand out. This holiday season, make the right call for you and your family by calling ADT.

It’s time for a New Year once again and lots of resolutions may be crossing your mind.  Are you still stalling on a home security system for your apartment?  Don’t take chances this year.  Here are the 10 big reasons to get moving.

1. The recession hasn’t deterred any criminals.  Tough times in the national economy have been the cause of an uptick in petty crime everywhere.  Apartment buildings are always vulnerable, with a high density of both property and residents.

2. The holidays are becoming a popular time for burglars, too.  With everyone out of town and apartments filled with gifts, thieves have both opportunity and motive.

3. Many apartment buildings don’t provide enough safeguards on their own.  Just look at the pathway lighting and other security measures in your building.

4. Many apartments have strict pet policies. It is unlikely for someone to have a large dog in a small apartment. This means one less home security safeguard.

5. Keys to apartments get around.  Did you have the locks changed before you moved in?  Are there repairmen who still have a copy?  Keys to apartments can really circulate sometimes.

6. Your new neighborhood is not known for its neighborhood watch.  With many residents and guests coming and going in a small area, it is difficult to spot uninvited guests, even if you are trying. Don’t compound the risks.

7. Balconies are a popular way inside.  For apartment dwellers lucky enough to have a little outdoor space, there is also a drawback to the same balcony or backyard: thieves have an easier approach.  An ADT home monitoring system will keep them honest.  Posting a few stickers wouldn’t hurt, either.

8. Your renters insurance might go down, too. It is no secret that an alarm system can bring down a house’s insurance costs.  Check and see if it works with your apartment as well.

9. A home alarm would send any wise burglar on his way immediately.  In an apartment building, security is never that far off.  Any burglar willing to work through a ringing alarm is going to end up in jail.

10. Convenience.  Having both your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector go through your central alarm system will be extremely convenient.  You should be able to take the system with you when your lease ends as well.

New Year’s Eve is just one week away, and with the new year comes plenty of resolutions. Before you pop the champagne, though, ask yourself this question: are you still testing the waters when it comes to your family’s safety?  If so, the time to end the internal debate has come. With the recession driving up the number of thefts in every community, this is no time to take home security lightly. Make sure you have these five key elements in place at home.

1. Secure entry points.  It’s no secret that thieves try to enter through the front door more often than through any other point in the home.  Are your doors and windows secured?  Even if your home security alarm is the best in the business, a burglar might take a chance if he thinks he can get inside easily enough.

2. A smart landscaping design.  With the recession bringing more first-time thieves into the world, there may be some potential reconnaissance around your home.  Don’t let anyone approach easily.  Keep exterior hedges trimmed and low enough to see over from the house.  Also, make sure the bushes near windows and doors are extra thorny.

3. More than one deterrent.  For some thieves, it will be the ADT sign in the lawn advertising your alarm system.  For others, it will be the floodlights that shine whenever someone sets foot in the yard.  Use several different ways to let potential intruders know that your home is protected.

4. A good siren.  Especially when your neighborhood is used to the sound of false alarms, a good siren can make all the difference.  Hearing a real charge from your alarm will draw attention and hopefully scare off any burglar not already on the run.

5. A well-designed alarm system.  Setting up an alarm is more than a plug-and-play procedure.  Make sure your home security system has motion sensors and glass-break detectors like ones offered by ADT and other industry leaders.

The number of elderly women who choose to live independently is growing each year.  This means that home security for this population is more important than ever. In addition to the already frightening chances of home intrusion and theft, elderly populations are at an increased risk for in-home accidents. Because of this, it is crucial for seniors to remain vigilant with regard to their personal safety, even if they have had no issues living alone in the past.  Here are five tips for keeping your golden years safe.

1. Make the routine chores easy.  If cleaning and cooking are a part of your everyday life, keep the preparations simple.  Don’t hide one or two ingredients in hard-to-reach cabinets above or below. Try to keep routine items at eye level to avoid accidents.

2. Be mindful in your bathroom.  Home security begins and ends in the bathroom for elderly women.  Watch out for any leaks which can make the floor slippery. Safety bars should be installed next to the shower and toilet, along with rubber mats to be used on the shower floor.

3. Use your home security system wisely. There are a number of features you can use on your home alarm which immediately boost safety. One example is the automatic lights when you enter your home. Keeping the area bright upon entry is essential.

4. Don’t continue with hard-to-turn knobs and switches.  To keep hands and wrists from straining on a daily basis, consider swapping difficult faucets, door knobs or light switches for more ergonomic options. Reducing unnecessary stress on your joints can go a long way in reducing the risk of accidents.

5. Consider a medical alert device like the ones being offered by ADT.  Whether or not you have had a medical emergency in the past, these alert systems can save your life in the coming New Year.  An intercom system allows for communication in case of a fall, along with a one-touch emergency button to be worn around the wrist.

Do you own or rent a town home? If so, you may not think that you need a home alarm system. Town homes do not stand separate from other structures, making them appear more secure than their housing counterparts. Nevertheless, while there are certainly many benefits to living in a town home, there are a few important drawbacks to consider as well.

One of the biggest advantages (from a home security standpoint) of living in a shared structure is the community you join when you move in. Getting to know your neighbors is a sure way to keep your town home better protected. When the people living around you see something suspicious, they can alert the proper authorities. Be sure to let neighbors know when you may be away. Every additional pair of watchful eyes decreases the chance of a successful intrusion.

Of course, home security is about more than burglaries. In the winter it is more important than ever to make sure that both the interior and exterior of your home are protected. Most town home communities have a super or maintenance person who can perform basic maintenance. Ask management to have this worker come inside your home to expect features such as the furnace, and appliances that could potentially pose a hazard this winter.

Some of the same factors that result in benefits can also put your home security at risk. Neighbors who aren’t careful and concerned with home security might let a stranger into the building without thinking twice. Although you may take every security precaution, one mistake in the community could open the door for a burglary or break in. For this reason, your town home could benefit from an ADT home monitoring system. Don’t think your safety is the responsibility of others. Instead, take responsibility for your town house by utilizing a home alarm system.

Winter is fast approaching, and with it comes a number of new home security challenges. The cold months of December, January and February bombard property owners with potential hazards. Here are some tips you can employ to keep home security a priority and make it through to the spring unscathed.

Perform a home inspection now: Don’t wait until the middle of winter to inspect your heating system. Have a certified professional come in and take a look at the furnace and check for any leaks.

Buy Rock Salt: A slip on the ice can have disastrous consequences. Sprinkle chemicals to melt the ice, especially on heavily trafficked paths.

Upgrade your ADT monitoring system to include carbon monoxide detection: Add carbon monoxide detection to your ADT system to help stop this “silent killer.” When the system is triggered, authorities are automatically alerted, allowing for a rapid response.

Have floodlights installed: Floodlights greatly lower the chance of slipping on an icy surface, and also take away hiding spots from burglars. Hook your lights up to a motion detection system to ensure they’re always on when needed.

Don’t take a vacation from home security: There’s nothing as nice as escaping to a tropical paradise when the snow starts piling up, but remember to take proper precaution such as stopping newspaper delivery and hiring someone to take in packages.

Jack Frost and winter present a whole new set of home security challenges for property owners, especially in the northern parts of the United States. It’s easy to underestimate the dangers of the season, but the consequences can be disastrous. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of tips to keep you safe during the cold winter months.

Use your garage: If you’re lucky enough to have a covered parking space, why not use it? The walk from an exposed spot to your front door is the perfect opportunity to take a hard fall on ice, so avoid that chance by parking indoors.

Install motions-sensing lights: Coming home to a dark house is dangerous for many reasons, and the likelihood of this happening only increases as winter presses on. A fall is much more likely in the darkness, and there is also a greater chance of a confrontation with a criminal without the safety of bright outdoor lights. Floodlights are a cheap, easy to install measure that will greatly improve your home security.

Sign up for ADT’s carbon monoxide and fire detection: There’s nothing as pleasant as a warm fire on a cold night, but flames and smoke present their own set of hazards. With ADT home security monitoring, you can help protect your family from carbon monoxide and fire. In the event of an emergency, a signal is automatically sent to ADT who immediately contacts local authorities.

Shovel your driveway: A driveway covered in snow is akin to a megaphone shouting “Come on in, I’m not home!” Even if you don’t own a vehicle, shovel your walkway to show that someone is regularly in the residence. This is even more important if you’re on vacation.

Have a professional inspect your furnace: A dirty furnace can cause a fire. An inspection by a licensed expert will include a safety test for carbon monoxide, as well as maintenance to make sure all parts are in proper working order.

Home security is more important than ever as winter chugs along. Follow the tips above and springtime will  be here before you know it.

When it comes to the upkeep of your house, home security should be at the top of the list. There’s nothing more valuable than the well-being of your family. Possessions can be replaced, broken windows repaired, and vehicles in the driveway insured, but you can’t put a price on the safety of your loved ones. Take time to evaluate your home security and assess any strengths and weaknesses for keeping out potential burglars.

Talk to the police: The local police force will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Ask them about recent crimes in the area. Find out how often patrol cars visit your neighborhood. Building a personal relationship with local law enforcement can result in more frequent rounds.

Give your home a physical: You should perform a thorough examination of your home at least twice a year. Walk around the perimeter of your property, checking for evidence of loosened fence posts, or burnt out lights and other potential hazards. You should also survey the outside of your home to check for loose windows and doors, paying special attention to the locks. Any hinges with rust should be replaced as soon as possible.

Meet the neighbors: One of the most overlooked methods of home security is a simple sit-down with the people who live around you. Find out if they’ve seen anything suspicious or out of the ordinary in the neighborhood. By agreeing to keep an eye on each other’s homes, everyone wins.

Call an ADT professional: The installation of a home alarm system is the most powerful way to both deter and stop someone from breaking into your home. The experts at ADT are waiting for your call, and can help you figure out which ADT home security system is right for your house.

Home security is essential. From new home alarms to sturdier deadbolt locks, you owe it to yourself and your family to do everything you can to make your property a fortress against intrusion.