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 holidays are right around the corner, and people are focused on gift-giving, holiday parties and celebrating the season. Before you let your mind run wild with holiday spirit, remember that home security is extremely important in December. A combination of weather hazards and an increase in burglaries present security and safety challenges that should be addressed. Here are the top five ways you can help protect your home and loved ones this winter.

Install an ADT alarm system: ADT is the home security industry leader, has been helping to protect commercial and residential properties for more than 130 years. An ADT home security system is a key component in any home defense. It’s not too late to make this precious investment before you leave town for the holidays.

Hire a housesitter: If you’ll be away for an extended period of time, consider hiring someone to check on your house each day to make sure everything is okay. They can turn on and off lights, bring in newspapers and keep an eye on what’s going on.

Protect your home’s pipes: Frigid temperatures can cause ice to form in the pipes in your home. The result is intense pressure, which can cause explosions if left unchecked. Let a slow drip run from a few faucets in your bathrooms and kitchen to keep things flowing.

Tell the neighbors you’re going away: Encourage the neighbors to contact you and the police if they spot strange behavior while you’re out of town.

Park in the garage: Why risk a fall by parking outside and walking along an icy path? If you have a heated garage, keep your car inside during the winter -just remember not to run the vehicle with the garage door closed.

Keep home security in mind as you enjoy all the fun the winter has to offer.

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.

With residential burglaries on the rise across the country, many property owners are increasingly worried about home security, and for good reason. San Antonio is no exception. In 2008, there were 97,564 property crimes reported in San Antonio alone. The city also had 18,908 burglaries.

All of this data means that there has never been a better time to invest in home security in San Antonio. ADT home alarm systems set the standard. ADT is the most trusted name in home security, and has been providing its valued services to customers for more than 130 years.
Unlike other home security providers, ADT has four interconnected command centers spread throughout the United States. In the event of an unlikely power outage at one center, another can immediately pick up its slack, ensuring that your home is monitored 24/7. Other companies put all their eggs into one basket. If a power outage or hacker attack occurs, your home could be left unprotected.

Residents of San Antonio also know that intrusion isn’t the only danger facing homeowners. ADT home security also offers protection against medical emergencies, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. In the event of any of these emergencies, a signal is sent to an ADT command center, triggering an immediate response by the appropriate authority.

ADT stays at the forefront of home security technology to ensure you get the most comprehensive protection available. Do you have an elderly family member living in the San Antonio, Texas area? An inexpensive upgrade to Two-Way Voice control could be the best home security solution. With this additional feature from ADT, the control panel is transformed into an intercom system. If your family member can’t make it to the telephone, they can still stay in touch with a home security professional.

If you live in San Antonio, ADT is your home security must-have. Call today to find out about the advantages of installing an alarm system. ADT has home security packages that work with any family’s budget.

Until burglars learn to walk through walls, they’ll be entering your home through one of two entry points: a door or a window. This makes these two areas the most vulnerable in the home, so you need to do everything in your power to make sure that they are well protected. Below you’ll find some tips to help you secure your home’s entry points.

Install an ADT home security system: ADT home alarm technology has special features in place to monitor your doors and windows. The standard ADT installation covers three points of entry, and can be expanded to secure all of the windows and doors in your home.

Install sturdier locks: The home security industry standard is the deadbolt. This lock is much heavier than a standard spring bolt, and stands a much lower chance of being picked, bumped or pried. The one downside to these locks is the risk of inhibiting escape in a fire. An easy way to get around this (as long as the door isn’t accessible to a nearby window) is to leave your key in the inside lock.

Keep your windows locked: You would be shocked to learn the number of home intrusions that happen through an unlocked window. Most new windows have upgraded locking devices, but they’re only useful if you remember to use them. As an added benefit, you’ll save money on your home heating bills.

Use your peephole: That little hole in the door is there for a reason. Before opening your door after a knock or doorbell ring, take a look and see who’s out there. If you can’t see anything, don’t turn the locks. Wondering about the 21st century answer to the peep hole? ADT offers Closed Circuit Television monitoring systems to keep you protected.

With an ADT alarm system and properly secured doors and windows, your home stands a much better chance of avoiding intrusion.

When there’s a baby on the way, one of the most fun projects for parents is getting their home ready for the new arrival. Somewhere between deciding what color to paint the walls and which stroller to purchase, think about the safety of your home. These practical matters might not be the most exciting part of the months while you’re expecting, but they’re crucial to keeping the entire family safe. Start with these very basic tips to get your home ready for the big event.

Plug electrical outlets: Make sure you insert plastic protectors into any easily accessible electrical outlets to prevent burns or electrocution.

Install an ADT home alarm system: Don’t be caught by the unexpected. With an ADT Home Alarm, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that four interconnected command centers are strategically located throughout the country, ensuring that there will never be a service outage.

Inspect the house at your baby’s level: Things look a lot different from five or six feet above the ground. Get down on your knees and crawl around to spot potential trouble areas. Take care of any obstructions with sharp edges that your baby could run into.

Beware of lead poisoning: When was your home built? If the answer is before the 1960s, you need to make sure that your child stays away from any lead-based paint. If possible, remove the paint and reapply with new, non-toxic materials.

Fence in your pool:  If you have a pool in your backyard, it’s very important to fence it in completely to eliminate any potential dangers. Take the initiative before the child is born and install a secure barrier.

Readying your home for your new child is a special process. Don’t forget to incorporate home security into the planning so everyone can enjoy the baby’s arrival  home. For more information on baby safety products, visit the Home Safety Council Web site.

Precocious youngsters and teens often don’t know what’s best for them, so it’s up to their parents to lead the way. This is especially important when it comes to home safety. Preschool to middle school-aged kids are at the perfect age to learn the basics of home security and safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you think about your child’s safety within the home.

Kids Can Use the Home Alarm Too: Your ADT home security system isn’t just for adults. If your children are old enough, teach them how to operate the controls, as well as the basic functions of the keypad. Above all, reinforce that it’s not a toy. The last thing you want is the police showing up at 2 a.m.  responding to a false alarm.

Discuss Fire Safety: Fires are one of the leading causes of accidents for children in the United States. Talk to your children about the risks of fire within the home. Cover the basics including dangers from electrical outlets, the kitchen and hot water.

Be Aware of Choking Hazards: Small children are especially susceptible to the risks of choking. For your pre-school children, cut small, hard foods into more manageable pieces to avoid the risk of choking.

Prevent Poisoning: Household cleaners, medication and dangerous beauty products should be placed out of the reach of children, and preferably locked away to completely ensure your child’s safety. Have the number for poison control clearly listed near the phones in your home. In an emergency, you can always call 911, but having the direct poison control line can save valuable seconds.

Home safety for children is an important part of parenting. This young age group is particularly at risk, so do everything you can to make your home as secure as possible.

Halloween is fun wherever you live, but some cities really know how to pull out the stops. From Las Vegas to Tampa, here’s a list of the best places to celebrate this Halloween, along with some tips to ensure you have a fun and safe night.

Las Vegas
Each year, Las Vegas offers Halloween fun for every age group. This year’s biggest events are Fright Dome at Circus Circus, which features five haunted houses across a sprawling five-acre area and the Funtown Frightfest at Boca Park, which will benefit The People’s Autism Foundation.

ADT Las Vegas Home Security Tip: When you leave the house on Halloween, blow out candles and turn off any lit decorations. This includes candles inside jack-o-lanterns and luminaries. Home fires are one of the leading causes of property damage.

Houston
In Houston, Halloween is all about fun events for kids. One of the highlights this year is Halloween Mansion at the Children’s Museum of Houston. The Museum will turn into the McDonald’s Halloween Mansion and will be filled treats and surprises for visitors. The entire family will have fun at Scream on the Green at Discovery Green Park. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will feature a DJ and dancing from 9-11p.m. Other great Houston Halloween events include Houston Zoo Boo and Boo on the Boardwalk.

ADT Houston Home Security Tip: If your kids are trick or treating, making sure their costumes fit well. Choose face paint instead of masks, since masks can block a child’s peripheral vision. Also, check the length of pants and other clothing to avoid tripping hazards.

Tampa
Tampa has so many fun happenings this Halloween; it’s hard to keep up with all of them. One of the most popular is Howl-O-Scream, an event at Busch Gardens that’s great for teenagers and adults. There’s also Ghost Tour St. Pete, a fun tour of the city’s oldest haunted spots and spooky houses.

ADT Tampa Home Security Tip: If you’re heading out for a Halloween party or taking the whole family trick or treating, activate your ADT security system. Plenty of people are out and about on Halloween, some until very late hours. Activating your home alarm system will help keep your home safe while you’re away.

Homes are often left unattended during fall and winter months. People go away for the holidays, head south to escape the cold and leave town for business and other trips. Regardless of the reason for your departure, it’s very important to secure your home and activate your ADT security system. For burglars, an empty house is a much more attractive target, so you need to create the illusion of occupancy. Here are some easy ways to make that happen.

Avoid the easy tip-off: There are a few surefire signs that indicate your home is empty. One of the the most obvious is an overflowing mailbox and a doorstep covered in newspapers. Both scream “I’m not home” to potential intruders. Ask a neighbor to take care of these items. Thank them with a small gift card if you feel uncomfortable or are new to the neighborhood.

Buy a timer for your lights: If you don’t have a timer to turn lights on and off, ask a neighbor to occasionally stop by and handle the task. Leaving one light on in the house won’t fool a burglar and can even be a red flag that no one is home. A timer for the lights in your home is inexpensive and easy to install: the perfect option for maintaining the illusion that you’re home.

Post ADT decals around the property: When criminals see ADT, they run. Use the stickers, decals and lawn signs that came with your ADT security system and keep them up year round.

Install motion sensing security lights: These bright beams operate the same way, regardless of whether you’re at home or 10,000 miles away, and they’re a sure deterrent to a break-in.

Hire a house-sitter: Companies offer affordable services ranging from a once-a-day check-in to 24-hour maintenance. Alternatively, you could ask a friend or family member to stay at your home while you’re away.

Combine these tips with an ADT home alarm system to help ensure that your property remains safe and sound while you are out of town.