Thousands of Americans invest in home security each year by installing a monitored home alarm. And there’s definitely something to be said about the extra protection a home alarm can provide. After all, if someone breaks in and nothing happens, they are far more likely to grab all of your belongings and take their time as they search for valuables. But if they break your window and an alarm sounds, that’s their cue to get out as quickly as possible.

Even with the obvious benefits of installing an alarm, there are still factors to consider if you want to keep your entire house as secure as possible. First, you have to remember to set your home alarm – no matter what. It seems like a no-brainer but plenty of people have fallen victim to burglaries because they forgot to activate their home security system.

You also have to remember to shut and lock all doors and windows. If something is ajar, a robber can work his way into your home without worrying about an alarm sounding. And this is just as important for basement and garage doors as it is for the front door.

If you’re investing in an alarm, make it known. Homes with monitored home security systems are three times less likely to be burglarized. So put those ADT stickers and yard signs on full display. It can serve as a great way to deter burglars.

When it comes to home security, there are special factors to consider if you’re a woman living alone. After all, more break-ins occur at households with only one resident, primarily because it’s a easier to figure out the schedule of a home or apartment when there’s just one occupant. Here are the top 5 safety tips for women to maximize home security.

1. Invest in a home alarm. Installing a home alarm system is a great way to improve your overall safety and security. This is especially helpful for the times you’re going to be out of the house. A number of different brands are known for their reliability and good performance, but ADT home security is the national leader.

2. Don’t make it obvious that you live alone. This might sound counter-intuitive, but you don’t have to advertise the fact that no one else is there. Say “we” on your answering machine -as in, “We can’t come to the phone right now.” And don’t let people you date know that you don’t have a roommate until you really get to know them.

3. Leave a key with a trusted friend or relative. Even if you’re not going out of town, it’s a good idea for a close friend to have a key to your home. If there’s ever any trouble, they can come by and help you out. Home security isn’t just about keeping bad guys out – it’s also about making sure you can get into your own place.

4. Keep your lights on. When you leave home, strategically leave two or three lights on around your home. Choose different lights every few days, so it doesn’t look too routine. This will give your home a more “lived in” appearance and will help deter burglars.

5. Don’t forget to set your home alarm. Whether you go with an ADT alarm or another brand, there’s no point investing in an alarm if you’re not even going to to turn it on. Make it a habit to activate your home alarm every time you leave the house.

Looking for some simple ways to improve your home security this spring? Help protect your home and deter would-be burglars with these easy tips:

Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries: Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against a fire. They operate whether you’re awake or asleep – as long as they’re equipped with fresh batteries. Take a few moments out of your day to replace the Duracells. For just a few dollars, you can greatly reduce the chance of a catastrophic fire.

Replace Your Door Locks: This is especially important for people who have recently moved into a new, previously rented or owned residence. Changing the locks on all doors prevents people with discarded keys from entering your home. If you don’t have a deadlock bolt – widely regarded as the industry standard – now is the time to upgrade.

Cut the Lawn: Why give criminals the opportunity to lurk and hide away in tall grass? Keep your lawn trimmed, especially in areas close to your home, and consider the installation of prickly shrubbery under low windows.

Change the Garage Code: Experts recommend that you update your garage code at least once every six months. Never pick a code that corresponds to birthdays, anniversaries or social security numbers. With the wide reach of the Internet, criminals have access to an incredible range of information about you and the members of your family.

Along with an ADT home alarm system, the tips above serve to help protect you and your family. With just a couple of hours of work, you can go a long way towards improving your home security.

Condo owners share unique home security concerns. Some of the issues are the same – making sure to keep doors locked, securing windows,and arranging to have mail taken inside while you’re away on vacation.

Other concerns are different, however. Perhaps the main contrast is that all condominiums and buildings are different. It’s necessary to take a close look at your building’s current security measures. Is there a doorman? Do you need a special key to enter the front door? Answering these questions will help you determine your next steps.

Consider installing a home security system. ADT home security offers great deals and their reliable security systems can help keep you and your family safe. You’ll also want to make sure that your lawn is well-maintained. Tall grass and overgrown shrubs provide the perfect hiding spaces for criminals on the prowl doing reconnaissance on your condo. Finally, be certain that the locks on your front door have been changed since the previous condo owner moved out. If you don’t, the person who lived there last has an easy way to access all of your belongings whenever they want; in fact, they can just walk right in.

Apart from the issues above, specific condo security concerns relate to behavior. Don’t give your key to neighbors, and make sure to close the building door behind you, not allowing anyone to follow.

Home security and safety for your condo needs to be taken seriously. Start taking the proper precautions today.

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.

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.

College can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, but dorm life requires an increased sensitivity to personal and home security issues. Life in a residence hall can be lively and stimulating, but living with your fellow students increases your risk for falling victim to property crime. Below, find some tips to help you maintain safety while you live in your college dorm.

Lock the Door: It’s tempting to leave your door unlocked, but don’t assume that everyone is a trustworthy as you are. People you think are your friends may not hesitate to “borrow” items.

Don’t Let Strangers Into the Building: Exit doors in your dorm building require a keycard for entry. This is to ensure your safety as well as the safety of other residents in your building. Never prop a door open or let a stranger into the building with you.

Be Aware of Emergency Telephone Locations: Colleges are mandated by law to place emergency communication systems throughout the campus. Indeed, you’re supposed to be able to see at least one of the distinctive blue lights from any outdoor location. Know where the telephones are around your campus, and don’t be afraid to pick it up if you feel threatened at any time.

Limit Alcohol and Drug Intake: Pressure can quickly mount to partake in alcohol and drugs, but never consume any substance to the point where you lose control. Intoxication is one of the leading factors when it comes to injury and crime on a college campus.

Go Out in Groups: Especially important on campuses in an urban setting, never go out by yourself. Traveling in a group of at least two or three people is a significant deterrent to someone who might think about perpetrating a crime.

Home security isn’t just for your parents’ property. As you get older, you’ll realize that staying safe is a huge part of living on your own.

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.

All home security monitoring companies aren’t created equal. There are significant differences in the services offered by each, and when you are deciding between providers, there are some essential questions that you need answered. After all, we’re talking about something serious here: the safety of both your family and your physical property. Below, find five important questions to ask when you’re searching for the perfect home alarm company.

How Long Have You Been in Business?
Is this a relatively new start-up with minimal experience in the field?  If you are going to invest in a service or product you want to make sure the company has staying power.  With 135 years in the business, ADT has robust resources to offer you for the best home security available.

What Comes With Your Basic Package?
The most basic home security package should come equipped with everything you need to stay protected. ADT includes a pet-sensitive motion detector, 3 entryway contacts, and a backup battery with their least expensive offering.

How Many Command Centers Do You Employ?
Most companies use just one command center. While it’s unlikely that it will suffer a complete knockout during your reliance on their service, why take the chance? ADT spreads the risk around across five closely connected control centers.

Can You Install Two Way Voice?
In the event of a slip or fall, a few minutes can make all the difference in getting your elderly loved ones the treatment they need. With ADT’s Two Way Voice technology, the control panel is transformed into a two way radio which can be used to communicate with an ADT representative. From there, the appropriate help can be immediately dispatched to your home.

Do You Offer Cell Phone Based Service?
As a testament to its commitment to the ever-evolving home security industry, ADT now offers Cellguard technology, designed specifically for customers who don’t have a land line installed in their home. In the event of an emergency, the wireless home alarm sends a signal directly to a trained professional over the airwaves, ensuring a rapid response. Competitors won’t have this for years.

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.