Social Media Sites Can Ruin Your Vacation

Stop it.

I'm not talking about Twittering your followers while your laying out on the beach, teasing about how fabulous the weather is, or how warm the water is, or even how the scent of suntanning lotion is filling the air. Your followers will probably feel a little jealousy, but after they're done telling their followers whatever it is they're doing at the moment, and they come back to their reality, all is well.

I'm not talking about how at the end of each fantastic and adventurous day you upload your vacation pictures onto your Myspace or Facebook profile to show your fanbase, family and friends exactly what you were doing when you didn't respond to their text messages, emails or comments.

Stop it.

I'm talking about the fact that while your intentions are to show your admirers your travels, you could be inviting trouble. Think about it. You're on vacation. You were so busy spending the previous week packing, sending off emails, wrapping up work, going over your checklists that, chances are, you've totally forgotten to ensure your home would be safe while you were on your little extravaganza.

By Tweeting, uploading pics and reminding the world over and over again that you are away, you've done just that. Alerted the world that your home, your possessions, your safety zone is now a free for all for whomever wants to cross your perimeters line and take a peek of whatever it is that is bestowed on the inside.

This is the perfect opportunity for wannabe criminals, expert intruders and burglars to break-in and scope out the goods, without interruptions.

Social media sites ARE a great way to keep in touch with the world, even when you're away. But keep in mind that they can work against you the same ways they work with you.

So what do you do? Stop it.

First, stop spreading the word. Your family and friends and fanbase can wait until you've returned to see all the fasinating photos and evidence of your life outside the box.

Second, don't be shy. Talk to your neighbors. You know that one neighbor who seems to be soo perfect that you can't stand it at all? That neighbor could end up being your savior. Start a neighborhood watch. Inform your closest neighbors that you'll be out of town for a period of time and ask if they could "keep an eye on things".

Third, take some security measures before you leave. Put it on your checklist before leaving to triple-check doors, windows and other entrances onto your property. If you have an alarm system, set it, don't forget it. Invest in automatic lights. You can get ones that are meant for the inside or the outside of your home. This will help disguise your home while your away.

Safety Tips for Kids Who are Home Alone

In most households, both parents are working 40 hours a week. With this comes the probability that kids are left home alone after school for some time. This is OK and it is more common than one might think. Most of us parents teach our kids about talking to strangers, screaming real loud if someone tries to kidnap them, how to call 911, etc. But sometimes we forget to teach them how to protect themselves while they're in the house, alone. Here are some tips and ideas to help them stay safe while they wait for their parents to get home from work.

1. If you have an alarm system, give them a code they will remember and teach them how to use it.

2. Keep a list of important numbers by the phone, including 911, trusted neighbors, etc.

3. Keep a step stool near the front door so they can look through the peephole if there's a knock

4. Keep lights on in multiple rooms at all times, even during the day

5. Always keep the garage door shut

6. Have a list of neighbors they can call or go to if there's an emergency.

7. Try not too spend time in front of open windows where intruders can see them.

8. Never leave doors or windows open or cracked

9. Always contact a safe person (mom,dad,neighbor) to announce they've arrived home safely

10. Never tell anyone they're home alone on a regular basis, this can alert sexual predators, home invaders and other criminals.

Garage Door Openers... Friend or Foe?

Todays tip of the day is coming from a dear friend who had to learn the hard way. It's something most of us don't think about, something we all do, and something we all need to take serious. So...

"Don't leave your garage door opener in your unlocked car"

Simple, yet lots of us still forget to lock our car doors once we get home. We eat dinner, watch a little TV then make sure our doors and windows are shut and secured before running off to bed. Your car is just as important as your front door. It's in our nature to shut the garage door but leave the door leading from the garage into the house unlocked. Why lock it? The garage is shut. Right? Wrong! All someone has to do is gain access into your vehicle, use your garage door opener to open your garage and gain access into your home. Now, of course if you forget to lock your car door but lock the door that leads into the garage, the thieves can still do some damage. They can open your garage, steal whatever, load all of your possessions into YOUR car and drive off....with your garage door opener still intact.

Remember, your garage door opener is just as precious as your house keys....the only difference is your garage door opener opens a much, much bigger door than your front, side or back door. *wink

Doors: Easy Access for Intruders

Our doorways are entrances and exits for us. Us, includes the unwanted guests. www.homesecurityadvice.com offers tons of info pertaining to types of doors that work best, types of locks, peepholes and items such as the Big Jammer.

Unfortunately, for some of us, replacing an old door isn't at the top of our priority lists. And that's ok, until someone breaks it down. Solid oak doors are safer and stronger than other types of doors. The toughness of them helps to reinforce locks, whether they're deadbolts, multipoints or door chains.

Additions or upgrades such as electronic deadbolt locks, or even video door phones can help protect you and your family during all hours of the day, and screen anyone trying to gain access within your perimeter.

Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself While Living in an Apartment or Condo Complex

Most people that rent apartments or own condos feel good about apartment security because there are multiple locks to gain entry and/or someone monitoring the front door 24/7. Thieves like apartment houses and condominiums because neighbors are less likely to know each other and it’s more difficult to determine who lives there and who doesn’t.

Plus, the constant coming and going of renters and their guests at all hours make it easier for thieves to breach apartment security and make off with your possessions in plain sight. Few of us think twice about two guys coming down the hall with a television in their hands if they look and act like they belong there.

Here are some tips for securing yourself beyond what the complex does:

1. Get Organized
2. Install a deadbolt/change locks
3. Avoid buzzing someone in you don't know
4. Double check building management maintains lighting, doors, locks, etc.
5. Add a stick to the bottom of your sliding glass door
6. Always utilize your peephole when someone comes to your door
7. Avoid entering buildings with strangers
8. Keep windows/doors locked, especially during the p.m. hours
9. Start a neighborhood watch, even if it's not official
10. Be aware of your surroundings at all times

New Generation of Home Security Systems: iControl Network

With Brinks switching brand names, ADT investing in iControl Network and iPhone developing apps that allow you to watch live feed from your mobile device, it's safe to say we're in a new generation of home security systems. Sensors, cameras, lighting, video surveillance and monitoring stations can now be connected through in one system. iControl's Home Security 2.0 connects broadband, mobile devices and existing home security systems for customers of GE Security and Honeywell. But it doesn't stop there. ADT, Comcast and Cisco, as well as Intel Capital and Charles River Ventures have also back up the companies cause raising over $45 million in recent times.

Home automation is the new generation too. Being able to control everything in your home from your sprinklers, thermostat, lights, fireplace, music and TV all from one remote control or control pad (your choice). Combining the two was inevitable. But iControl did it much quicker than anyone ever expected. And the benefits are awesome. You could live in Colorado, USA and be in Toyko Japan and watch live footage, be alerted via text or email when a sensor is triggered or recieve still pictures of what's happening in your neck of the woods.

To find out more about home security topics visit www.homesecurityadvice.com
To find out more about iControl visit www.icontrol.com

Tense Moment Last Night

I don't understand why people, especially when they're in their 20's, can care less about home security issues. Do you really think it wont happen to you?? Seriously? Last night at about 11pm, my motion detector lit up on my back porch. I froze. I waited. I got up to see. Of course it's pitch black beyond the patio, so I couldn't see if the possible-intruder was out there. I just moved from the big city to a rural part of the country, so this is different for me. I do feel safer out here, but at the same time, I don't. There was this "physco-safeness" I felt being in a dense area, even if the people around me were shady.

But I had my motion detectors. Theyre set up all around my property. Ready to light up as soon as someone thinks they're smart enough to bombard on me. The cost effective method isn't going to call the police, isn't going to alert the neighbors, and 50% of the time it isn't going to deter the intruder. But it does make them think twice. It does alert you that something's going on out there, and 50% of the time I have enough time to run and get my hollow-pointed .38 Special. That's right. I dont mess around. I almost want to egg the intruders on sometimes, "come on in" I wanted to yell. But I didn't. I just sat there for a second, then decided I'd go outside with my flashlight and check it out. After reviewing the situation I went over to check my lights, to ensure they were doing their job. Up on the chair, on my tippie toes I examine the lights and notice the switch is turned to "timed". That's right. Timed. There wasn't any 'intruder' at all. No need for my gun, no need for the panic. All of that was pointless. I could'nt believe it, I just smiled and chuckled to myself. I'm actually glad no one was around that moment as my cheeks turned red. I'm just thankful I didn't start yelling out. LOL Needless to say, I slept just fine.

Crime Across America

So I was searching for crime stats (murders, robberies, rapes, vehicle theft, etc) on google and found this incredible website crimereports.com. It gives you all the information you need, PLUS it shows a google map and lists the street corners and areas where each crime occured. You should definitely check it out if you have time and want to be informed on whats going on in your neighborhood.

Good Old Fashioned Home Security

These days, when people think of home security they think of Bush, the war in Iraq, and "homeland security". I'm also one of those people, however, when I say "home security" I'm thinking more about the place I call home, the place where I lay my head down, the place I'll do anything and everything to protect. I'm not going to lie, I've done alot of research on the various methods and ways you can protect your prize possessions. All of which seem to be really good ideas, some pricey, some not-so-much, but still some good methods.

Outdoor lighting seems to be a favorite amongst my fellow Americans. Home security systems are also popular. My days of being a pain-in-the-arse are long gone. Walking up to peoples doors, whether to toss a few eggs, or see what's on the side of their garage is just not at the top of my daily priority list. Maybe it's because I too am a home owner these days, or maybe it's because I simply have no interest. Either way, those days are behind me. I've found that motion detectors work great for me and my comfort levels. Alarm systems seem to calm my fears too. But I'm also a stickler for good old fashioned security methods such as sticks in the doors and windows and extra deadbolts to help ease my fears.

And the funny thing is, I'm not so afraid (which I probably should be) of the real intruders, out to do me as a person harm while fumbling through my belongings. I'm more afraid of the intruders who are only after my things, and I just happen to be home, they panic and all hell breaks loose. You never know what people are capable of when their scared. Maybe I watch too many cold case files shows on A&E, maybe I dont watch enough. All I know is I want to give an intruder every opportunity to turn back before they enter my home.

Neighborhood watches are another great way to secure your home, plus your neighbors homes and the neighborhood. When one person on the block is intruded upon, it seems to break that "safety net" that's casted throughout. Having everyone on the same page is a bonus. Neighbors sleep at all different times of the day and night. Some are up until 4am on the norm, while others are getting up at 4am on the norm. Some smoke their cigarettes outside (me) and just sit and watch at what's going on. Back when I was living in an apartment, I was up for some reason at 3am, outside, smoking my cigarette, when all of a sudden I see this kid walking up to each balcony peeking over the wall to see what was available for the taking. After the 2nd one, I let out a short but worthy whistle. He didnt see me sitting in the shadows. Startled, he looked over his shoulder a couple times then proceeded back to being a looky-loo. I whistled again, this time using a louder and "hello i see you" tone. He stopped, carefully made his way out of the bushes and left, out of sight. The next day I informed each neighbor of what I had saw. What they did after that is not known. But I felt better that I conducted my own "neighborhood watch" and hoped they would do the same if needed. False sense of security on my part? Not really. At least I dont think so. People seem to find it easier to look out for one another, especially when they know theyre being looked after. Good old fashioned home security. Didnt cost me anything but a cigarette I had already purchased in bulk. That's what I'm talking about.

Are Home Security Systems Worth It?

With millions of people using Home Security Systems like Brinks and ADT, I can't help but wonder if these people are truly happy. If you are using such a system and have something to say about it, good or bad....let me know.....for the cost you pay, is it worth it? Have you ever had to use it? If so, was it like the commercials, do they respond instantly?