Safety Tips

Fire Safety

• A working smoke detector should be on each floor of your home, including the attic, in addition to one in each bedroom. Make sure you test your alarms and replace them.
• Make sure that you clearly post your address to help firefighters locate your home in case of an emergency.
• Trim shrubs and trees and remove dead, dry leaves that could catch fire. Also, trash and abandoned vehicles on your property can increase the risk of a fire.
• Have your chimney cleaned out on a regular basis.
• Store combustible items away from your home.
• Keep all candles away from curtains. Regularly cut down candle wicks and do not let candles burn unattended.
• Make sure to check all appliances, cords, and outlets. They should be in good condition and not overused.
• Have a fire escape route and practice fire drills with children. Make sure your family knows more than one way to get out of your home and what to do in an emergency.
• Stickers are available for doors to notify firefighters what and how many pets may be at risk in your home.

back to top

Home & Personal Safety

• Be sure your Advent stake sign is visible at all times. A burglar is 3 times more likely to attack a home that does not have an electronic security system.
  
• Maintain proper exterior lighting. Outdoor lighting at your home can reduce your chances of having your home burglarized. Make sure your exterior lighting allows you the ability to get from your vehicle to your point of entry into your home.
  
• Keep all windows and doors locked whenever you are not home.
  
• Make sure your answering machine does not indicate that you are not home.
  
• If children are home alone, they should not answer the door or allow anyone in the home.
  
• Do not give your house key, digital code or code word out to temporary workers. If possible, don’t hide a spare key outside your home; instead, give it to a trusted neighbor.
  
• Do not leave valuables in sight through windows.
  
• Don’t leave items outside or in view that could be used by burglars to gain entry into your house, examples would be a ladder or tools.
  
• Having a privacy fence can provide cover for someone trying to break into your home. If a fence is necessary, consider a picket or chain-link fence instead.
  
• Don’t have your name on your mailbox. This information can be used by burglars to gain access to your phone number, who will then call and be able to see if you’re home. Instead, have bright and visible address numbers that can be seen in case of an emergency.
  
• Join a neighborhood watch if available in your community. Follow this link for information on neighborhood watch and how to start your own.

back to top

Before a Vacation

• Hold your mail and newspapers delivery or have a neighbor remove and hold it for you. Also, have someone shovel your walkway if it snows or cut your grass if it becomes overgrown. These are signs that the homeowner is not there.
• Have a timer placed on interior and exterior lights to give the impression that someone is home. You can also have a timer set for a television or radio to create noise.
• Do not indicate on your answering machine that you are away.
• Keep your blinds in their normal positions. Newly covered windows are an indicator that you’re away.
• Notify your security company of the dates you will be away.

back to top