These aren’t huge numbers, but they’re certainly worth paying attention to.

• There is an average of 260 Christmas tree fires each year resulting in human loss, numerous injuries, and millions in property damage.
• In addition, holiday lighting mishaps account for another 150 or so home fires each year, causing plenty of damage and harm on their own.

Being in the home security business, it’s not just our job to protect our customers after the fact. We also feel a responsibility to help you prepare in advance, so these kinds of accidents don’t happen.

So, for a safer and happier holiday season, please take these safety tips to heart:

Christmas Tree Safety

1. Pick a fresh tree. Fresh trees are much less likely to catch fire, according to the American Christmas Tree Association. If purchasing a real Christmas tree, it’s essential to choose a tree with green needles, regardless of the type of tree. Signs of a fresh tree include soft and flexible needles that don’t easily fall off when tugged gently.
2. Keep it watered. Constant moisture is key, because a dried-out Christmas tree in a home is a recipe for disaster. In fact, a parched tree can burn, according to the NFPA. Experts recommend keeping a real tree well-watered to ensure it remains consistently moist.
3. Sockets & wires. Don’t string more than two strands of lights together and plug as many into a power strip as you can. Limit your use of extension cords, too.
4. Heat source. Keep your tree well away from baseboard, ceiling, or floor heating vents. Nothing can dry out a tree faster.
5. Check the lights. Faulty lights can cause a tree to ignite, which is why it’s essential to check lights before stringing them or laying them across your mantel. The NFPA recommends using lights that are listed by a qualified testing lab like UL, and make sure you buy only indoor lights for your tree.

Indoor Lighting Safety Tips

1. Check each lightbulb carefully. Check for nicks in the cord that can cause a shock hazard. If there are any cracked bulbs or frayed cords, throw them away and buy new LED string lights.
2. Check extension cord for abrasions. If you find one or more, don’t tape them, replace them.
3. Don’t plug in too many lights! Too many lights on the same circuit can cause it to blow. So, be sure to pay attention to the circuit rating on the label. This will tell you how many stringed lights your circuit can handle.
4. Keep extension cords above rugs and other surfaces. Placing cords under rugs or other surfaces people walk on will eventually cause them to fray, creating a hazard all its own.

If you already have a home security alarm system or smoke and fire detectors that can notify you via Wi-Fi, you’ll have added security on your side. If not, contact Now Security Systems today so we can help keep your home and family safe and sound all year long.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. But during the holiday season, it quickly can turn into disaster central. With increased time spent prepping and cooking and getting the house holiday guest-ready, it’s easy to get distracted and fall victim to mishaps and dangers.

So, this Thanksgiving, take a few extra precautions to ensure your holiday celebration is joyous, festive, and worry-free.

• Make the kitchen a child- and pet-free zone so that while cooking and baking is underway, spills and touching hot surfaces can be eliminated.
• While the turkey is roasting, do not leave your home for any reason without putting a responsible adult in charge of checking on the bird. And don’t leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
• Use a timer or set an alarm to remind you to check on food at set intervals.
• Don’t leave cords from small appliances like hand mixers and electric knives dangling off counters or tables where they can become a trip hazard.

Decorations help make a home feel festive and inviting, but some can spell trouble.

• Avoid using real candles to add that warm glow. Instead, use flameless LED candles that still give off just the right amount of light without attendant dangers.
• Before plugging anything in, check that the cord is not damaged. If you must use an extension cord, check for damage and don’t run it under area rugs where it can overheat and spark a fire.
• Avoid using decorations that look like real food if you have small children around.

And if you’re hitting the road this Thanksgiving, follow these tips to help ensure your home is just how you left it upon your return.

• Install motion-sensing lights around the exterior and a couple programmable light timers inside to give the appearance that someone is home.
• Nothing screams “empty house” like an overflowing mailbox and a week’s worth of newspapers on the front lawn. Be sure to put a hold on mail delivery or ask a trusted neighbor to bring the mail in for you.
• Don’t forget to leave the heat on to prevent pipes from freezing. Even 55 degrees will do it, but no lower just to play it safe.

As added safety precautions, test and replace (as needed) smoke alarm batteries. And, if you don’t already have a wall-mounted fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen, this is the perfect time to have one installed.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Now Security Systems.

You buy something. You love it. You keep it. Six months later you’re sick of it. And then you forget you even have it.

That’s how clutter starts, and once that happens, sometimes there’s just no end in sight. Until, that is, one day you can’t find anything and suddenly realize it’s time for the forgotten or useless items to go.

Aha, but this is a battle, one you’re determined to win. So don’t just dive in helter-skelter. Start with a plan, and here’s some advice to get you headed in the right direction.

Kitchen Command Central. Sure, our meetings and appointments might look a little different now, but they’re no less important than before. So, to keep on track with the week ahead, use a corkboard or chalk board to show this week’s menu, grocery list, and little reminders. Add a family calendar to keep track of music and dance lessons, virtual family get-togethers, and more.

Table for Four? Let’s say you’re a family of four. Yet you have enough cups, glasses, and dishes for 30 – perhaps it’s time to let some of them go. Keep a few extras for the occasional breakage or when company stops by but toss those that go unused day in and day out, have chips or cracks, or you’ve simply outgrown.

Purge the Closets. Here’s a good rule of thumb: if you haven’t worn it in a year, it doesn’t fit, or no longer represents your personal style, donate it. Ask yourself “Would I buy this today, in this exact size?” The answer will let you know what to do next.

Attack the Linen Closet. If you open your linen closet and see mismatched sheets, threadbare towels, and a satin duvet from 1990, maybe it’s time to bid them a fond farewell. Reach out to your local animal shelter; they typically welcome donations of old sheets and towels. Use bins to store complete sheet sets, or simply stuff folded fitted and top sheets into matching pillowcases.

Everything but the Kitchen Sink. What’s inside the cabinet below your sink? Hopefully, plumbing and maybe a garbage disposal. But if you can’t easily access either because of all the clutter, it’s time to organize! Corral your cleaning supplies into a caddy, use hooks on the back of the cabinet doors to hang dishtowels, and add an expandable shelf organizer to keep needed items within easy reach.

Medicine Cabinet Clean-Out. Expired cough syrup, old perfume, and that electric toothbrush you never used should not occupy your medicine cabinet. Find out when your town is holding its next prescription drug take-back to rid the cabinet of any medications you no longer take or have expired. Toss expired ointments and over-the-counter medicine, following your town’s guidelines, and use a small basket to store tweezers, scissors, and other such items.

Media Mayhem. We all remember heading out to the video store on a Friday night and getting the latest releases, plus a few old favorites for the weekend. Yet if you have VHS tapes and DVDs but not the equipment to view them, perhaps it’s time to let go. While you’re at it consider getting rid of gaming consoles that go unused and streamlining all those power cords with a zip-tie.

And then there’s your security alarm system. How old is it? Who monitors it – do you even remember? If it’s that old, maybe it’s time to replace it with a system that provides even greater home and personal security. Contact Now Security Systems today for a free in-home security analysis.

How prepared are you for the possibility of a break-in, fire, or other home emergency? The truth is most people aren’t as prepared for worst-case scenarios as they might think – or like. Yet adding just a few essentials and precautions can greatly improve your family’s odds of staying safe even under adverse circumstances.

Here are 8 necessities every home should have.

First Aid Kit. Keep a fully stocked first aid kit in an easily accessible location in your home and car. It should contain sterile gauze in a variety of sizes, antiseptic wipes packets, assorted sized bandages, an instant cold compress, nonlatex gloves, tweezers, antibiotic ointment packets, oral thermometer, two packets of aspirin, a trauma pad, adhesive cloth tape…more is better, including a pair of scissors and tweezers.

Safety Ladder. Although we hope you never have to use it, having a multistory safety ladder can help you escape safely in the event of a fire.

Wi-Fi Thermostat. A Wi-Fi enabled thermostat not only allows you to control your thermostat from anywhere but can provide you with real-time alerts should your heating system fail. That way, you can take swift action to prevent frozen pipes and other hazards.

Motion Sensor Lights. Installed near points of entry, motion sensing lights can provide safe passage when arriving home after dark while deterring would-be intruders.

Fire Extinguisher. This must-have essential should be a fixture in every home. Store it in an easy to access area and make sure every adult in the household knows how to use it properly. It’s especially important to keep one in or near the kitchen.

Fireproof and Waterproof Safe. Keep valuables safe and secure from fire and water damage.

Emergency Contact Info. Keep numbers to poison control, non-emergency police, and primary doctor’s offices in clear view so that babysitters and care givers can access the help they need in the event of an emergency.

4-in-1 Emergency Tool. Pry open doors, shut off water and gas valves, dig through debris, and more with a 4-in-1 emergency tool. Choose one that is both rust-proof and spark-proof.

As you can see, most home safety essentials are designed for use while you’re home. But what happens when you’re not? That’s why it’s equally essential to outfit your home with a modern security alarm system. That’s our stock in trade, plus we have our own dedicated monitoring center that is operated 24/7 by our own experienced personnel. Contact Now Security Systems today for a free home security analysis and new system proposal.

Having an offer accepted on your dream house may seem like cause for celebration, but you’re not done just yet. You still have the inspection hurdle to cross. You know, where things are not always what they seem to be? How a steak can appear to be cooked to perfection on the outside but once you cut into it…oops!

And yet, not all inspections are handled by the same person, which means they’re not identical. Plus, inspectors have strengths in different areas from one another. All of which puts some of the burden for the outcome on you and your agent.

So, before you agree to close, be sure these items, among others, are thoroughly inspected.

Oil tank. If the house is now heated with gas, find out if it was converted from oil and, if so, is the tank still on the property. You might be required to move it and that could involve a giant hassle and expense.

HVAC system. A standard home inspector will confirm that a home’s heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system (HVAC) is functional at the time of inspection but will make no not provide any assurance of long-lasting reliability. If the heating and cooling systems are more than ten years old, have them inspected on your own by a licensed HVAC technician.

Roof. Roof damage account for 39% of homeowner’s insurance claims, according to Trulia. Be sure to determine the age of the roof, have it inspected thoroughly and, if it’s still under warranty, if that warranty is transferable.

Water drainage and disbursement.  While external water damage is easy to spot, internal damage – especially inside walls and above ceilings – can be a much more difficult task. Ask the inspector to use an infrared camera to ensure there is no hidden water damage and a resulting infestation of mold.

Electricity system. There are numerous issues that can pose safety hazards for your family once you take up resident. One is called knob and tube wiring, usually found in homes from about 1880 to the 1930s. It’s often ungrounded and can lead to electric shock. Another safety hazard is a Federal Pacific Electric panel: When circuit breakers are tripped on those systems, it often leads to overheating and fire.

Asbestos. If the home you’re ready to buy was built before 1980, there’s a chance asbestos remains, even though it may be hidden under new flooring, just as one example. If left undisturbed, it might be safe, but abating it before it becomes a problem is often wise. Turner says you can find it everywhere from interior heating pipes to exterior shingles.

Waste systems. If the house once relied on a septic system but now has city sewers on the street, that doesn’t mean the septic tank has been removed. There have been instances where abandoned septic systems eroded and eventually caused a cave-in. That creates a risk of both property and personal damage.

What about an existing burglar alarm system? You’ll want to know who installed it, how long ago, and what it consists of. You also should ask the sellers if they still use it and, if so, how well satisfied they are. If it’s not up to your liking or insufficient for what you deem to be an adequate level of protection for home and family, contact Now Security Systems, and leave the rest to us.

Let’s face it, moving from one home to another is stressful under the best of circumstances. Yet it all can proceed more smoothly and efficiently with the right mindset, strategy, and attention to detail.

Follow these tried and true tips to make your big day as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Should it stay or should it go? Take a thorough inventory of everything you own before you start packing, then decide what comes and what needs to go. For example, do you really need that beat up desk that’s been collecting dust in your basement for years? How about all eight spatulas? Have a tag sale or donate those belongings you really don’t need to bring to your next home.

Pack important documents separately. Use a water-resistant plastic bin to pack up insurance policies, tax documents, passports, wills, and other vital records. That way, they are less likely to get damaged and will be easier to locate later among the sea of brown boxes.

Plan the move. The end of the month is usually the busiest time for moving companies, so as soon as you have an exact date, call to schedule. Otherwise, you might find yourself hiring a not-so-stellar moving service or pulling in favors from friends and family.

Snap a pic. Before unplugging your TV, gaming consoles, computers, and other electronics, snap a picture of the connections so you know exactly how to hook everything back up.

Keep essentials on hand. Things don’t always go according to plan. Gather up some water, snacks, medications, a first aid kit, and anything else you might need to keep going on moving day.

Pack boxes by room. Save time and reduce stress by packing and labeling boxes by room. Once you arrive at your new home, bring the boxes right to the corresponding room. And be sure to balance out the weight of boxes. Pack lighter items in larger boxes and heavier items in smaller boxes. Fill any empty space with newspapers, pillows, throws, or towels.

Keep things shut with plastic wrap. Wrap dresser drawers and doors with plastic wrap to keep them from opening during the move. This also protects the furniture from dings and scratches. What’s more, you can leave your belongings inside to reduce the number of items you’ll need to pack and unpack.

Before taking up residence in your new home, ask the sellers about their security system. What did they like and not like about it? Who monitored it for them? Were they happy with the service, and so on. The idea is you want it ready to go from day one. Or, if the house is not already equipped with such a system, contact Now Security Systems today so we can install exactly what you need before you spend even one night there.

Severe weather doesn’t take a season off. In fact, high winds, torrential rain, and lightning strikes can occur any time of year and bring about a slew of problems, including car accidents, downed trees, and – most commonly – power outages.

Power outages, in turn, can cause a host of problems all their own. Here are just a few.

No A/C or Fans – Anything requiring electricity stops working during a power outage, including your air conditioner and fans. As temps rise, the lack of conditioned air can cause dehydration and heat stroke. Should your home suddenly go dark, encourage family members to drink plenty of water, keep curtains and shades drawn, and open doors and windows once the sun starts to set to allow breezes to flow through your house.

No Heat Source – During cold weather months, electricity-dependent furnaces, boilers, and space heaters stop working once the power shuts off, leaving you cold and placing water pipes at risk of freezing. Keep warm by wearing layers of clothing and open faucets even a little to allow water to flow – as a rule, moving water can’t freeze. Never use kerosene heaters, camping stoves, or grills indoors as they can cause carbon monoxide to reach dangerous levels.

Water Worries – No power, no hot water. Plus, if you have well water, the pump may stop working, leaving you without fresh drinking water. Stock up on a large supply of bottled water before the storm, but don’t wait until the last minute as the only thing you’ll find are empty shelves.

Fresh Food – Avoid opening the fridge and freezer as much as possible during an outage. Most food can stay fresh in a closed fridge for up to 24 hours, while frozen food can remain so for up to 36 hours. Carefully examine all food for spoilage before consuming – when in doubt, throw it out.

No Phones – Keep your cell phone charged in case of a power outage so you can keep track of the storm and make emergency calls as needed. Consider investing in a solar backup charger to soften the blow of an extended outage.

TVs, Electronics, and Appliances – They are all sensitive to variations in voltage and can burn out when power is restored. So, be sure to unplug all TVs, electronics, and appliances during an outage and plug them back in one at a time once power is restored.

Here’s one thing that won’t go down during a power outage – a home security system installed and monitored by Now Security Systems. Our systems are equipped with battery back-up power to help keep you safe and your home secure. Contact us today for a free in-home security evaluation and proposal.

Few would argue the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and your personal life. The more work occupies your brain and stresses you out when the workday is over is not time well spent. That can be especially true if you work from home where it’s often difficult to separate one from the other.

Add to that – for health reasons and otherwise – more and more people working from home not necessarily by choice, and associated problems only compound themselves.

While we don’t have all the answers, we do have some helpful tips on how and where to create a home office space that keeps life and work at least a little more apart.

Location, location. Choose a space where household traffic and distractions are minimal. Ideally, this area would be separated by a door from the rest of the house, but if that is not an option, consider using a screen or partition around your workspace to minimize visual distractions.

Eliminate outside noise. No matter how quiet your home might be, outdoor distractions like traffic, nearby construction, and rowdy neighbors can make focus and productivity a challenge. Keep it to a minimum by sealing gaps around windows and exterior doors, use a draft guard to seal the gap between door and floor, or invest in good-quality noise cancelling headphones.

Keep it light and bright. If possible, set up your workstation near a window to reap the health benefits of natural sunlight. If the window is small, hang a mirror on the opposite wall to bounce sunlight around the space.

Get – and stay – connected. Dropped calls, poor connections during video conferencing, and slow file-sharing can make you seem unprepared and unprofessional. There also can be a significant loss or productivity. Contact your local internet provider to ensure your service plan matches the needs of your household.

Consider your equipment. Think about how you use your office equipment – does it help or hinder your ability to work comfortably and efficiently? Make sure your chair offers the comfort and support you need, replace that old sticky keyboard for a newer model, or consider adding a second computer monitor to reduce going back and forth between files.

Creative storage.  If your room is tight on space or serves double duty as a guest bedroom or hobby room, look for creative ways to use wall shelving, bookcases, and other storage ideas to eliminate floor clutter.

Reduce the clutter. Use drawer organizers to keep sticky notes, pens, paper clips and other office essentials within easy access. Keep paper clutter to a minimum by scanning those documents you can while filing the rest away. And bundle wires, cords, and cables with double-sided Velcro, or invest in a cord management system.

At the end of the day, put it away. Make it easier to switch from work to life by organizing and putting away documents and shutting electronics down. You’ll be less tempted to “check one more thing” and keep your work area safe from exploring kids and curious pets.

If you’ve converted basement or attic space to a home office and that area is not covered by your home security system, you have one very good reason to expand your system’s capabilities – especially if your office contains expensive equipment and gear. Contact Now Security Systems today to learn how we can help protect not just some of your home, but all of it.

Nothing quite beats the summer heat and humidity like a refreshing swim. Even better and more convenient when that swim takes place in the comfort of your own backyard. But if you’re a pool owner, you know all too well that proper maintenance is the key to keeping your backyard oasis enjoyable and safe all season long.

So, before you take your next dip, make sure you’re following these pool care tips.

• After months of non-use, take the time to thoroughly inspect the pool area for damage, clear away leaves, branches, and debris with a pool net, and run the filter to get things moving again.

• Closely follow your pool kit’s instructions when treating the water. Achieving just the right balance of pH, calcium, and alkalinity will keep the water crystal clear, keep the filter clog free, and prevent skin and eye irritation.
• Chlorine is an essential ingredient in the fight against bacteria. Take the time to research your options. Would you prefer liquid or chlorine tabs? Do you want an all-in-one solution or a separate algaecide?
• Pool professionals recommend shocking a pool at least twice a month – more frequently if your pool is used often. Apply three to five times the normal amount of chlorine to quickly raise chlorine levels and kill algae, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens.
• Wind and rain can cause plant life to make itself at home in your pool where it can bloom and take over. Apply a weekly or biweekly algaecide treatment to keep the water sparkling clean and safe.
• Invest in a pool cover to prevent debris and little critters from ending up in your water. When rinsing the pool deck, direct the hose away from the pool so that whatever you’re washing away doesn’t end up in the water.

Then there’s the pool safety – there’s nothing more important for making the most of your outdoor time and investment. Our advice? Add one or more backyard video cameras to your home security system so you can keep an eye on things. While we don’t recommend leaving kids alone in a pool even for a minute, things have a way of happening anyway, however briefly. Video cameras can help relieve at least some of that worry.

For more information and a free in-home security analysis, contact Now Security Systems today.

Home security comes in all shapes and sizes. But here’s one you may not have previously considered – a whole-house water shut-off valve.

Water leaks are never to be taken lightly. Especially when you consider how much damage they can cause. Take a leak in your water heater storage tank that starts when no one’s home and doesn’t end until every drop of water has been drained.

At the very least, you’ll have quite a mess on your hands. If the problem occurs while you’re away on vacation, mold can become an issue. And, depending on where your storage tank is located, you also face the risk of property and structural damage.

To solve the problem, call a plumbing company you trust and ask them to install a whole-house water shut-off valve. Let’s say you have a multi-sensor system and a leak occurs under your kitchen sink. The nearest sensor will detect the leak and send a signal to the next one in line, and so on, until it reaches and shuts off your water main.  That means almost no wasted water, no damage, and no clean-up headaches.

Better yet, your water shut-off valve with strategically placed sensors can be integrated with a home security system from Now Security Systems. That gives you one more way to protect your home, family, and personal possessions, even while you’re away. Contact us today for more information on how to get the most from your home security system – from Now!