NTX Security offers 12 days of Christmas Security and Safety - Day 7

The Grinch is calling; he wants to know if you will be home this Christmas… If you can, call forward your home phone number to your cell or neighbor for the duration of your absence. Don't leave descriptive telephone answering machine messages like, "You've reached the Wilson's...we're away skiing for the Christmas holiday...please leave a message." Don't give information on answering machines. It is best just to say that you are busy at the moment and to leave your name and number and you will return the call.

To be Continued... 

NTX Security offers 12 days of Christmas Security and Safety - Day 4 - Holiday Decorations

A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety (US Fire Administration) – Continued http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/holiday.shtm

Holiday Decorations:

1. Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
2. All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
3. Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace - It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.
4. Artificial Christmas Trees - If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
5. Candle Care – 
   * Avoid Using Lit Candles
   * If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. 
   * Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
6. Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.
7. Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.
8. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

Just in case you haven't heard, NTX Security has a newly updated Facebook Fan page where we will offer special advance notice of events, promotions and other related goodies.

To kick off our Fan Page we are having a drawing for a Vado VF0570's Palm Cam when we reach certain fan levels. (See fan page for more details.)

When it comes to security nothing beats common sense. Hopefully you can find one or two tips here to help you live safer and more aware.

1. Park and walk in well-lit areas. 
2. Be alert. Don’t assume that you are always safe. Think about your safety everywhere. Your best protection is avoiding dangerous situations.
3. If someone tries to grab you, yell "FIRE!" because this gets more attention than shouting "Help!"
4. Use a money clip. If you are robbed, you may lose the money in the clip but will retain important credit cards and documents. 
5. Don’t wear excess jewelry. Reduce wallet and purse contents, particularly cards denoting affiliations, memberships, accounts, etc. 
6. If you carry a purse, keep it close to your body at all times.  If you have a wallet, keep it in an inside jacket pocket or front pocket.  Try not to carry more cash than you need.
7. Let go if your bag is snatched. No amount of money is worth getting hurt over. If someone grabs your purse or wallet, don't fight or run after them. 
8. In any crowded situation, be aware of any crowding or jostling, even if it appears innocent. This is often a ploy by pickpockets to distract you. 
9. If a friend or taxi driver takes you home, ask them to wait until you're safely inside. 
10. Don't go inside your home if it appears that there has been an unauthorized entry. Go to a neighbors home and wait for the police.
11. If a stranger asks to use your phone, have him wait outside while you make the call. 
12. If you have car trouble, raise the hood and stay inside your car. If a stranger wants to help, have him or her call for help. Don’t leave your car.
13. Keep your car doors locked and never pick up hitchhikers.
14. If you ride the bus or rail be aware of their schedules so you don't have to wait any longer than necessary at a bus stop or station. Try to sit near the driver / conductor. Learn the location of emergency alarms and exits.
15. If you take money out of an ATM, choose a machine in a well-lit location. 
16. If you think you're being followed, turn around to see if someone's there instead of being taken by surprise.  Walk to the nearest store or office where there are other people around and let someone know you're being followed.
17. Make sure all windows and doors in your home are locked, especially if you are home alone. Always double check ALL of your doors and windows after a contractor or stranger has been inside your home.
18. Never give the impression that you are home alone if strangers telephone or come to the door. 
19. Stay awake and alert when using public transportation.
20. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, leave. 
21. Don't cross the road from between parked cars or in front of a bus because that can make it hard for other drivers to see you.
22. Don't walk in isolated places at night.  If you have to, wear light-colored clothing and carry a flashlight.  You may also want to carry a personal alarm siren or pepper spray.  Please consult local regulations on personal defense sprays.
23. Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic, close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
24. Walk to your car with keys in your hand.
25. When traveling, dress casually; dress down where appropriate. Wear clothes and shoes that allow freedom of movement.

We cannot always be with you everywhere you go, but we would be happy to visit with you about protecting your home or business.

Thankfully the kids are ok.

A Fort Worth brother and sister survived a frightening ordeal at the hands of robbers this week when thieves broke in to their house while the siblings were home alone.

For the complete story > Fort Worth Home Invasion

It occurred to me recently that I had subconsciously been using a process for solving problems.

What if… What then… What now…

What if - I had a flat on the highway?

What then - I would have to unload a trunk full of junk to find my spare, tools and jack.

What now – I should clean out my trunk to make easier access to the item I would need in an emergency to better prepare myself for that event.

Now it’s your turn.

What if – someone broke into your home or business?

What then - How would that make you feel? Hopefully no one was there during the intrusion, but what if someone was attacked or injured. What would they take – what could you lose that you could not replace? Would you ever feel safe there again? Would you wonder who did this?

What now – What action will you take? Will you take steps to protect yourself or invest in the false belief that it will never happen to me?

There are only two scenarios in which people protect themselves:

1. As a precaution before something happens.
2. In reaction to an event that has already occurred.