Fact: Fire does not care who you are, how much money you make, what kind of car you drive or how much "stuff" you have in your man cave. Fire does not care if you are white or black, rich or poor, single or married.

Here are some more facts:

• An estimated 54,500 heating fires occur each year in the United States.
• Heating is the second leading cause of all residential building fires following cooking. 
• Residential building heating fires peak in January and February; this peak accounts for 34 percent of fires.
• Confined heating fires, those fires confined to chimneys, fuels, fuel boxes, or boilers, account for 87 percent of residential building heating fires.
• Thirty-one percent of the nonconfined residential building heating fires occur because the heat source is too close to combustibles.
• Residential building heating fires peak in the early evening hours between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. with the highest peak between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. This 4-hour period accounts for 30 percent of all residential building heating fires.
• The percent of residential building heating fires declines to the lowest point during the summer months from June to August. Heating fires during these months tend to be confined fuel burner/boiler malfunction fires (64 percent) or involve water heaters (10 percent).

View the entire report on Heating Fires in Residential Buildings here:

Heating Fires in Residential Buildings.pdf (758.39 kb)

On the Sixth Day of Christmas (security tips)

The Holiday Handyman - Christmas tends to bring out the handyman in some of us. Don't get caught feeding an extension through a locking window and jeopardizing your home's security. Hire an electrician or handyman to install an inexpensive exterior outlet for your holiday lights. Call CKE Electric (ckelectrical@verizon.net or 214-208-7754) for all of your electrical needs. (Don’t forget the motion activated, photo cell lighting) Maintain Your Holiday Lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch. Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on unattended.

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.

NTX Security offers 12 days of Christmas Security and Safety- Day 3

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

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
1) Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
a. Christmas Tree Fire Hazards - Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
b. Selecting a Tree for the Holiday - Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
c. Caring for Your Tree - Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
d. Disposing of Your Tree - Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
e. Holiday Lights – Maintain Your Holiday Lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
f. Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets - Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
g. Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

In virtually every security evaluation, we offer potential clients the opportunity to protect their garage as part of the complete security solution. 

Why?

1. As the article states below, garages are an easy target with many big ticket items that can be sold quickly and easily.
2. When your garage is not protected, it compromises the overall protection of the home.

 What security concerns do we see from the garage?

1. Loss of tools, golf clubs and other items of importance that reside in an open garage.
2. Vehicles stored in garages are often unlocked and the garage provides cover for intruders. Many times, personal items are left in autos that can make your identity vulnerable. 
3. Many times people leave the door unlocked between the garage and the home.  Check this door routinely and especially before you retire for the evening.
4. Criminals like cover.  What could be better than an open garage with an empty home?  The intruder could shut the door then come right through the wall if he or she desired. 
5. Finally, one of the most important garage security concerns - Fire Detection. Your garage is likely full of flammables and igniters. Your cars, electrical panels, lawn mowers, possibly even water heaters. We encourage at least one heat detector in every garage especially when there is a bedroom above the garage.  If a fire started in your garage, would the smoke detector inside the home sound before tragedy struck above?

 We recommend the following to enhance your home security through the garage:

1. Overhead garage door contacts.
2. Remote key fobs to assist in arming and dis-arming with a panic button feature.
3. Indicator light to identify the status of the alarm - especially when there has been an alarm event. 
4. Heat detection.
5. Alarm contacts on all pedestrian doors and windows. 
6. Glass break detectors on accessible windows.

Contact NTX Security today for your Free Security Evaluation.

********************************************************************* 

Denton Record-Chroncile 

11:58 PM CST on Wednesday, December 3, 2008

When we met last time (see "Your Basic Security System?"),  we discussed what a basic security system contains and why you may have one in your home or business. Today, we will discuss recommendations to enhance your base package, and what I recommend for the absolute essentials.

First, there is no substitute for an on-site evaluation by a security professional. We will discuss at another time what a security evaluation should entail, but don’t be fooled to believe that you can have effective coverage without someone taking your habits and physical location in consideration. 

So where does your quest for essential protection (detection) begin? In my opinion, the first level of enhancement should always begin with fire detection.  There is simply no other intruder more ruthless than fire.  Fire is indiscriminate.  It takes everything.  It does not care where you live, how safe your neighborhood is, how young or old you are or how you voted in the election.  It wants, and takes everything.

Most homes built since the late eighties have some form of fire protection that meets code today.  The detectors built in with your home were likely installed by your home builder’s electricians.  They are an effective noise maker in the event of a fire, but they cannot call for help.  Additionally, they may not be the best suited detector for your home.  How can you upgrade the fire protection for your home?  This requires a licensed fire planner to design a system for your dwelling; here are some of the components:

• Ionization smoke detector  
• Photoelectric detectors
• Fixed heat detectors 
• Rate of Rise Heat Detectors
• CO2 Detectors 

When planning to enhance your existing fire coverage, look at the following areas to enhance your protection beyond what the code may require: (These are only points of interest - check with you local fire marshal or AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for the codes for your specific area.

Heat Detectors: (Fixed or Rate of Rise) 

• In attic - especially if HVAC units or water heaters are present.
• Garages - especially if garages are attached and very important if garages have a bedroom above the garage
• By electrical panels
• By HVAC units (i.e. closet, attics)
• By water heaters (i.e. closets, attics)
• Kitchens
• Laundry Rooms
• Special rooms / workshops where flammables may exist

Smoke Detectors: (Photoelectric or Ionization) 

• To local code – check with your local fire marshal

CO2 Detectors:

• In the hallway outside the bedrooms. 
• Outside the kitchen area if there is a gas or wood burning stove / oven present. 
• Adjacent to the room containing carbon based (gas or wood burning) heating appliance: (examples)-Water heater- Furnace 
• Inside the home near the door to the attached garage (or car port).

FYI - Check out some great fire safety information here. 

Next time, we will discuss perimeter protection and how to build a virtual moat and your "castle".

This is a great tool for the residents of Dallas. The best way to fight crime is knowledge.

http://www.dallaspolice.net/mediaaccess

Farmers Branch Home Security 

WFAA Reports - Farmers Branch residents must trim grass or face a fine.

Farmers Branch's new ordinance about landscaping may have bigger implications that just a "well groomed" community. Unkempt lawns put targets on homes and businesses by telling the intruder nobody's home or in some extreme cases; nobody cares. (Not to mention the additional risk of fire caused by the tall dry grass around your building in the hot Texas summer.)

What are the first steps to protecting your home from invasion... Act like you care.

• Act like you care - Remove tools and other implements that could be used in the intrusion.
• Act like you care - Ensure that all of your doors and windows are locked.
• Act like you care - Keep you hedges and trees trimmed from your home to reduce hiding places and easy access to second stories.
• Act like you care - Have a professionally designed security system to protect person and property.

NTX Security offers a FREE Security Evaluation to help you protect your property starting from reducing the curb appeal your home has to interested intruders.

Fire Safety 101  

Colleges and Universities

Every year college and university students experience a growing number of fire-related emergencies. There are several causes for these fires, however most are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) offers these tips to help reduce and prevent the loss of life and property in dormitory and university housing fires.

The Facts

In cases where fire fatalities occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. There is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths. In more than 50% of adult fire fatalities, victims were under the influence at the time of the fire. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts. Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries on college campuses, closely followed by careless smoking and arson.

The Cause

Many factors contribute to the problem of dormitory housing fires.

• Improper use of 911 notification systems delays emergency response.
• Student apathy is prevalent. Many are unaware that fire is a risk or threat in the environment.
• Evacuation efforts are hindered since fire alarms are often ignored.
• Building evacuations are delayed due to lack of preparation and preplanning.
• Vandalized and improperly maintained smoke alarms and fire alarm systems inhibit early detection of fires.
• Misuse of cooking appliances, overloaded electrical circuits and extension cords increase the risk of fires.

Safety Precautions

• Provide students with a program for fire safety and prevention.
• Teach students how to properly notify the fire department using the 911 system.
• Install smoke alarms in every dormitory room and every level of housing facilities.
• Maintain and regularly test smoke alarms and fire alarm systems. Replace smoke alarm batteries every semester.
• Regularly inspect rooms and buildings for fire hazards. Ask your local fire department for assistance.
• Inspect exit doors and windows and make sure they are working properly.
• Create and update detailed floor plans of buildings, and make them available to emergency personnel, resident advisors and students.
• Conduct fire drills and practice escape routes and evacuation plans. Urge students to take each alarm seriously.
• Do not overload electrical outlets and make sure extension cords are used properly.
• Learn to properly use and maintain heating and cooking appliances.