Spring Plans for Safety, Security at Work & Home
Warmer weather is on the horizon and spring is in full swing! As with every changing season, there are key preventative steps to take to maintain safety and security for your business, home and most importantly, you!
For Your Business
With spring comes warmer weather (we’re slowly climbing out of the 40s!), and with warmer weather comes the desire for fresh air. If windows are open during the day,ensure all windows are locked and secured before leaving in the evening.
With many employees on vacation, ensure that authorized users and emergency contacts on
your account will be reachable in the event of an alarm or emergency. Take the time toconnect with our team to update your user and contact lists.
your account will be reachable in the event of an alarm or emergency. Take the time toconnect with our team to update your user and contact lists.
Be cautious when using email auto-responders and voicemail greetings. Using the exact dates you’ll be out of the office (or business will be closed) informs criminals of when to target your facility.
Test smoke alarms at your facility. It’s recommended to change the batteries twice yearly with clocks spring forward and fall back.
Keep landscaping maintained at your facility, as shrubs, trees and plants are starting to bloom. Keep plants trimmed below windows and trim trees so limbs are out of reach from your building and roof.
For Your Home
If you are planning on traveling, keep an eye and a tight hold on personal belongings and always secure your valuables.
As with your office email, don’t advertise your vacation plans until you’ve returned back home.
If you are staying in a hotel, try to reserve a room above the first floor (provides easy access) and below the sixth floor, as fire ladders may not extend to higher floors.
Space Heater Fire Safety
While Spring is officially here, portable space heaters can rescue us from those chilly mornings and surprise snow showers!
Space heaters and other portable heating equipment account for 40% of reported home heating fires, and these small appliances can cause big damage.
We’ve compiled some top tips to keep safe on those chilly days and nights:
– Keep all objects and people at least 3 feet away from your heater, especially kids, pets, and flammable objects.
– Turn off portable heaters when you leave the room, step away from your desk, or go to bed.
– Never power a space heater with a power strip or extension cord – always plug directly into a secure wall outlet.
– Do not set your heater on an unstable surface, like chairs or tables.
Damage From April 'Showers'
We’ve all heard the phrase about April, where “April showers bring May flowers.”
But often overlooked is the alternative: “April showers cause storm-related damage to your business.”
Heavy downpour, strong winds, hail, and lightning can leave your business vulnerable and accessible.
If the power goes out at your facility, notify your local Central Station immediately. Power outages can drain your system’s batteries, so be sure to schedule a service call to replace low batteries with a fresh supply.
Be sure all outdoor or exposed components are protected and sealed, as water leaks can wreak havoc on cameras, keypads, and Sonitrol panels.
If you are experiencing strong or severe winds at your location due to a storm, contact Central Station to prevent false alarms.
