Safety Tips to keep you safe at home, work, online and in public

We have added more safety tips on our website.  Most of the tips are simple, practical, do-it-yourself tasks that will enhance your safety and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

The Safety Tips are free, can be downloaded, printed and shared with your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, referral partners, clients…we want to help everyone stay safe!

We will be adding more Safety Tips on a wide variety of topics in the coming weeks and months, so check back often!

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority!

Tags: Accidents, Burglary, Child Safety, Home Security, Safety Tips, Tips to Prevent Burglary, Women's Safety, Xpress Protection Security

10 safety tips to keep your home and family safe.

Did you know that a burglar will spend 45 minutes deciding which home to break-in to, but only 3 minutes actually burglarizing a home.  Want to prevent your home from becoming a target?  Is so, you need to make your house less attractive to a thief.  Why?  A criminal looks for homes that are ‘easy scores’.  Remember, they only spend 3 minutes in a home – they are looking for fast, easy and undetected entry and exit.  Below is a list of 10 tips to keep your home off the hit list and to keep you and your family safe and free from crime.

1. Each exterior door should be a solid core and protected by a high-quality deadbolt, including the door from the garage into the home.  Also, secure all windows with quality locks – even those on the second floor.

2. Invest in a home-security system with central monitoring.  A thief doesn’t want attention drawn to them.  An alarm system deters criminals, detects unauthorized entry and defends you and your home by notifying the central monitoring station and having the authorities dispatched.

3. Keep your home well lit at night.  Turn on the porch light, landscaping lights and install motion sensors on exterior lights.  Keep the landscaping near doors and windows well-trimmed.  This eliminates hiding places.  You can also plant thorny plants in front of windows.

4. Never leave your home unlocked and don’t “hide” spare keys outside!  Consider installing a keypad lock on your front door to eliminate the need for keys.  Install a padlock or cable lock to secure gates and fences around your home too.

5. Consider a remote entry/home-management security system.  These systems enable you to access and control your security system from most smart phones and computers.  You can monitor video surveillance cameras, arm and disarm the system, turn your lights on and off, adjust your thermostats, monitor movement in the home, even when the system is disarmed, and you can receive text or email messages to notify you when the system is armed and disarmed.  These systems are ideal for working parents with children home alone after school, if you travel or are away from home for long periods of time, second homes, checking in on our elderly parents and many other applications.

6. If you’re going away, even for a quick weekend get-away, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house.  Consider stopping paper and mail delivery; or have a neighbor collect them for you.  Put lamps on timers and set them to turn on and off at different times.  This gives the appearance that someone is home.

7. Don’t let your kids play outside alone!  There is safety in numbers.

8. Never put your child’s name on clothes, jewelry, hats, back packs and other belongings that people can readily see.

9. Teach your children to never say “I am home alone” when they answer the phone.  Have them let the call go to voicemail or, if they must answer the phone, to say “my mom and dad are busy and can’t come to the phone”.  Also teach them the importance of not answering the door when they are home alone.  Have a list of people they can call in an emergency and ensure they have all the contact information for each of them.

10. Have a fire escape plan, with multiple exits, and PRACTICE it on a regular basis.

For more safety tips, please visit our website at www.xpressprotection.com or call for your free, no obligation safety review at 480-213-7856.

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority!

VoIP is a risky option for home security

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a risky option for home security.  Traditionally, burglar and fire alarm signals are transmitted from your home or business to a central monitoring station, like the one at Monitronics, over landlines.  In many homes and businesses VoIP systems are becoming a substitute for the traditional land line systems. VoIP is a technology that converts your analog voice into a digital signal that then travels over the Internet using your high-speed connection.  If you are calling a regular phone number, as you are when your alarm calls our central station, the signal is converted to a regular phone signal before it arrives.

Are you thinking about getting VoIP?  You need to consider the quality and reliability of the phone line, which depends directly on the quality and stability of your Internet broadband connection.  If your connection goes down or is intermittent, you have no access or connection to your phone line during the interruption, therefore no communication with your central station.  That essentially means you’ve got no alarm system until your VoIP is back up and running.

This same risk applies to improperly installed VoIP phone systems, by either a consumer or a cable provider.  If this happens, there is a significant risk that existing alarm panels will be bypassed and no longer be able to send an alert to the alarm monitoring station.  If you have VoIP, immediately test your system and do these tests on at least a monthly basis.

The alarm industry is proposing that Congress enact a provision which would require that before a VoIP system is activated, the customer is notified that the system needs to be tested on a regular basis.  We’re always here to answer any questions you many have about your alarm system and how VoIP might affect it.  Call us at 480-213-7856 or toll-free at 866-342-9280 to speak with a customer service specialist.

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority!

Tags: Business Security, Daytime Burglary, Home Security, Security mistakes, Voice over Internet Protocal, VoIP, Xpress Protection Security

Secrets about the “Free” Home Security System.

Secrets Of The “Free” Home Security System:

If you honestly think you’re going to get adequate security protection for “free”, you’re going to be greatly disappointed.  What do you usually get with the infamous “free home alarm system”?  It usually consists of the following:

*An “all in one” wireless keypad, siren, control panel and dialer.
*One wireless door or window contact, one wireless motion sensor.
*A long-term monitoring contract, that automatically renews (sometimes even up to five years).
*Extra charges for additional contacts, motion sensors, etc.
*Extra charges called “activation fees” or “police and fire registration fees”.
*Especially sneaky:  Some companies that use central monitoring stations that are out of your telephone area code will actually CHARGE you to use their 1-800 number, in order for your alarm to send its signal!

So Why Is The System Wireless?

Most of these “free” alarm companies go with “all in one” wireless because it takes virtually no skill to install.  A lot of the programming can be done ahead of time, so the “technician” that installs the system can get the job done as quickly and easily as possible.  Many of these employees have little to no skill, because their employers pay them as little as possible.  Really talented technicians are paid well, because they are a surprisingly rare and valued commodity in the industry these days.  These “free” alarm companies do not attract the best technicians.

What’s wrong with these “all in one” wireless units?

They’re extremely vulnerable. The best installation for your alarm is to have the keypad, controls panel (the “brains” of the system) and siren installed in separate places. So for example if a thief rips the keypad off your wall, it doesn’t matter.  The dialer that sends your alarm system’s signal to the monitoring station is located inside the control panel, which is most likely installed in your laundry room or a closet and is not damaged.  If you have an “all in one” system, not only is the keypad disabled, but also the entire alarm system, including the siren!

They Cannot Be Monitored By Any Other Alarm Company.

It is important that you own your alarm equipment, so that you can switch monitoring companies if you’re not happy with their service, or want to shop around for a better monitoring rate.  And there are dramatically different levels of service quality and monitoring cost between the various alarm companies!  With a “free” system, it is almost certain that it is “locked out”.  This means that no other alarm company can monitor it. Some companies even use software that can “remotely kill” your alarm system, rendering it useless in a matter of minutes

They Give A False Sense Of Security.

Protecting your home with one motion sensor and one or two door contacts not adequate protection for the average homeowner. This basic system leaves huge gaps in your security protection, allowing an intruder to easily enter your home, and stay a lot longer, before the alarm actually goes off.

The “Free” System Offer Gets Their Foot In The Door.

To properly protect most homes will require adding more equipment to get to an acceptable level of security. Typical prices for a wireless device offered by any alarm company would be: $75-$95 for a door or window contact, $90-$130 for a wireless motion sensor, and about the same cost for a wireless smoke detector. You may decide to go with fire monitoring (highly recommended) or a back up for your phone line using cell or radio, both will be at additional costs. The “free” offer is really a classic “bait and switch” tactic.

The Bottom Line:

The cost of most basic ‘all in one’ systems is $300-$400.  Companies offering them for “free” are recovering that cost, either through inflated ‘add-on’ components, locking you into a long-term contract, unnecessary fees and more, so, don’t be fooled by the ‘free security system’ offers. Purchasing a system from a reputable company that will provide the solutions and protection you need will get you a system that is a lot less vulnerable, is more reliable, lasts longer, is installed by quality technicians, and gives you the flexibility you need and deserve.

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority!

Call 480-213-7856 to schedule your FREE, no obligation security review, or visit our site at http://www.xpressprotection.com for more information and safety tips.

Tags: Burglary, Custom security solution, Free Security System, Home Security, Security mistakes, Tips to Prevent Burglary, Xpress Protection Security

Do you have a CO2 Detector?

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless compound produced by incomplete combustion/burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane and natural gas. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced by products and equipment that are powered by internal combustion engines, such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without using detection technology.

What they can and cannot do:

• CAN – sense unacceptable levels of CO in the air
• CAN – provide early warning, before a healthy adult might show symptoms
• CAN – act as round-the-clock monitor of CO
• CAN – only sense CO that reaches it – Where you hang a detector is important
• CAN – breakdown like any other electronic device
• CANNOT – work without electrical power (batteries, AC)
• CANNOT – sense smoke, natural gas, propane, etc. (It is not a smoke detector!)

Where to put (or not put) your detector:

• PUT – near a bedroom, or other room where people spend most of their time; where its alarm can be heard.
• READ the instructions that come with your Detector.
• DO NOT PUT – in garage, furnace room, near cooking stove, etc.
• DO NOT PUT – in dead air space, corner of room, near floor, in peak of vaulted ceiling.
• DO NOT PUT – near open windows or doors.
• DO NOT PUT – in excessively hot or cold areas, or excessively damp or dry areas.
• DO NOT PUT – a cloth or plastic cover over the detector.

You can click here to learn more about the CO, its symptoms, how to protect yourself and more.

Call today to schedule your FREE, no obligation security review and to determine where to install your CO detector.

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority!

Tags: Accidents, Business Security, Carbon Monoxide, Home Security, Xpress Protection Security

Back to School Safety Tips

By now, most of our children are back in school and we are settling in to the routine.  If you have not talked to your children about their safety at school yet, I hope you’ll take the following information from Universal Services of America and share it with our kids.

*Walking to and from school – map out the route your child will take and know who lives along it.  While you don’t have to know every homeowner, it is important you research for any possible sexual predators that may live in the area.  Also advise your children to stay on the predetermined path and avoid any parks, alleys, fields, etc., where there aren’t a lot of people around.  Find out beforehand if there will be crossing guards at the intersections, and arrange for neighborhood children to walk together.  Ensure your child knows their address and phone numbers of emergency contacts!

*Riding a bike or scooter – make sure they know and obey the traffic laws and wear proper safety equipment.  Bike helmets, sturdy shoes, and a backpack that isn’t overloaded will all help make the trip easier and safer for our children.

*If you plan on driving your child to school, make sure you see them enter the school yard or building before you leave.

*If your child will be taking the bus, instruct them to arrive at the stop early, stay out of the street while waiting, and always keep themselves visible to the bus driver.

*Dealing with bullies – teach your child to stand tall, remain calm, and walk away from difficult confrontations; if you suspect your child is being bullied, visit the school immediately and explain the situation to the principal.

*Playground safety – check out the equipment your child will be playing on and report any potential hazards.  Remove the drawstring from around the neck of clothing; any drawstring at the waist or bottom of a garment should be trimmed to no more than three inches long.

*Children need strict rules in place if they will be home alone – set a check-in time for them to call and let you know they made it home, and make sure they understand to keep the doors locked once they’re inside.  Additionally, you and your children should make plans beforehand for what they need to do in emergency situations, such as fires, accidents, earthquakes, etc.

It’s also important to know that technology is on our side when safeguarding our children.  There are Child Locator and GPS systems which can help locate your child should he or she go missing.  With such technology, you can also set “fences”, or boundaries, so if your child steps outside that zone a text message is sent to your phone.  Also, many home alarm systems can help keep track of when your child arrives home with a latchkey feature which will notify you if your child does not disarm the system within a set time.  In addition, implementing a video surveillance system in your home will allow you to look in from any computer or most smart phones to check on your kids.  Some systems even have audio capability so you can see and hear what is happening at home.

Call 480-213-7856 to schedule your FREE, no obligation security review today!  Your Safety Is Our Top Priority!

Tags: Child Safety, Home Security, Home Video Surveillance, Remote viewing from almost any computer, School Safety, Xpress Protection Security

Identity Theft – Deter, Detect, Defend

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

Identity theft is serious!  The Federal Trade Commission estimates there are over 9 million American’s are victimized annually by identity thieves.  While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds and thousands of dollars and many days trying to repair the damage to their good name and credit record.  Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.

Do you have the time or expertise to repair your identity?  If not, take advantage of our Identity Theft Protection Plan – it is FREE for a limited time.  Call 480-213-7856 for details and to start protecting your virtual assets!

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority!

Tags: Identity Theft, Identity Theft Crime, Identity Theft Protection Plan, Identity Theft victim, Xpress Protection Security

Safety Tips – Children Home Alone

Working parents, forced to leave our children alone at home, should teach our children about safety and what to do in an emergency.  If our children are over ten years old, they may have outgrown the need for a babysitter.  If this is the case with your children, please share with them the safety tips below.

1. Do not open the door!  Regardless of how harmless the person looks or what their ‘story’ is.  Persuading children to open the door is the most common ploy used by criminals.

2. Be sure that our child have all of our contact numbers so they you can contact us in case of an emergency.  Make sure that we are reachable if our child need our help.  If we are frequently in meetings, have a pass-code that our children give to notify the person answering our phones that it is an emergency.  Instruct the person answering the phone to interrupt the meeting, no matter what!  In addition to our numbers, our children must also have contact information of relatives, a few other trusted friends, and associates who can step in if we aren’t readily available for some reason.
3. Instruct our children not to enter the house if they see any signs of a break-in.  We need an emergency plan for them to follow.  For example, go to a neighbor, who knows about the emergency plan, and contact the police and then us.
4. Talk to our neighbors about the situation of our children being home alone.  This way, they can check in on our children from time to time to ensure they are doing okay.
5. If our children are not over the age of 15, they should refrain from doing any kind of cooking or using the oven without our supervision.  We can have them heat pre-cooked meals in the microwave or prepare cold sandwiches.  Kids can sometimes be quite forgetful and simply forget to turn off appliances.
6. Teach our kids about contacting appropriate emergency numbers in case of a suspected burglary, a fire or any other such incident.  They should be given clear instructions on exactly what needs to be done in case any mishap occurs.  A first aid box should be kept within easy reach of the child in case the need arises.  They should know what and how to use it too.
7. There should be fire extinguishers installed in key areas of our home and our children should be educated on the way it is to be used.
8. A flashlight or two, having enough bright light, should be kept in the house in case the electricity goes out and we are not at home.

To schedule your FREE, no obligation security review, call 480-213-7856 today!  You can visit our site at http://www.xpressprotection.com for more safety tips.

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority!

Common Security Mistakes – Correct Them Immediately!

Common Home Security Mistakes
Below are a few things we all do that make your homes and property easy marks for thieves.  Make sure you are not guilty of committing any of them.  If you are, for your own safety and for the security of your home and property, correct them immediately.

Hide-a-key
Many homeowners, afraid we will lose our keys and lock ourselves out, choose to hide a key somewhere on the property.  We think we are being sneaky by placing the key under a rock, under a doormat, in a potted plant, or above the door.  Not all burglars are dumb, they absolutely know about all these commonly used hiding places.  Under no circumstances should we leave the key to our home where it can be found.  If you frequently lose your keys or lock yourself out of the house, consider getting a fingerprint or keypad door lock for your front door.

Broken Locks
Some homeowners neglect to fix broken locks right away, putting the job off for tomorrow (or whenever they feel like it). It is important, however, to make sure all our doors and windows have strong modern locks that are in good repair.  Don’t think that just because a window is on a second or third story that a burglar can’t figure out a way to get to it.
Burglar Alarms That Aren’t Turned On
A home security system is only useful when updated and activated.  Test your alarm on a regular basis and check for any upgrades to the software.  Also, don’t forget to turn it on when you leave home, even if you’re just planning to run an errand.  A  thief can utterly ransack your house in just a few minutes.

Landscaping
Though you may like the idea of privacy, ultimately your home will be more secure if neighbors can see into your front and back yard.  Burglars love to hide behind bushes and shrubbery; don’t give them that save haven.  Keep the foliage trimmed, especially around the house, and make sure all the outdoor lights are in good working order (even better, install motion or body heat-sensing outdoor lights).

Unlocked Storage Sheds
If you have a storage shed, make sure you keep it locked at all times.  If you don’t, you’re potentially providing the thief free use of all your tools.  Tools they can to get into your home.  Also, make sure you don’t leave a ladder laying out in your yard anywhere.  Someone could use this to gain access to the second-story windows.

Keys in the Car
It’s bad enough if you leave your car unlocked (you shouldn’t, even in the garage), but never leave a set of house keys in the car.  If you do, a burglar who gains access to your car will then have access to your home.

For your FREE, no obligation, no-hassle security review, call 480-213-7856 today!

You can also visit us at www.xpressprotection.com for additional safety tips.

Tags: Custom security solution, Home Security, Security mistakes, Tips to Prevent Burglary, Xpress Protection Security

73 in a 55 mph zone – Food for thought!

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority!  This isn’t just a slogan; it’s our passion and the reason we started Xpress Protection Security Solutions, Inc.

Your safety, and the safety of others, extends beyond alarm systems, video surveillance and the things typically thought of regarding a security company.  Here is some food for thought!!

Read This Slowly  BUT  READ  IT !

Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 73 in a 55 zone. Fourth time in as many months. How could a guy get caught so often?

When his car had slowed to 10 miles an hour, Jack pulled over, but only partially. Let the cop worry about the potential traffic hazard. Maybe some other car will tweak his backside with a mirror. The cop was stepping out of his car, the big pad in hand.

Bob…Bob from Church !!   Jack sunk farther into his trench coat. This was worse than the coming ticket. A cop catching a guy from his own church. A guy who happened to be a little eager to get home after a long day at the office. A guy he was about to play golf with tomorrow.

Jumping out of the car, he approached a man he saw every Sunday, a man he’d never seen in uniform.

‘Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this.’

‘Hello, Jack.’ No smile.

‘Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife and kids.’

‘Yeah, I guess.’ Bob seemed uncertain. Good.

‘I’ve seen some long days at the office lately. I’m afraid I bent the rules a bit – just this once.’

Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement. ‘Diane said something about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?’

‘I know what you mean. I also know that you have a reputation in our precinct .’ Ouch. This was not going in the right direction. Time to change tactics.

‘What’d you clock me at?’

‘Seventy. Would you sit back in your car please?’

‘Now wait a minute here, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw you. I was barely nudging 65.’ The lie seemed to come easier with every ticket.

‘Please, Jack, in the car’

Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door. Slamming it shut, he stared at the dashboard.  He was in no rush to open the window.

The minutes ticked by. Bob scribbled away on the pad.

Why hadn’t he asked for a driver’s license?  Whatever the reason, it would be a month of Sundays before Jack ever sat near this cop again.

A tap on the door jerked his head to the left.. There was Bob, a folded paper in hand Jack rolled down the window a mere two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip..

‘Thanks.’ Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his voice.

Bob returned to his police car without a word.

Jack watched his retreat in the mirror. Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost?

Wait a minute.

What was this … Some kind of joke !!

Certainly not a ticket. Jack began to read:

‘Dear Jack, Once upon a time I had a daughter. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it – a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters, all three of them. I only had one, and I’m going to have to wait until Heaven before I can ever hug her again.

A thousand times I’ve tried to forgive that man.  A thousand times I thought I had.  Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now.  Pray for me. And be careful, Jack, my son is all I have left.’

‘Bob’

Jack turned around in time to see Bob’s car pull away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived.

Life is precious. Handle with care. This is an important message; please pass it along to your friends. Drive safely and carefully. Remember, cars are not the only things recalled by their maker.

Pass this on, you may save a life.. Maybe not, but we’ll never know if we don’t try.

The life you save may be …

Your own child or grandchild.

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority!

Tags: Accidents, Driving Safety, Speeding, Xpress Protection Security