Electrical Cords and Outlets

• Check for frayed wires (repair or replace any loose or frayed wires on all electrical devices)


• Follow the path of cords (cords should not run under rugs or across doorways)


• Baby-Proof (if you have small children - place plastic covers on unused outlets)


• Rethink extension cords (consider adding electrical outlets where you currently rely on extension cords)


• Check for a faulty electrical system (feel all outlets and plugs to see if any are warm; if so, have an electrician check them)


• Don't overload the system (make sure that you've followed the manufacturer's directions about maximum wattage of lamp bulbs and outlet requirements for plugs)


• And don't overload any one outlet (be certain that you have no more than one high-wattage appliance plugged into a single outlet)


• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors generously (these should be on each floor of the house, covering all sleeping areas)


• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly (replace any that don't work-in any case, they should be replaced every 10 years)


• Replace batteries annually (or sooner, if the alarm chirps)


• Clean all detectors (vacuum each grill)


• Post the fire department's carbon monoxide - reporting emergency number (if it differs from 911, keep it by each phone)


• Demonstrate the sound of each detector (family members need to know the difference)


• Test your Security (Burglar) and Fire alarms regularly

Fire Extinguishers

• Place extinguishers strategically (keep one in the kitchen and one on every floor - learn how to use them)


• Replace extinguishers when necessary (follow the schedule suggested by the manufacturer; and always replace an extinguisher that appears damaged)

Escape Plans

• Create an escape plan with two exit routes in case of fire (practice it twice a year (once at night) with the whole family)


• Choose a meeting place (set a plan for meeting up - in case of local or national disaster)


• If you live in a two-story house, buy a rescue ladder (it should attach to an upper-level window casing to provide an alternate escape route)


• Install safety gates (if you have small children; bar at the top and bottom of the stairs)


• Lock up hazardous materials (place any poisonous or hazardous products in locked cabinets - poison control hotline: 800-222-1222 post by every phone)


• Are there children in the house? Ensure that all medications and vitamins have child proof caps (store them out of children's reach)


• Stow away any sharp knives (scissors and cosmetic tools too, as well as matches, plastic bags - keep out of children's reach)


• Install padding on furniture with sharp edges (place doorknob covers on entry doors - so young children cannot go outside unattended)


• If you have a pool, fence it in (a pool should be enclosed with a four sided fence and a child proof gate)


• Teach children their address, and how to dial 911 (as early as possible)

Burglarproofing

• Install a sturdy deadbolt lock on every door to the outside (this should include the door into the house from the garage)


• Keep your house looking lived-in when your away (arrange for the lawn to be mowed, stop mail delivery, leave a car in the driveway, ensure that your security system is set to turn lights off and on)


• Prominently advertise your home security system (make sure that your yard and window signs are visible)


• Examine your landscaping (trim shrubs and trees near windows and doors that can provide hiding places for burglars, prune limbs that could serve as ladders to upper windows)


• Purchase a metal bar or a solid wood dowel to insert in the track of sliding glass doors (this will help to prevent anyone from opening them)


• Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or nearby friend (thieves know all about fake rocks, and other hide a key tricks)


• Install motion sensing floodlights in the backyard (or, any other particularly dark outdoor area)


• Test your Security (Burglar) and Fire alarms regularly

Miscellaneous

• Make sure that your house number is visible from the street (it needs to be easily spotted, in case emergency personnel needs to find you)


• Store flammable liquids away from any flame source (outside of the house is preferable)


• Keep flammable objects away from the kitchen stove


• Plug a rechargeable flashlight into the socket near your bed (you'll be able to find your way through smoke in a fire or, signal to firefighters)


• Install lights and light switches at the top and the bottom of the stairs (prevent falls in the dark)


• Paint the bottom basement step a BRIGHT color - so, it's more visible (you will be less likely to mistake it for the floor)

• Test your alarm system.


• Update your Emergency (ECL) Call List - if necessary.


• If you need Assistance with your Security, Monitoring, Fire System or, if you are interested in obtaining one:


• Please call Olympic Security & Communication Systems 800-540-SAFE


• Did you Know? Olympic Security & Communication can also help you with your Home Theater? Call us!


• Have FUN! Relax! Enjoy the peace of mind that a monitored system will bring to your home -


• www.olympicsecurity.com

www.olympicsecurity.com