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