by Safety Tips on February 28, 2009
Burglaries on properties whilst the occupiers are in are very rare as are attacks on people in their own home. However, there are a few simple precautions that you can take to make yourself and your family feel safer.
When you are at home try not to leave windows open and doors unlocked that you cannot see, particularly those on the ground floor. The same applies at night with leaving windows open. If you have latches that allow you open windows slightly but without them then being able to be opened more then use them.
Never leave a key under a doormat, garden object or in fact anywhere where someone could find it to gain access to your house. If you are concerned about who might have keys to your property then change the locks or ask your landlord to do so. Never give keys to anyone that you do not know regardless of the reasons – they could easily get them copied, and even sold on, to gain access to your house.
Don’t let people into your house that you do not know. Use security devices such as peep holes, door chains and bars in order to establish the reason for unexpected caller’s visits and don’t let them in without an appointment and proper identification.
If you notice someone suspicious in your area or around your property then keep an eye on their movements and try and make a note of their description and any vehicles they may be using. Consider contacting a neighbour or friend or relative in the local area, or if you think a crime is in the process of being committed then contact the police.
ometimes a loud noise, such as a door banging, can be enough to scare off prowlers as they will not want people to know that they are there.
Should someone gain access to your property whilst you are in then you should consider letting them take what they want in order to avoid personal injury to you and your family. Most items will be covered by insurance and can be replaced whereas your health and wellbeing cannot always be guaranteed.
You are allowed to use reasonable force to remove someone from your property. If you do end up in a situation where you have to fight back you can use legal items you have with you such as an umbrella, bag or keys. You can not use anything that could be defined by the law as an offensive weapon, not even to defend yourself.
Reasonable force allows you to strike an attacker with the amount of force that stops yourself from being attacked. This means you can use enough force to allow yourself to get away. Once an attacker is floored or incapicitated then do not stop to continue attacking them, getaway as quickly as you can and raise the alarm.
Stopping to continue an attack could put you in more danger and force beyond “reasonable force” could lead to you facing an assault, or worse, charge.
Article Source: ABC Article Directory
Home Secured discusses home security options for all households regardless of what type of property you live in. Find out more about securing your home to keep you, your family and your possessions safe at www.home-secured.com.
by Safety Tips on February 27, 2009
Owning a pool and having children can be a dangerous combination if you do not take steps to insure your children’s safety. Most parents know a few safety tips, especially when it comes to fencing off the pool. However, there are many other dangers that you need to watch out for if your children are to remain safe and still have fun in the pool this summer.
Fences – By county law, most U.S. citizens are required to put a fence around their pools, especially if a small child lives in their house. Make sure that the gate in the fence remains locked at all times when you are not using your pool, and make sure the keys to the gate are in secure location. Try to install a fence that is six feet high or higher because most children see fences as challenges and will readily practice their climbing skills to get over one. Make sure yours is tall enough to prevent that. You can find your communities’ fencing requirements at your local county offices.
Alarms – A door alarm is a great way to make sure that your children are not sneaking into the pool, especially if you have a small child in your household that likes to try doorknobs. There are many good wireless door alarms that will do the trick, insuring that no one goes into the backyard without you knowing it. Another great device is a pool alarm. Poolguard alarms are currently the best on the market, according to Good Housekeeping Magazine. They make a loud beeping noise if anyone or anything falls into the pool. Best of all, normal surface tension from wind or fallen leaves does not set it off.
So, if your child, one of the neighborhood kids, or the cat next door falls into the pool accidentally, they can be fished out and saved in no time.
Pool Covers – Pool covers are very important, and yet they can be very dangerous as well. Hard pool covers that completely cover the pool like a shell are the best. However, soft covers are less expensive and the most common. Watch out for these, as children can fall onto them and get tangled up, unable to get out. Also be careful with electric or automatic pool covers. More than one story has been told of a child accidentally hitting the cover controls and becoming trapped in the pool underneath the cover.
Leafy Plants – Leaves might not seem like a big problem, especially if they provide shade to an otherwise sun-blasted pool area. However, small wet leaves can be slipping hazards for children and adults alike. Trees with small, slick leaves and some forms of flowering plants are not good for your pool area, not to mention the fact that these trees will wreak havoc on your pool filters.
Wooden Block – One good idea, especially if you live outside the city, is to place a medium-sized wooden block in your pool when you are not using it. Make sure it is large enough to float and to support a few pounds of weight. The wooden block will ensure that small animals that fall into your pool will be able to climb back out without assistance and before they drown.
Pool Toys – Always have a safe place to store your pool toys. From larger floaties to small plastic rings, there are many different kinds of pool toys and each of them can be dangerous underfoot. Make sure that toys are placed in a storage device of some sort in the pool area or store them in the house or garage. Also, never store your pool toys in the same area as your pool chemicals. Chemicals can easily transfer onto the toys, which will create a poisoning hazard for your children.
Pool chemicals – Many people keep their chlorine tablets, PH balance kits, and other pool chemicals in the pool area. However, you should always make sure that these chemicals are secured. Just putting them in a storage box near the pool doesn’t count; that box must have a lock on it for true safety. After all, how many children wouldn’t want to see what’s inside the big, plastic box? A much better decision would be to keep all pool chemicals in the garage or shed. This will keep them out of your children’s reach and yet still close at hand.
While most of these things are common sense oriented, they are things that are often overlooked. It is always good to make sure that your pool area is safe, especially if you haven’t used your pool in a while. So, before the weather gets too warm, make sure that your pool area is a fun and safe place for the ones you most cherish: your children.
Article Source: ABC Article Directory
Gunter Walderon is a successful business executive and, when he researched out the best Beverly Hills pool contractors for his estate, he found California Pools. After visiting several Corona pool contractors, he was the most impressed with the quality and workmanship of the Glendale California pool builders, especially their sculpted gunite pools and spas.
