Happy Halloween!
Month: October 2017
Boo! A Halloween Safety & Security Guide
With early nightfall, folks out of their homes, and a tradition of mischevious tricks and treats,Halloween often accompanied by a spike in criminal activity.
In fact, insurance companies reported a 26 percent increase in reported burglaries from October 30 to Nov. 5. So how can you ensure your home and family will be safe during this festive time of year? While it may seem obvious, be sure to shut and lock windows and doors. In the rush to start trick-or-treating it can be easy to dash out of the house and forget something like this when your kids are eager to start gathering candy.
Beyond that, here are some tips that keep you safe:
– Make it look like you’re at home. Leave the radio on, draw the curtains, and leave some lights inside on. Consider whether you’ll leave the porch light on. A switched-on porch light tells kids you’re home and ready to dish out candy. With interior lights on, you can make it seem like you’re at home while indicating you’re not handing out candy.
– Legitimate trick-or-treaters should be off the streets by 9 p.m. at the latest, so be wary of anyone knocking on the door later than that.
– Consider adding motion-sensor lights. Not only will these make your home safer and help avoid slips and falls, it can keep would-be-burglars away.
– Don’t forget to set your alarm. Even if you’ll only be out for an hour, it’s a good idea to set the alarm. Criminals are looking for opportunities, so anything to deter them is a good idea.
Keeping Your Trick-or-Treaters Safe
– Teach your kids the basics of walking safely: look both ways before crossing the street; keep your heads up and not down looking at phones; make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them, and stay on sidewalks and paths.
– Children under 12 should trick-or-treat with adults.
Stick to well-known and well-lit areas, and never go up to strange or unfamiliar homes or cars.
– Trick-or-treating in a group isn’t just safer, it’s more fun.
With these simple tips and a bit of common sense, you can keep your home and family safe. For more safety ideas, contact Advanced Security Systems at 707-443-6366 in the Humboldt County region, 707-544-9200 in the Sonoma County region; and 707-464-1975 in the Del Norte County region.
Testimonial Thursday
Teaming Up to Support Victims of North Bay Fires
Eureka, Calif.–St. Bernard’s Academy, partnering with local businesses, is gathering food for victims of the North Bay fires in Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
Beginning, Friday, Oct. 13, donations will be accepted at the following locations:
- Advanced Security Systems, 1336 4th Street, Eureka
- Danco Builders, 5251 Ericson Way, Arcata
- Humboldt Fence Co., 564 HWY 36, Fortuna.
- Pacific Motor Sports, 4001 Broadway, Eureka
- Saint Bernard’s Academy, 222 Dollison St, Eureka
The plan is to deliver several rounds of supplies. “First, we’re gathering the most urgent necessities, which are non-perishable foods,” says Chuck Petrusha, CEO and President of Advanced Security Systems. The food will be delivered to the Redwood Empire Food Bank and the Salvation Army Santa Rosa Corps.
According to the food bank, the most needed donations include ready-to-eat, non-perishable foods, and case lot only. Loose packages of food cannot be accepted at this time. The foods should be easy to open and easy to eat–many shelters do not have kitchens for heating and preparing food. Those donating are urged to not bring glass containers.
Non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods include breakfast bars, protein bars, applesauce, fruit cups, peanut butter, jelly or jam, unopened dry cereal, canned juices, dried fruit, and more.
For more information about the donation effort, or to arrange drop-off of supplies, contact Advanced Security Systems at 707-443-6366.
For Those Affected by the Redwood Complex Fires
Dear Advanced Security Systems Customers:
As you no doubt know, residents in the North Bay and Wine Region have been hit by one of the worst wildfires in California’s history. The loss of life is tragic and the number of homes and businesses burned is simply staggering. Our thoughts and prayers are everyone with you our neighbors in Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties.
Like many of you, our staff members have evacuated their homes and are still waiting to receive word whether their homes are still standing. During the disaster, your home was never unmonitored and our 24-hour Central Station continued to operate. Our office is open and ready to assist you; just give us a call at 707-544-9200 if we can help you in any way.
For Those Directly Affected by the Fires
First, our deepest condolences if you and your family experienced loss in the fires. If your home or business was lost or damaged please call us at your convenience and we can suspend or cancel monitoring service and help you with any billing issues.
