According to the National Fire Protection Association, holiday decorations are responsible for hundreds of residential fires per year that result in death, injury, and $11 million in direct property loss. Buddy the Elf said it best, don’t be a “cotton-headed ninny muggings” follow these fire safety tips to keep your holiday season merry and bright!

Cook With Care

The U.S. Fire Administration states that forty-seven percent of home fires start while cooking. The holiday season can be a busy time, and it is easy to neglect proper caution while cooking. So, while preparing the perfect meal for your loved ones, be sure to remain in the kitchen and cook with care.

Picking the Perfect Tree

When purchasing a live tree, it is important to check the freshness. A fresh tree is green, and the needles are difficult to pull off. A great way to check the freshness of a tree is to bend the needles between your fingers. If they do not break, the tree is fresh! Once you have found the perfect tree, be sure to water it daily and place it away from any heat source. If you prefer an artificial tree, look for the label “fire-resistant”. While this does not guarantee the tree will not catch fire, it means the tree will resist burning and extinguish quickly.

Holiday Lighting Galore

Holiday lighting may make the season merry and bright, but these beautiful decorations don’t come without risks. Luckily, with proper preparation and safety tips, you can decorate with peace of mind.

• When decorating your property, only use lights that have been tested and indicate the appropriate safety standards.
• Check each set of lights for broken sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections. Throw away any damaged sets.
• Be sure to use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord.
• Never overload electrical outlets. Overloading your outlets with more wattage than they can hold increases the risks for power outages and home fires.
• Keep all cords out of reach of children and pets and away from snow or water.
• Be sure to turn off all lights before heading to bed each night.

While it is important to decorate with caution, the best way to ensure your family’s safety is to be proactive with the security of your home. The professionals at Fleenor Security are here to provide a helping hand, call today for a free system evaluation.

Holiday shopping early this year?

Be sure to keep it under wraps! Setting out perfectly wrapped gifts under the tree may be all too tempting for an optimistic thief. At the same time, leaving empty boxes from large purchases outside on the curb could also let a burglar know that your home might be worth the risk. Be sure to break down all boxes before setting them outside and keep gifts in a location that is not easily seen from the outside.

Exciting travel plans underway?

If you are planning on traveling during the holiday season, be sure to tell a trusted neighbor that you’ll be away. Ask them if they can check on your property, take your mail and packages inside your home, and even park a car in your driveway. A build-up of mail is a tell-tale sign for a burglar that the house may be empty. So better yet, it is always a good idea to contact your local post office to ask to put a hold on your mail while you are away.

Social Media do’s and don’ts

Be sure to keep your travel plans off all social media sites. Even if your followers consist of close friends and family, it is never a good idea to broadcast that you will be away from your home for an extended period. Instead, save the fun-filled family pictures for when you return!

Join the Fleenor Family

Consider investing in a home security system. A home security system with smart home automation allows you to remain connected to your property. With a mobile app, you can control your system directly from your smartphone. You can turn on and off lights, ensure all doors are locked, and even set your thermostat to take advantage of energy savings. You’ll likewise get a notification right on your phone if a sensor is triggered. A home security system can bring you peace of mind that your home is safe and secure while you’re away.

The best way to stay safe and secure this holiday season is to be proactive with the security of your home. The professionals at Fleenor Security are here to provide a helping hand in the customization of your home security. Contact us today and request a free system quote!

Crime Deterrent

Contrary to popular belief, most burglars are quite skilled and will spend time scouting a property to develop a plan. A burglar intends to break in with as little effort and risk as possible. One of the most effective ways to prevent a potential break-in is to have visible cameras placed around the home in addition to a sign indicating you have monitored security.

Checking in on The Family

You can’t be everywhere at once, but a wireless video surveillance system allows you to check-in from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Whether you want to see if your children have made it home from school safely via a motion-activated camera or check in on a sitter during your night out, a surveillance system can help bring you much-needed peace of mind.

Evidence for Apprehension

If a burglary occurs, your monitored home security system will ensure the correct authorities are notified quickly. The professionally installed video surveillance system will provide valuable evidence for the authorities. Whether it is a still-frame photo of the package thief or high-resolution video from an indoor camera, the authorities can use the evidence to apprehend the culprit, preventing future crime and increasing the odds of returning your stolen items.

Home Surveillance For Pets

Ever wonder what your pets do while you’re away? A video surveillance system can help you see what you’ve been missing! Whether you’re at work or away on vacation, you can check in on your fur family through your smartphone to stream video, store recordings, or even take snapshots.

Insurance Benefits

During the aftermath of a home burglary, you will have to file an insurance claim. Having high-definition footage of the event will help you validate your insurance claim. Not to mention you can receive up to 20% off your home insurance by having a monitored security system in place!

Keep an eye on what matters most. A video surveillance system installed by the professionals at Fleenor Security can help give you a much-needed extra set of eyes. Contact Fleenor Security today for a free system evaluation.

Join Fleenor Security as we explain the difference between a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, as well as the different noises they emit. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will help keep you, your family, and your home safe and secure.

Smoke Alarms:

When it comes to a fire, every second counts. Having the ability to immediately recognize and react to the sounds of your smoke alarm gives you and your family a chance to escape.

• a continuous set of three loud beeps – BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! – means there is smoke or fire present within your home. You will need to get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1.
• A single chirp every 30 to 60 seconds means your battery is low and needs to be changed.
• Chirping that continues after the batteries have been changed, means your smoke alarm is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced after ten years.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas. Due to its undetectable properties, carbon monoxide is called the invisible killer! It is imperative to have Carbon Monoxide alarms installed around your home and to be able to recognize the sound they emit.

• A continuous set of four loud beeps – BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! – means there is carbon monoxide within your home. Individuals will need to get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1.
• A single chirp every 30 to 60 seconds means your battery is low and needs to be changed.
• If the chirping continues after the batteries have been replaced, it means your Carbon Monoxide alarm is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced.

Visit Fleenor Security’s Carbon Monoxide Blog to learn more about spotting the signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Monitored Fire Protection:

Traditional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors may activate when needed, but if no one is around, they will not help prevent disasters. Monitored systems connect to our local central station, meaning that first responders are alerted quickly to emergencies and can be on the scene even when you are not. Monitored fire protection is also essential in cases where occupants are incapable of responding, such as the elderly, disabled individuals, children, and pets.

Monitored systems also offer the option of a voice alarm. A voice alarm can wake a child up to three times faster than the traditional beeping sound.* In the event of an emergency, this extra time is extremely valuable.

The best way to ensure your family’s safety is to be proactive with the security of your home. The professionals at Fleenor Security are here to provide a helping hand in the customization of your home security. Contact us today and request a free system quote!

*Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Basic Emergency Supply Kit

A basic emergency supply kit serves as an easily accessible bag full of only the necessary items for the event of an emergency or natural disaster. All items within your emergency kit should be stored in airtight bags or containers within one or two easy-to-grab backpacks, duffel bags, or plastic bins.

A basic disaster supply kit should include the following items:

• Water: One gallon per person, per day, to be used for hydration and sanitation. There should be a 3-day supply for an evacuation and a 2-week supply for home.
• Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items such as canned foods, energy bars, or dried foods. There should be a 3-day supply for an evacuation and a 2-week supply for home.
• Flashlight and NOAA weather radio if possible (battery-powered or hand-cranked).
• First Aid Kit
• Extra Batteries
• Manual can opener for food items
• Whistle to signal for help
• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery.
• Emergency blanket
• Plastic sheets and duct tape to shelter in place.
• Multi-tool
• Local maps 

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding additional items to your emergency supply kit based on your families’ personal needs:

• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers and antacids.
• Prescription glasses or contacts with contact solution.
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and rash creams
• Extra cash
• Two-way radio
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Change of clothing that is appropriate to your location’s climate.
• Family and emergency contact information (consider including copies of medication lists, proof of address, birth certificates, passports, and insurance policies).
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, stuffed animals, or other activities for small children.

Have a pet? Be sure to create an emergency kit for them as well.

• Collar and ID
• Leash
• Food, water, and bowl
• Carrier
• Copy of pet’s vet records

Maintaining Your Emergency Kit

After you assemble your disaster preparedness kit, be sure to perform maintenance so your kit is always ready in the event of an emergency:

• Keep food items in a cool, dry place.
• Check expiration dates and replace items as necessary.
• Reevaluate your needs and update your kit as your family needs change.

Kit Storage Locations

Due to the unpredictability of an emergency, prepare a kit for your home, work, and car.

• Home: Keep this kit in an easy-to-grab place in case you need to leave quickly. Ensure all family members know where the disaster kit is stored.
• Work: Keep a small emergency kit at your place of work in case you need to shelter in place. Consider adding a 24-hour supply of food and water, a first aid kit, and a change of weather-appropriate clothing and shoes.
• Car: Keep a set of emergency supplies in your car

This list of emergency supply items serves as a starting point. It is vital to know the risk of potential disasters in your area when considering what to include in your emergency supply kit. It is necessary to consider the individual needs of your family, including any dependents or household pets. Additionally, FEMA recommends preparing a least two emergency supply kits.

Poisoning

Poisoning affects people of all ages. Numerous household items can be poisonous if improperly used or fall into the hands of children. The good news is there are easy steps to implement to prevent accidental poisoning.

• Store medicines and vitamins out of reach of children. Avoid storing these items on countertops, tables, or near other food items.
• Store household cleaners, paint, and other chemicals, on a high shelf or cabinet out of children’s reach. If this is not an option, consider purchasing a lock to secure lower cabinets.
• Do not use old food or beverage containers to store toxic chemicals or cleaners. This serves as a potential risk for both children and adults.
• Install a working carbon monoxide detector. Carbon Monoxide is known as the silent killer as it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. For more information, visit Fleenor Security Carbon Monoxide Blog.
• Before using pesticides, move all family members and pets out of the room.

Falling

Home is where we spend most of our time. This is why six out of every ten falls happen within the home! There are several steps to take to help minimize the risk of accidental falls.

• Use safety gates throughout your home to block off staircases and other hazardous areas.
• Keep the floors dry and tidy to prevent slipping in rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen. Keep all walkways free of clutter to prevent tripping over common household objects.
• We all love our pets, but they can serve as a potential risk if not properly trained. Consider obedience training and allow adequate exercise time to allow your pet to get out any stored-up energy.
• Ensure that all staircases and walkways are well lit, have appropriate handrails, and are free of clutter. Consider painting staircases a bright color to enhance their visibility.
• Keep sturdy step stools on hand to use when reaching for items in high places.
• Require all children under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding a bike, skateboard, or other personal transportation device. Helmets aim to reduce the risk of more serious head and brain injuries by reducing impact.

If you are concerned about falling, consider getting an emergency response system. If you fall or need emergency assistance, you can push a button on a necklace or bracelet to alert family, caregivers, or local authorities. Fleenor Security can assist in bringing peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

Fires and Burns

According to the U.S. Fire Administration,

cooking accounted for 30% of all residential fires. Here are a few simple steps you can take to help prevent accidental fires and burns.

• Install smoke detectors throughout your home. Smoke alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area. There should be at least one on each level of your home.
• Test smoke alarms once a month to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries if needed. Consider installing monitored smoke detectors to increase the safety of your home.
• The kitchen is the leading cause of home fires. Never leave your stove unattended and use the back burners to help prevent accidental burns.
• Ensure you have a working fire extinguisher within your home. For more information on how to use a fire extinguisher, visit the Fleenor Security Fire Safety Blog.
• Keep chimneys and dryer exhaust clear and well ventilated. Have them cleaned and checked regularly.
• Keep candles, curling/flat irons, and clothes irons out of children’s reach and away from flammable materials. Never leave these items unattended.

Drowning

Water can be great summer fun – but it can also be deadly. Consider these water safety tips for natural bodies of water, swimming pools, and other home hazards.

• Block off the pool and hot tub access. Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate around pools. Keep the gate closed and always locked to ensure children can’t easily fall into deep water.
• Never leave babies or toddlers in the bath alone. Attend to them 100% of the time. Consider installing a safety latch on all bathroom doors and toilet lids.
• If you have a pool on your property, have it inspected to ensure all drains are properly working. A broken drain or drain cover can serve as a danger to both children and adults as it has powerful suction.
• Do not consume alcohol while boating, swimming, or supervising children.
• Never level open containers of water unattended, such as large buckets or baby pools.
• All parents and caregivers should have proper training in CPR.
• Consider installing an alarm on the door leading to the pool area or purchasing a pool alarm. These items are not a replacement for other safety measures such as adult supervision and pool fencing.

This guide serves as a starting point for homeowners to identify and reduce common household hazards. Homeowners should seek further information from security professionals, local guidelines, and medical professionals. Fleenor Security is here to help keep your home safe and secure. Contact us for a free security consultation to help further identify potential safety hazards within your home or business.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas. Due to its undetectable properties, carbon monoxide is often referred to as the ‘invisible killer’!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year. With more than 20,000 individuals visiting the emergency room after accidental exposure.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Due to carbon monoxide’s undetectable properties, many individuals do not know they are being exposed to the toxic gas. The onset of symptoms is often comparable to that of the Flu but without the fever. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, here is a list of symptoms and their related stages.

Low to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of Breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness

High levels of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Mental confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscular coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, through education and installation of the correct monitoring equipment, it is preventable.

The National Safety Council recommends you install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. It is best to place this device near each bedroom or sleeping space and the portion of your home connected to a garage.

The CDC also offers these additional tips:

• Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician once a year.
• Never heat your home with a gas oven. Gas stoves produce large amounts of carbon monoxide and can quickly fill your home with toxic gas.
• Never run your car in a garage or any other closed area, even if a door is open. If you wish to warm up your vehicle, pull out of the garage first.
• Always have proper ventilation. It is extremely dangerous to run equipment such as generators, space heaters, or other gas-powered tools in enclosed areas such as a basement or garage.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector; they are affordable and can save your life.
• Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year. A chimney can quickly become clogged and cause carbon monoxide to build up inside your home or camper.

What to Do if Your CO Detector Sounds?

Carbon monoxide detectors are the fastest way to prevent CO poisoning.

The CO detector will sound an alarm if it detects a build-up of CO within your home and will not silence until the environment is carbon monoxide-free.

Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm and always take the proper precautions. If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, do not try to find the leak. Instead, follow the steps below:

1. Immediately move everyone within your house outside to fresh air.
   1. It is important to exit the premises as fast as possible. On your way out, leave as many doors or windows open as possible. But do not go out of your way to do this as it can increase your exposure.
2. Call emergency service, fire department, or 9-1-1.
3. Service everyone’s health for flu-like symptoms that could suggest poisoning.
4. Do not reenter your home until emergency responders have permitted you to do so.

Traditional carbon monoxide detectors may activate when needed, but if no one is around, they will not help prevent disasters. The best way to ensure your family’s safety is to be proactive with the security of your home. The professionals at Fleenor Security are here to provide a helping hand in the customization of your home security. Contact us today and request a free system quote!

1.Eliminate Physical Contact

Access control systems can help eliminate physical contact preventing the spread of illness. By allowing your employees to enter the facility with a swipe of a contactless credential, you can reduce the amount of physical contact between employees and limit the surfaces touched.

This system can also give your business the ability to buzz in a single individual at a time, limiting the foot traffic coming in and out of the facility. This service is ideal for high-risk locations such as a doctor’s office, school building, banking location, or government facility.

2. Customize Access

There are endless reasons why a business would want to control who is coming in and out of their facility. With a traditional lock and key, it is impossible to limit the times in which a physical key will work or ensure only trusted employees have access to rooms with sensitive information. An access control system is a resource for a business to run more efficiently and effectively protect property

3. Avoid Expensive Re-Keying

Whether you have lost a set of keys or recently fired an employee, is it best practice to rekey the doors of your facility.

This process is extremely tedious and can cost you valuable time and money.

An access control system eliminates this headache. Simply terminate an employee identification card or quickly change areas of access through the use of a phone app or software.

4. Burglary Detection

When a burglar sets their sight on a business, it is typically not their first time inside the facility. By taking advantage of an access control system you can add an extra layer of security through the use of biometrics and identification badges. These credentials are difficult to duplicate and create a formidable barrier around your facility. If an unauthorized badge is scanned, it can alert an administrator; giving you time to alert the authorities and lockdown the facility.

5. Reduce Employee Theft

No one wants to believe that an employee will steal from them, yet statistics show that U.S. businesses lose $50 billion each year due to employee theft.

With an access control system, you can make it much more difficult for your physical inventory to go missing. From limiting access to areas with high risked items to keeping a record of who entered the facility at a certain time, you can help prevent employee theft.

6. Protection of Team Members

Potential threats are evolving in the era of information. A business needs to be proactive in its security measures to prevent these future threats. In the event of an emergency, an access control system can allow you to prevent an unauthorized individual from entering the premises or track who remains in the building. Allowing you to effectively protect your employees and other individuals within your facility. This can be especially important for employees who work late in the day or overnight.

Additionally, an access control system allows your employees to quickly enter the building. They can swipe an identification card or use biometrics to enter quickly. Eliminating time spent searching for lost keys or waiting for another employee to arrive, thus reducing the risk of an attack.

7. Provide Auditing Features

An audit can become a business’s number one asset. It can be difficult to accurately track who is entering your facility and when. By installing an access control system, you can easily monitor an employee’s attendance and activities. Effectively providing you with an in-depth look at an individual’s productivity. Which in turn is vital for managing timekeeping and ensuring honesty within your workplace.

As mentioned before, an audit can also provide you with a record of who was in the building when an incident occurred, such as theft or damage to property.

8. Meeting Demands of Privacy Laws

Does your company store sensitive information such as patient’s medical charts? Is your company in charge of the client’s financial information? Does your company manage expensive assets that can be found inside a bank? With an access control system, you can add an extra layer of security to these high-risk areas, allowing you to meet the demands of privacy laws.

Access control security is simple, effective, and customized to your specific needs. If you are ready to learn more, Fleenor Security offers free consultations to evaluate your access control needs and recommend the right system for your business.