Securing Your Home for Bad Weather

Sadly, we’ve already begun to see this season the devastating and destructive force of Mother Nature.  There is not much that can stand up to the power behind these spring and summer storms, but staying alert and taking certain precautions may help to minimize the damage you personally sustain.

Get Ready

Depending on the area of the country where you live, your house may already be built with materials meant to withstand unusually high winds and water.  Houses in known tornado and hurricane prone areas are hopefully built with their specific concerns in mind; but if you are not in those areas and want to ensure your house is as strong as possible, then consider special ordering certain provisions from your local building supply store.

Pay close attention to doorways and windows, as they are typically weaker areas of your home.  Replace the glass in your windows or patio doors with impact resistant glass.   Make sure your front door has at least 3 hinges and a dead bolt and your garage door has been reinforced.

Your roof is also critical to strengthening your home.  Hire a qualified professional roofer to inspect and make any necessary repairs or improvements get your roof and supporting framework up to the highest standards.

Think Outside

The ability of your home to withstand intense storms is dependent on your landscaping and yard, as well.  Keep all trees and shrubbery trimmed and well cared for, so as not to have extra long branches or weak trunks fall on your house or fly through your windows.  Consider removing any loose objects such as statues or bird feeders that may end up as projectiles in high wind.  Patio furniture and grills should always be tied down when you hear news of an impending storm with damaging winds.

Have a Plan

Especially in areas that get hit with these storms regularly, you may need to build a secure room or cellar.  If you are in the direct path of a tornado, you will need more than an interior bathroom to keep you safe.  If a secure room is not an option, think through where you will go in case of a storm and ensure this room is reinforced and as strong as possible.  Have a talk with your family and get everyone on the same page for your emergency plan.  Once word of an impending storm comes out, communicate immediately with your family and follow your emergency plan.  You may not have as long as the news is saying before you are hit.  Now is not the time to save anything in your home – save your loved ones!

Mother Nature is not a force to be taken lightly.  Tornadoes and hurricanes are deadly storms and the safety of your family is the highest priority when the time comes.  The time it takes to properly secure your home against these storms is worth every minute and may just save your life.  If you’d like more information on how to secure your home year round, please give us a call today at (703) 938-2400!

When the Weather Outside Is Frightful

As a home alarm company, our focus is ensuring that your home is guarded against any unwanted intruders or emergencies.  More than that, though, we know how much is entailed in keeping your home up and running.  It seems as though there is a never-ending to-do list, for both indoors and out, that gets even worse in inclement weather. For us residents here in Northern Virginia, this winter has been a rough one, with colder temperatures and more snow than we are typically accustomed.  Because of this, the home vulnerabilities that come along with that may have caught many of us off guard.  Unfortunately, many homeowners have for the first time in their lives experienced destructive floods and fires already this winter – and it’s only January.

For those who have not yet done so, below are some precautions to take to help avoid becoming one of the victims of this harsh Virginia winter.

Fire Hazards

Sometimes our central heat is just not enough (or we don’t even have it).  There is much to be said for snuggling by a cozy fire as the snow falls outside.  However, any time there is an open flame, there is great risk for a devastating house fire.  Make sure your chimney is clean before starting a fire and make sure any sparks are not hitting a flammable surface.  Completely put out your fire before leaving the house or going to bed.  Remember that even a candle can burn down a house, so use precautions when relying on these for heat or light.  Portable heaters are often a great solution for drafty rooms, but be sure to use these exactly as the instructions say.  Position these in the room far away from any fabrics, furniture, or other combustible items.  If the power goes out, make sure all electronics and appliances are unplugged so as to avoid the power surge once the power is restored.  As always, check the batteries in your smoke detectors and have fire extinguishers on every level.

Water Damage

Something we are not used to having to do in our area is protecting our pipes from freezing.  Pipes are freezing and bursting all over the DC area, as many residents never knew how to properly prepare them for sub-freezing temperatures.  To prevent this, turn off the water supply to your outdoor faucets and turn them on to allow all water to fully drain.  This will stop any water left in them from freezing, expanding, bursting, and subsequently flooding your home.  For your indoor pipes, surround them with insulation or keep your cabinet doors open to allow the heat from your home to keep them warm.  If you do find that your pipes are beginning to freeze, thaw them with a hair dryer (not a flame!).  Remember that even water meters can freeze, so a clever solution is lowering a light bulb to thaw the meter so your water can resume.  You also must be sure to clear snow from windows, doors, and ceilings to avoid water leaks as the snow melts.

Deadly Fumes

An invisible threat to homeowners is toxic (and perhaps deadly) fumes.  If you are using a generator to provide power to your home, keep it outside and at least 20 feet away from your house.  These can produce deadly amounts of carbon monoxide.  Also use caution when using alternate sources of heat, as the fumes from these can quickly accumulate inside your home.  Never use portable gas stoves or grills inside – save them for those summer nights outside!  As a general year-round precaution, install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home since you cannot see the threat of deadly fumes.

For more information on protecting your home from this extreme winter, please contact us today!  We would love to help make sure your house is fully protected from all threats, including Mother Nature!

Don’t Let the Gadgets Get You!

I don’t know about you, but I’m often tempted by the latest technology and gadgets and eagerly anticipate “releases.”  Perhaps surprisingly, the security alarm industry is no different.  There is a trend now for remote monitoring, automation, and control over just about anything in your home.  Forget to turn off the coffee pot – no problem!  Left the light on in your bedroom – just switch it off from your phone! This all sounds wonderful, and at first glance, I would be the first to say, “Sign me up!”  However, one must be cautious about such conveniences.

First off, many companies offering these services focus on the glitz and glamour of such offerings.  A fancy looking app and the illusion of complete control are all it takes to seal the deal with many consumers.  These companies choose to focus on those features but often time lack the strength in the areas that matter most (like true home security).

Another thing to be careful about is relying too much on technology.  Here in the heart of the DC Metro area, we seem to be inundated with technology at every turn.  Even though technology is extremely helpful and reliable in most cases, there is no substitute for manually checking your locks and doing a walk through of your home or business before leaving.  Alarm system door sensors only detect if the door is opened about an inch.  They do not confirm that the door is latched and locked.  I would be leery of turning over complete control of your home to an app to the point in which you neglect your own responsibilities in the safety and security of your home.

The last thing I would caution a consumer is to know the facts.  Research the credibility of the company.  Is this a new company emerging with no references or customer base?  Did they just create a cutesy app that they will turn around and use to gain access to your home or personal information themselves?  What exactly are the services you will be getting?  Do you get to adjust the temperature of your home at the expense of compromising your home’s security?  It’s good to know the thieves will be warm and toasty as they break in!

As is the case with any new product you are making a decision to purchase or pass on, do your research.  Don’t be enticed by the smoke and mirrors and go instead with functionality and reliability.  Please give us a call if you have any questions regarding what Watch Guard can offer regarding convenience, monitoring, and technology for your home!

School Bus Safety Discussions

It’s that time of year again – back to school! It’s an exciting time for kids and parents alike, as summer boredom becomes a distant memory. New teachers, new classes, new friends – students have a lot to look forward to! Parents may have mixed emotions, especially for all those first-timers. However you may feel, one thing is certain – safety must always be a priority! For those students riding the school bus, there are special safety concerns that should be discussed with your children. Below are some guidelines you should establish with your children prior to school starting and continue to discuss throughout the school year.

Bus Stop Safety

While waiting for the bus, you should always stand at least three steps back from the curb. Depending on where your stop is located, there may be other special traffic concerns such as bike paths, turning lanes, etc. Always use the handrails when entering the bus, watching out for backpacks and other kids. If you have to cross any roads to enter your bus, make sure you look both ways and then look again. If you forget or drop something around the bus stop, make sure the driver sees you and the bus is not moving before running after it. Once you are on the bus, it is imperative that you follow all the rules so as not to distract the driver or pose a risk to other students.

Walking Home

It is critically important that you know your neighbors. Living in the suburbs of the DC area, you may feel as though you can trust your neighborhood. Hopefully, that is the case. However, kidnapping and other crimes can occur anywhere, regardless of the status of the neighborhood. You must always follow direct paths to and from your bus stop and avoid any shortcuts. If a stranger tries to talk with you, run straight home and tell your parents. Never, ever get into a car with a stranger or accept any gift. Try to always walk to and from your bus stop with a buddy.

Know the Law

Laws vary slightly state by state; but for the most part, you should always stop when you see flashing lights and the Stop Sign popping out from the sides of the bus. Even if you are not required by law to stop, use extreme caution when driving near a school bus. Children are very unpredictable in their movements, so always be prepared to brake for a child running across the street. Know the laws in your state as it pertains to divided highways and intersections. There is nothing more precious than the life of a child, so don’t be in too much of a hurry that you put their lives in danger to avoid being a couple minutes late.

Through the eyes of children, school buses can be an exciting adventure! While maintaining their innocent wonder, be sure to discuss these topics with your children and make sure they understand safety precautions and rules to follow when riding the school bus. If you would like more information on keeping your home secure while they’re at school and you’re at work, please contact Watch Guard today!