Important Fireplace Safety Tips for Homeowners

Homeowners love fireplaces.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration more than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heating sources for their homes.

While the crackling of a warm fire can be great, there are certain risks involved with heating wood and other solid fuels in your home.

Every year …

• There are more than 25,000 chimney fires, responsible for 30 deaths and $126.1 million in property damage (Consumer Product & Safety Commission).

• Heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas (U.S. Fire Administration).

• There are more than 150 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths related to heating systems and fireplaces (Chimney Safety Institute of America).

If your home has a fireplace, you need to take proper precautions to protect your home as well as your family.

Follow these important fireplace safety tips:

• Use Seasoned Hardwood – Never burn cardboard, paper or flammable liquids in your fireplace.

• Get a Chimney Inspection – Every year have a certified chimney specialist inspect your fireplace and chimney.

• Keep Front Area of Fireplace Clean – Make sure all flammable items are removed from the hearth of the fireplace.

• Keep Glass Doors Open – You’ll want to keep the glass doors open when a fire is burning.  Use your mesh screen to keep embers from jumping out of the fireplace.

• Close Glass Doors When Not in Use – This helps to keep air from the chimney opening from getting into the room.

• Keep Roof Clean – Keep your roof clear of twigs, leafs and bird nests.

• Store Firewood Away from Home – Try to keep stored firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.

• Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Change the batteries and test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least twice a year.

Most importantly, never leave a fire unattended!  If a fire gets out of control, immediately contact the fire department.  Don’t try to extinguish an out-of-control fire.  Get your family out of the house and call 911.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we have worked side by side with fire departments and other emergency responders for more than 25 years.

When it comes to protecting your home, we have the experience in home security systems and fire alarms that homeowners and businesses in Northern California and Oregon count on.

To learn how to protect your home and family, give us a call today at 1-800-762-3196.

Are Self Defense Weapons a Safeguard or a Hazard?

When it comes to determining personal safety options, some people will sometimes consider self defense weapons.

Self defense weapons can include pepper spray, stun guns and firearms.  Selecting the right self defense weapon can be a challenging decision.

These weapons can really help to protect you during life-threatening situations.  They can also become safety liabilities if used improperly.

So are self defense weapons a safeguard or a hazard?  It depends.

The important thing is to come to a decision that is most comfortable for you can your family.  Following these tips will help you make the best decision.

• Explore Your Options – Determining what type of self defense weapon to purchase all depends on your preferences.  Take some time to review all of your options.  Think about the pros and cons that come along with each self defense weapon.

• Talk with Your Family – Consult family members before making a decision.  They can help you select the best option for you.  Family members with significant experience in firearms and other self defense weapons can be a valuable resource in making the right decision.

• Know Your Background – If you are already trained to use a certain self defense weapon, this is probably an easy decision for you.  However, if you don’t know how to use a certain weapon, be sure to take training classes.  These classes will teach you how to use, store and respect your weapon.  Training classes are a must for any novice.  Often, you can find classes at local police stations and community centers.

• Think about Storage – Once you get a self defense weapon, be sure to think about how you’re going to properly store and carry it.  Whether it’s pepper spray or a hand gun, make sure it is not accessible to children in your home.  There are plenty of options to safeguard a self defense weapon from children.

Following these tips will help you make the right personal safety decision for you as well as your family.

Making decisions about your home, business and personal security can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we’ve been helping families and businesses make the best security decisions for more than 25 years.

To learn how we can help you with your security needs, contact us today at 800-762-3196 or visit the Hue & Cry Security Systems Contact Page.

Is a Person Born in March More Likely to be a Criminal?

Are some people more likely to commit crimes because of their birthday?

Some people believe that crime can be tied to a person’s zodiac or astrological sign.

For fun, law enforcement officers in Canada crunched the data on which zodiac signs had the most arrests.  Here is the top five:

1. Aries – March 21 to April 19
2. Libra – September 23 to October 22
3. Virgo – August 23 to September 22
4. Leo – July 23 to August 22
5. Pisces – February 19 to March 20

You can see the complete list of zodiac signs and their connection to crime here.

However, other “astrological experts” may disagree with this list.  Some say that Cancers (June 21 to July 22) are the most-booked criminals.

Astrological sites such as AstroStar.com and other sites claim Cancers are the most dangerous.  They say this is according to the FBI.  However, we could not find this information anywhere on the FBI website.

Other interesting information on AstroStar.com and other astrological sites includes:

• Taurus (April 20 to May 20) are sometimes involved in money laundering.  Surprisingly, Bernie Madoff, mastermind of the billion-dollar Ponzi scheme, was born on April 29.

• Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) are sometimes involved in robberies.  Famous bank robber John Dillinger was not a Sagittarius.  However, bank robber George Baby Face Nelson was.  He was born on November 27.

• Capricorns (December 22 to January 19) supposedly get into organized crime.  Famous crime boss Al Capone was born on January 17.

So should you be worried about people born in March committing a crime at your home?

Probably not.  From the looks of it, just about every month has some sort of criminal activity in it.

If you want to protect your home, stop staring at the stars and call a professional like Hue & Cry Security Systems.

We can help you protect your home or business.  We’ve been helping businesses, homeowners and contractors in Northern California and Oregon for more than 25 years.  To get help today, call 1-800-762-3196 or visit www.HueAndCry.com.

How To Protect Your Family From A Silent Killer – Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The state of California requires many of its residents to have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their homes.

It’s all part of a state carbon monoxide law that went into effect in July 2011.  The law requires all existing single-family homes that contain a gas heater or appliance, fireplace or an attached garage to have carbon monoxide detectors.

The law states that:

• Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed outside of sleeping areas and on the entry level of the home.

• Carbon monoxide detectors must be battery powered, plug-in with battery back up or hard-wired with battery backup.

So why has California made it mandatory for many homes to have carbon monoxide detectors?

According to the Centers for Disease and Control, carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of more than 16,000 deaths in the United States between 1999 and 2004.

To protect your family, follow the tips in this posting

Common causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

To understand carbon monoxide poisoning, you first need to know the common causes.  They include:

• Chimneys
• Furnaces
• Attached garages
• Fireplaces
• Water heaters
• Indoor grilling
• Range hoods
• Clothes dryers
• Portable heaters

If it’s gas powered, there’s a possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.  A carbon monoxide detector helps to eliminate the possibility of CO poisoning.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is often known as the “silent killer” because it is an invisible, odorless gas.  If you or a family member is experiencing any of these symptoms, you might have CO poisoning.

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Breathlessness
• Dizziness
• Collapse
• Complete loss of consciousness

If you have any of these symptoms, immediately leave your home and get medical help.

What To Do If Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off

If your CO detector should go off, you should take the following actions:

• Turn off appliances
• Leave the home
• Open windows and doors to get fresh air into the home
• Contact a qualified technician to have the problem fixed
• Call 911 for anyone experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms

Common Carbon Monoxide Misconceptions 

When it comes to carbon monoxide, there are several misconceptions.  They include:

• Misconception #1: CO is lighter than air and rises to the ceiling
• Misconception #2: CO has a distinct odor
• Misconception #3: Fever is a symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning
• Misconception #4: CO poisoning causes skin and nail beds to turn pink in color

Protect Your Home From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we’re a family owned business that understands home security.  We know what’s important and necessary to keep your family and home safe.

We specialize in home security systems for residents in Northern California and Oregon.  As a locally owned and operated business, we care deeply about your community because we live there too!

To learn how we can help with your home security needs, give us a call today at 1-800-762-3196.  

Hue & Cry Closed For Christmas And New Year’s – Winter Vacation Safety Tips

The business offices of Hue & Cry Security Systems will be closed on December 26 for Christmas and January 2 for New Year’s.

During this time, our Central Alarm Monitoring Center and Security and Fire System Repair Service will remain open.  If you have any questions for our staff while our business offices are closed, please visit the Hue & Cry Security Systems Contact Page.

We hope you have a joyous Christmas and a great New Year!

As you visit family and friends this holiday season, here are some winter vacation safety tips.

Winter Vacation Safety Tips

Home and personal safety aren’t always top of mind during the holiday season.  To keep your home safe while you are away, follow these home safety tips.

• Keep Your Plans Private – Don’t broadcast your winter vacation plans to the world.  Avoid posting travel plans on social media sites.  Only tell close family members and friends about your trip.

• Make It Look Like Someone Is Home – Have your neighbor park their car in your driveway and use lights on timers to give the impression that someone is home.

• Stop Deliveries – Stop mail and newspaper delivery while you are gone.  If you’re expecting a package, have a neighbor retrieve it from your doorstep.

• Keep Up Maintenance – A driveway full of snow is a sure sign that no one is home.  Have a neighbor or friend remove the snow while you’re gone.

• Unplug Electronics – To prevent a fire, unplug all electronics such as TVs, DVD players and other electronic devices.

• Notify Alarm Company – Tell your alarm company the days that you will be gone and be sure to properly set your home security alarm.

• Don’t Hide A Key – Don’t hide a key for a neighbor or friend.  Instead, let them hold on to it until you return home.

• Secure Valuables – Place any valuables in a safe or a lockbox while you are gone.

• Un-connect Computer – Any computers wired to the internet should be disconnected.  This helps to prevent security breaches from hackers.

• Keep Heat On – Keep your furnace set at a safe temperature that will prevent the water pipes from freezing while you are gone.  FriendlyPlumber.com recommends setting your furnace at 55 degrees.

• Don’t Leave Christmas Lights On – Leaving Christmas lights on without anyone home for days is dangerous.  Keep the Christmas lights off.

• Check Locks – Before you leave, make sure all windows, doors and fence gates are locked.

Following these safety tips will keep your home safe.  At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we are the top home security system provider in Northern California and Oregon.

For more great home and business security tips, read the Hue & Cry Security Systems Blog.

Protect Family And Friends With New Group Safety Program From Hue & Cry Security Systems

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we’re making it easier for businesses to protect their employees, family and friends.

Businesses that are Hue & Cry customers can share security benefits with their employees, family and friends as part of the Hue & Cry Security Systems Group Safety Program.

Employees, family and friends are eligible to receive:

• Free activation of existing security systems
• Competitive rates for monitoring
• 25% off the cost of installing a new residential security system (Up to $100 off)
• Enrollment in Referral Program
• Discounts on additional services and options

Here’s why your employees, family and friends will want a home security system from Hue & Cry.

• Expert Service: Licensed, bonded and insured technicians perform our services.

• Never Pay for False Alarms: We pay any false alarm fines caused by our properly installed and maintained systems.

•  The Best Warranty Period: We have the longest warranties in the industry.

• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: We promise complete satisfaction.

• Creating Local Jobs in Your Community: We are a locally owned and operated security company, protecting homes and businesses since 1977.

• Free Month of Monitoring: You pay for 11 months of monitoring and you get the 12^th month for free.

• Cash Reward Referral Program: We offer a referral program for up to $50 for each new customer that signs with Hue & Cry.

To learn more about the Hue & Cry Group Safety Program, call us at 1-800-762-3196 or visit the Hue & Cry Security Systems Contact Page.

Why Buy From A Local Alarm Company?

There are lots of important reasons to shop and buy from locally owned businesses.

When it comes to your home and business security needs, here are some important reasons that you should buy local. 

1. Better Service – With a local alarm company, you get better service.  It’s because a local alarm company is part of your community.  They aren’t worried about selling alarms in some state far across the country.  They’re more interested in providing the best service possible in their own backyard.

2. Local Job Growth – The people installing your alarm as well as the high-level managers and owners live in your community.  That means more jobs for the local economy.  Considering the high unemployment rate, the best way to grow jobs in your area is by buying local.

3. Keep Money In Community – When you buy from large, national alarm companies, that money leaves your community.  When you buy local, the money stays in your community.  This helps to create more jobs and improve your quality of life in your town.

4. Great Prices – Local businesses such as alarm companies help to stimulate competition.  More competition means better prices for you.  Without local businesses, you’ll have to pay more for security monitoring, home security alarms and other security services.  No national company should have a monopoly over any security services.

5. Investment In Community – When you buy from a local alarm company, the taxes the company pays stay in your community.  Additionally, any charitable contributions the company makes are going to be in your community.  According to Sustainable Connections, non-profit organizations receive an average 250 percent more support from local businesses when compared to large national companies.

6. Environment Sustainability – Whether you’re buying locally grown produce or working with a local alarm company, you’re improving the environment.  Buying local reduces automobile and use, which improves air quality in your community.

7. Enhances Character of Community – Local businesses are one of many things that make a community unique.  When you buy from national chains, your community starts to look like every other city in America.  The local businesses are what give a community its unique flavor.

What Makes A Business Local?

There are many of businesses that claim to be local.  However, many are not.  Here are three important factors that make a business local.

• First Factor: The business is headquartered in the region where you live.
• Second Factor: A majority of the employees live in or around your community.
• Third Factor: The business is privately held.

These factors will help you determine if the business is a true local business.

Finding Local Businesses

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we’re a family owned business that focuses on serving families and businesses in Northern California and Oregon.

To find listings of local businesses in your community, visit:

• Local San Francisco Shopping List

• Sacramento Local Business Directory

• Anderson, California Local Businesses

• Medford, Oregon Chamber of Commerce Businesses

All of these resources are great places to find other local businesses in the communities that we serve.

For questions on how we can help you with your security needs, give us a call today at 1-800-762-3196 or visit the Hue & Cry Security Systems Contact Page.

Homeowners: Be On The Lookout for Door-to-Door Scam Artists

Law enforcement officials are reporting that scam artists are going door-to-door ripping off residents with a deceptive sales pitch.

Victims say these con artists are posing as door-to-door salespeople or representatives of existing alarm companies.  The scammers convince people to pay for “upgrades” to their services.

These often expensive upgrades are actually simply a transfer of an account to the scammer’s company and results in huge undisclosed fees.

If you are suspicious that someone may be attempting to scam you, calmly collect their information and contact your local law enforcement office as soon as possible.

How to Spot a Scam Artist

Not all door-to-door salespeople are scammers and it’s important that you can tell the difference between a legitimate representative of your alarm company and a phony.

Here is how you can tell the difference:

• A legitimate company will call you for an appointment, not walk door-to-door.

• Ask For A License – All alarm company employees are required by law to have an Alarm Company Employee (ACE) license. This means that they have undergone a complete Department of Justice background check, fingerprint scan, and are required to follow a strict set of operating procedures. If you are approached by someone that does not have their license with them, it’s a good bet that they are a scammer.

• Research Their Company – If you are buying a new system or transferring your alarm monitoring, research the company the salesperson works for before buying anything. Check out their website and make sure that they are legitimate. Never be pressured into buying an alarm system or monitoring without first doing the proper research.

• Examine The Salesperson – Are they wearing the uniform from the company they claim to work for? Do they claim to be from Honeywell or GE (alarm manufacturers) instead of the actual company you have security services with? If you have any reason to doubt their credentials, contact your security company directly and ask about the person you talked to.

How to Protect Yourself

We see similar things with door-to-door magazine scams.  In both cases, don’t let a suspicious salesperson into your home.  A con artist will try their best to gain entry into your home.  Don’t fall for any tricks, flattery or deceptions.

This is especially important during any holidays.  People tend to put their guard down during holidays such as Christmas, the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.

Senior Magazine Online has a number of good tips for dealing with phony door-to-door salespeople, and these tips aren’t just for senior citizens.

• Never pay for services in cash
• Never make checks out to a person. It should be to a company
• Most reputable businesses can bill you later in the mail
• Don’t be pressured into some “fantastic” deal

For other types of door-to-door scams read How to Identify Door to Door Scams.  You’ll learn about other types of scams con artists attempt on unsuspecting homeowners.

Don’t risk getting scammed. Immediately report any suspicious contact with door-to-door alarm salespeople to police and help protect your neighbors from these criminals.

Home Security And Safety Tips For The Elderly

Our country is getting older.

Today, about one in every eight people are over the age of 65.  That’s about 40 million people.  By the year 2030, that number is expected to jump to about 72 million.  This is according to the Administration on Aging.

As more people reach their golden years, it’s important that they take the proper security and safety precautions.

People reaching their golden years, should take the following safety steps.

1. Install Security Lighting – This is a great way to keep unwanted people off of your property.  Security lighting helps to protect against night-time vandalism and theft. The video below provides some great tips on lighting.

2. Get A Security System – If you’re going to be traveling during your retirement, a home security system is a must.  These systems can also help you during fires and medial emergencies.  A good home security system is the foundation of any home safety plan.

3. Check Stranger’s Ids – If someone comes to your door trying to sell you something, be sure to check their ID.  Make sure that they are affiliated with a reputable company.  Many times, scams will involve fake banks, charities or home inspections.

4. Have People Visit or Call You – It’s important to have regular visits from family and friends.  This helps to ensure that there aren’t any emergencies.  At the least, try to have someone call you every single day.

5. Keep Your Doors Locked – It’s important to keep your doors locked to prevent unwanted intruders.  At the same time, make sure that family or friends have keys to your home so they can check on you.

6. Watch Internet Use – Today, seniors have to protect against online scams.  Some senior computer safety tips include:

• Don’t provide personal and bank information in emails.
• Use different computer passwords.
• Shop at reputable websites and avoid scam websites.

7. Clear Stairs, Pathways and Hallways – You’ll want to make sure that all of these areas are clear of anything that you can trip over.  The Home Safety Council provides some excellent tips on stairway safety.

8. Get A Fire Extinguisher – You never know when a fire can start in your home.  To protect against a fire, make sure that you have a fire extinguisher.  You’ll also want to make sure that your smoke detectors are working properly.

9. Never Carry Lots of Money In Public – You don’t want to have tons of money on you in public places.  You can easily become a target for theft.  Leave the money in the bank and use a check card or a credit card.

10. Get Personal Emergency Response System – These types of systems make it very easy to get in contact with first responders for medical emergencies and other types of issues.  Personal emergency response systems are easy to use.  You can wear it on a pendent, a wristband or belt clip.

Summary 

Following these nine tips will help to keep any elderly person safe.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we can help with your home security system needs.  We’ve been helping homeowners protect their homes for years.  We have all the important security features to keep you and your home safe.

Give us a call today at 1-800-762-3196 to discuss your security issues today.  You also contact us by visiting the Hue & Cry Security Systems Contact Page.

911 Makeover: Texts, Videos, Photos To Be Accepted

The FCC is planning a dramatic makeover of the 911 emergency response system.

Numerous reports are saying that the FCC is planning a new 911 system that will be able to accept the following from smartphones:

• Text Messages
• Pictures
• Video

The FCC report says these updates will significantly help first responders as well as those who may not be able to use voice communications.

There are no deadlines on when this service would be rolled out to the public.  At the moment, the FCC has created a framework for implementing the plan.  The plan looks at:

• How to build the framework for such a system
• Infrastructure requirements
• Who will oversee the system
• Funding for the system

Why It Is Needed

An overhaul of the 911 system is way overdue.  More and more people are cutting their traditional telephone lines in favor of standard cell phones and smartphones.

One survey showed phone landline ownership has plummeted as much as 50 percent in regions such as New York and New Jersey.  In California, it’s around a 21 percent decline.

With more and more people owning phones with capabilities such as text messaging and photo/video sharing, it makes sense to incorporate these features into a new 911 system.

This will significantly help law enforcement and emergency crews do their job better.

When It Will Launch

Based on the documents, it looks like it’s going to be awhile before a system gets off the ground.

However it is interesting to see how mobile and wireless technology is significantly changing the way we protect our homes and businesses.

Already, wireless technology is used in many security systems to help it communicate with the alarm monitoring center.

Additionally, cellular signals are being used in remote security cameras and other devices.

911 Calling Tips

With all this talk about 911, it’s important to remember the tips below when calling for an emergency.

1.     Stay Calm:  It’s important to say calm when talking with a 911 operator.  This will allow them to dispatch emergency responders faster.

 2.     Listen Closely:  It’s important to listen to the operator so you understand the questions that they are asking.

 3.     For Recordings: If you happen to get a recording saying all operators are busy, be sure to listen to the directions and take appropriate action.

 4.     Never Immediately Hang Up: Always wait to hang up until the dispatcher tells you it’s OK to hang up the phone.

Following these tips will help you stay calm when dialing 911.

We Want To Hear From You!

What do you think about the new 911 system proposal?  Leave your comments below or join the conversation on the Hue & Cry Security Systems Facebook Page.