How to Properly Conduct a Business Injury Investigation

If you own a business, it’s only a matter of time before a customer or an employee suffers an accident or an injury.

Do you know how to properly conduct an accident/injury investigation that protects both parties?

If you want to reduce your liability exposure, you should follow these important tips.

1. Protect the Accident/Injury Scene – Just like a crime scene, you want to close off the area from outsiders.
2. Document the Area – You’ll want to take pictures or videos of the area as soon as possible. Make sure the video or picture is date and time stamped.
3. Get Witness Testimonies – Have a video camera or an audio recorder to get witness testimonies. If you don’t have any of these devices, get a signed written statement. Be sure to get the person’s name and contact information if you don’t already know it.
4. Get a Statement from Injured Party – If the injury isn’t too severe, get a statement from them about what happened.
5. Check Security Cameras – If you have security camera surveillance systems at your business, be sure to check them to see if the incident was recorded. It can help out a lot.

Following these tips will help to protect your business from exaggerated injury claims and bogus lawsuits.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we’ve been protecting businesses for more than 25 years by providing the best business security systems in Northern California and Oregon. To find out more on how we can help you, contact us today at 1-800-762-3196.

Hue & Cry Receives A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau

We have some great news at Hue & Cry Security Systems! We have received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

This is the highest rating a business can receive from the organization.

Based on an external review by the Better Business Bureau, we received the high ranking based on 16 grading points that include:

• Zero customer complaints
• Our length of time providing home security systems and business security systems
• No advertising issues with the Better Business Bureau

You can see the complete list of Better Business Bureau grading points here.

This A+ rating shows our continued commitment to all of our customers. For more than 25 years, we have been working with homeowners and business owners in Northern California and Oregon to provide them the best possible security.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we provide a variety of business and home security solutions including:

• Security cameras
• Access control
• Fire alarms
• Security systems
• Personal emergency response systems

To find out more on how we can help you, contact us today at 1-800-762-3196.

To discover how to better protect your home and business, read the Hue & Cry Security Systems Blog. You’ll get tons of excellent security tips for homeowners, business owners and even contractors!

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.

How to Protect Your Family from Mobile Cyberstalkers

Cyberstalking is a 21^st century threat to families across the country.  Because of smartphones, cyberstalking is becoming a very serious issue.

If you’re unfamiliar with cyberstalking, the U.S. Department of Justice defines it as repeated harassing and threatening behavior using internet, email and other electronic communications devices.

While cyberstalking has been around for more than a decade, this threat has grown because of the rapid adoption of social networking and smartphone devices.

According to the Home Security Blog, cyberstalkers are now using smartphones and social media information to stalk and harass people with a new degree of sophistication.  Cyberstalkers can now use your phone’s GPS location information that you share online.

If you want to protect your family and friends from mobile cyberstalking, we recommend these tips.

1. Never Provide Address – Whether it’s for your social media profile, your phone or email, never publically broadcast your home address.  The less information people know about you, the better off you’ll be.
2. Never Share Passwords – Never give out your password to anyone.  It’s a good idea to use a password with a variation of letters, numbers and characters.  Also, password protect access to your cell phone or smartphone.
3. Turn Off Location Sharing Features – It’s a good idea to turn off location sharing features on social networks and smartphone apps.  It’s risky to publically share your exact location at a given time.
4. Never “Friend” or Communicate with a Stranger – Only become friends with people you actually know on social networks.  Also respond to suspicious emails with caution.
5. Do a Google Search – Type your name in Google to see what types of information appears online.  Try to remove any information that a stalker could easily use to find out your home location.

Following these tips will help to keep you safe from cyberstalkers.  To learn more how to protect yourself, read:

• Daily Tip: How to turn off Locations Services for iPhone, iPad

• Turn Off Location Services On Android Phones

• Turn off location aiding for BlackBerry Phones

For more great personal safety tips, be sure to read other post on the Hue & Cry Security Systems Blog and follow us on Facebook.

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.

10 Ways to Prevent a Fire at Your Business

Business and office fires are more common than you may think.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, there were more than 98,000 fires in non-residential buildings last year.  Many of these were offices and small businesses.

The fires caused more than $2.6 billion in properly damage.

As an example, more than 80 firefighters battled a fire at a Citrus Heights, California Strip Mall in November 2011.  The fire wiped out several stores in the strip malls, causing thousands of dollars in damage.  You can see a video of the blaze below.

If you want to prevent a fire at your business, you should follow these 10 tips.

1. Avoid Overloading Outlets – Make sure you don’t overload your electrical outlets with multi-socket plugs and lots of office equipment.  Also avoid using extensions cords.
2. Keep Space Heaters at Home – Make it a policy to keep space heaters at home.  Space heaters are a potential fire hazard, especially when left unattended.
3. No Candles – This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people bring candles into private, one-person offices and businesses.  Make sure no one has any candles.
4. Watch Paper Products – Keep your paper products and shredded paper stored away from heat sources.  If possible, store paper products near a sprinkler head in your office. 
5. Avoid Running Cables Under Carpets – Don’t run any cables under carpets in main walkways of your office.  The cables could fray and spark a fire.
6. Unplug Electrical Items in Kitchen – At the end of the day unplug electrical items such as coffee makers and toasters in your office kitchen.
7. Have a Strict No Smoking Policy – There are still people who will sneak a cigarette in the office bathroom or storage closet.  Have a strict policy that punishes people who get caught smoking.
8. Service Computers and Other Equipment – Have professionals service your computers and other equipment to ensure it’s properly working and safe to use.
9. Have Fire Extinguishers – Make sure your fire extinguishers are all properly working.  You may even want to have a few extra just in case.
10. Smoke Detectors – Every office should have several functioning smoke detectors in it.  Be sure to replace the batteries once every sixth months.

Finally, be sure to have your fire alarm system regularly checked by a professional.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we can help you with your fire and security needs.  We have long standing relationships with fire and law enforcement officials in Northern California and Oregon.

To learn more how we can help you, call us today at 1-800-762-3196 or visit the Hue & Cry 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.

Ways To Prevent Home Security System False Alarms

There’s nothing worse than having your home security system go off because of a false alarm.

In many cities, home security false alarms can cost you fines in the hundreds of dollars.  That’s because false alarms take police and emergency responders away from real emergences and other life threatening situations.

Common causes of false alarms include: user error, unlocked windows, hanging objects such as decorations, children, repairmen and pets.

If you want to prevent false alarms we recommend following the tips below.

1. Have Your Alarm Serviced – It’s very important to have your alarm serviced at least once a year.  This will help to make sure that everything is properly working.
2. Read Your Owner’s Manual – Be sure to thoroughly read your alarm’s owner’s manual.  This will help you understand all of the features in your alarm system.  The better you know your system, the less likely you’ll have a false alarm.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Pets – When you set your alarm, make sure your pets don’t have access to areas in your home where motion detectors are installed.  They could easily trigger the alarm.
4. Clean Motion Detectors – You’ll want to keep your motion detectors clean.  Dust as well as hanging objects could sound a false alarm.
5. Change Back-Up Battery – At least once a year, you’ll want to change the back-up battery on your home security alarm system.
6. Remember the Code – You would be amazed how many people forget their alarm code.  Everyone that has a key to your home should memorize the alarm code.
7. Test Your Alarm – Practice turning off your alarm.  This will help you master your alarm system.  Be sure to call the central monitoring station to let them know you’ll be practicing.
8. Make Sure Windows are Locked – An unlocked window that is accidently opened by a family member can easily trigger the alarm.
9. Stay in Contact with Monitoring Station – If you’re doing some remodeling, stay in touch with your monitoring station.

If your security system should go off because of a false alarm, remember to stay calm throughout the process.  Do not leave your home.  Wait until you have heard from the monitoring station.  Be prepared to give them your unique passcode.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we have been helping families in Northern California and Oregon secure their homes for more than 25 years.

We understand that false alarms sometimes happen.  If your installed and maintained Hue & Cry Security Systems burglar security alarm system causes a false alarm, we’ll pay any false alarm fines caused by our installed and properly maintained systems!

To learn more about our home security systems, call us today at 1-800-762-3196.

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.