Free Safety and Security Guide Available

During the upcoming holiday season, you shouldn't have to worry whether your house is safe from burglars while you're out and about, celebrating with friends and family. Protection One, one of the nation's leading electronic security companies, suggests these tips for making your home more secure during the holidays and year-round:

  -- Avoid displaying gifts where they can easily be seen through windows,
     and take care when disposing of product packaging, so that you aren't
     "advertising" recent, high-dollar purchases;
  -- To reduce the chance of easy entry, cut tree limbs away from
     second-story windows;
  -- Secure objects that might allow access to your home, such as ladders or

     trashcans that could be used to enter a window or scale a fence;
  -- To prevent hiding places for intruders, trim bushes to expose branch
     structure;
  -- To illuminate entries, install motion lights;
  -- Install easy-to-read and illuminated address numbers so emergency
     personnel can easily locate your home;
  -- Be aware of usual and unusual neighborhood activities and report
     suspicious behavior;
  -- Secure all windows, including those upstairs;
  -- Never leave a key hidden outside. Burglars know all the best hiding
     places;
  -- Install peepholes and ask to see identification from service and
     delivery people; and
  -- Install deadbolt locks on exterior entrances.

Follow these steps to help your home appear occupied and to deter burglars:

  -- Leave blinds and curtains in everyday positions;
  -- Use timers to operate lights;
  -- Turn your telephone ringer down, so no one outside can hear repeated
     rings;
  -- Review your answering machine, and make sure it does not imply you are
     away;
  -- Arrange for continuing yard care;
  -- Ask a friend to pick up deliveries, or have deliveries stopped; and
  -- If your car is parked in the driveway, have a friend move it
     occasionally.

If your home is protected by a security system:

  -- Test your system monthly to ensure it is working properly before an
     emergency occurs;
  -- Help prevent false alarms by providing instructions on the operation of

     your system to houseguests and avoid placing moving ornaments or
     decorations in the path of motion detectors.

For a free "Guide to Keeping Your Family and Home Safe and Secure," contact Protection One by visiting http://www.protectionone.com/ or calling 1-800-GET-HELP.

Source: Protection One