old school home security

I was so excited because I just bought my first home. I was worried about the neighborhood so I signed up for a home security system. It cost about $35 a month and it had motion detectors and a couple of door sensors. The problem was that my old school system was tripping my modern system. I had a few dogs. They kept setting off the motion detectors no matter how I configured the settings. After getting numerous calls after the alarm kept going off, I decided not to use it any more. I looked at my dogs and thought to myself that I had been very stupid. I was lured by advertising and overlooked a simple, reliable, almost self sufficient system. Best of all, this system was free-relatively speaking.

 

Dogs are truly man’s best friend. I hate to think how some moronic people abuse them or leave them in the backyard chained to a pole for their entire lives, but that is another story. Dogs will give their lives to protect yours without thinking. But for most that is not necessary. Criminals want an easy mark. They do not want to enter a house with a dog because the dog makes noise alerting neighbors and others about the intrusion and because dogs will most likely try to bite them depending on the bread and temperament. They will not risk it.

 

I have come to the conclusion that one dog is fine, but three are better. More than that it becomes difficult to handle. Some intruders may not worry about one dog. They think they can handle them. Three dogs are a different matter. You want to select a dog that best matches your personality, but if having a dog for protection you should make a few considerations.

 

I know small dogs are amazing and you can dress them up, but for many criminals, they look like a foot ball and they will be happy to try to kick a field goal with them. I would recommend a medium size dog. They tend to live longer than larger dogs. Pure breads area also great, but mutts tend to also have fewer problems because of over inbreeding from breeders. I have three mutts. Two are chows and one is a mix between a terrier and a bird dog. Each one does different things based on their breed type. The chows are very much a one person owner dog. They are very loyal and do not in any way like strangers. The bird dog is also loyal, but they usually love everyone. The terrier part makes her more defensive than she would ordinarily be. Dogs do a great job of displaying traits they were bread for.  

 

I feed them, walk them, and bathe them. That is about all the maintenance they need. They also motivate me to get out of the house more than I would otherwise. Dogs have been side by side with man for thousands of years. Romans trained Irish Wolf Hounds to literally attach enemy chariots from behind and pull the soldiers off of them and kill them. It is time you utilized what the ancients knew-dogs are awesome for security.

For more help on home security and self defense visit www.heatherplanet.com

gun safety

Gun Safety

Yes I have a gun and have a license to carry a concealed weapon. I have also been handling guns for twenty two years at this point. I was in the army for 13 years. I would strongly suggest that you seek training if you have not been in the armed services. Great training is available through the NRA. You can find out more at http://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseCatalog.aspx. You can also get great training through your state by taking the concealed carry course if your state allows you to carry. Even if you don’t plan to carry it and will have it in your house, the course is very informative for safety.

I personally have a Colt 45 1911. If I have to use it, I want to make sure I have stopping power. This is a clip fed semi automatic pistol (clip fed pistols are the bests for concealing). In order to fire the weapon, you need to put one or more rounds in the clip, insert he clip, chamber the first round, and pull the trigger. I prefer to have rounds in the clip, but I never chamber the first round. I am fast enough to chamber it as I pull it from my holster. I also leave the safety on at all times.

Other important tips include never pointing any fire arm at anyone if you think is unloaded or not. Always point to the ground. Never fire warning shots. They can hit people that you cannot even see at that time. If you do pull your weapon, be ready to use it. Always follow the rules of remaining steady, have a firm grip (push & pull with your hands), hold your breath on the exhale, aim using a good site picture, and have a smooth trigger squeeze.

Do not do what you see in the movies or on television where the “gangster” has the pistol pointed sideways. He will be the idiot on the floor while the one pointing it upright using a good site picture will be standing.

If you have children that live in the house, make sure you unload the weapon that is not on your person and get a safety lock such that it will prevent the gun from operation. Many states have programs where they provide these at a discount or for free.

If you are at a firing range and a round does not go off when fired or gets jammed, place the weapon down facing down range and get assistance.  There are times were a round will “cook off” and fire a few moments after you put the weapon down.

Many prefer to use less violent force for protection. You can find out more at www.heatherplanet.com

property marking

PROPERTY MARKING

Marking your property is one of the most simple and effective ways of protecting your possessions.

 

• For a start, property marking puts burglars off because it let’s others know that the item has been stolen, making it much more difficult to sell. The other big advantage is that it makes tracing and returning your stolen property a lot easier for police.
• The Metropolitan police say that there are two main types of property marking: the first is known as permanent marking, when you engrave or “punch” your property with your street number and postcode. Inexpensive permanent marketing kits can be bought from most DIY stores.
• Make sure you engrave with a fine drill or sharp-pointed tool, and use a template or stencil to keep it neat and tidy. Punching is a form of permanent marking that is done with a hammer and a set of punches bearing numbers and letters. This method is good for bicycles, mowers, engines or other sturdy metal objects, but don’t use this on aluminum as it’s easily damaged. Of course, you could just improvise and scratch your postcode on it with a sharp object, depending on how happy you expect to be with the final appearance.

 

Invisible Protection

 

• Invisible marking is the other method of property marking. This is best for antiques or valuable property that would lose value if spoiled by permanent marking. Police usually check stolen property with a special ultra-violet lamp, so an ultra-violet (UV) marker pen should be used. Just as for permanent marking, use your postcode and mark again if you move. The police also say that it is important to remember that UV marking fades and will need to be renewed every so often.
• Most police forces run schemes that let you borrow an UV or ceramic marker, and you can buy them at most DIY stores. However, in some cases, chemicals can be used to remove invisible marking, and as it fades quickly, you should remember to regularly update your markings.
• Although you can’t see it with the naked eye, invisible marking can still be a deterrent to burglars, but you must let them know you’ve done it by using stickers from the police saying, “property in this home has been marked”. Contact your local police for more details about this.
• When it comes to deciding which items to mark, the answer is “up to you”. Think about what you value most and what might be attractive to thieves. The truth is almost anything can be a target for theft, so why not mark everything?
• It’s worth keeping a property list or inventory of all your household possessions, and be sure to mark the things that you own as you compile your list, including items kept in your shed or garage.
• Finally, where your property is marked is important, especially if engraving or punching. The chances are you’ll want to keep the mark out of site, so try marking underneath or around the back of the item. The most important thing to remember is to choose a surface that can’t be removed without spoiling the basic appearance or performance of the item. If thieves can’t remove your mark without breaking your property, then it’s worthless and they probably won’t want it.

personal info safety

KEEPING YOUR PERSONAL INFO SAFE

 

• Thieves can use even the most mundane of personal details to help them “verify” that they are someone they aren’t, and one of the most common ways of obtaining personal details is “bin-raiding”. This is surprisingly common in affluent areas and is spreading out of towns to the countryside; with 75% of local authorities now admitting it happens regularly in their area.
• An exercise carried out with the support of Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire Police analyzed the contents of hundreds of household bins to see what people were throwing away. It found that 86% of domestic rubbish contained information helpful to fraudsters.
• Three quarters of the bins that were checked contained the full name and address of at least one person from the household, while 20% of bins contained a bank account number and sort code that could be linked to the name and address of a person from the house.
• So don’t keep all of your bills, receipts and other personal documents in an obvious place, if you can lock it away. If you don’t have anywhere to lock it, try and keep it somewhere out of the way, or separate it out. Consider investing in a shredder!
• Identity thieves will also try to dupe you into giving personal information either in person, over the phone or by using official sounding e-mails. And of course, personal computers can hold plenty of information useful to fraudsters.
• Be wary. Be suspicious of anyone seeking too much personal information, and don’t be afraid to challenge them by asking “why do you need those details?” – A legitimate enquirer won’t mind you asking. Make sure you store all important documents and details, such as your birth certificate, national insurance number, receipts and bank statements, in a safe place.
• Anything containing personal information that you intend to throw out should be destroyed before it is put in the bin. Using a household paper shredder is not taking things too far. If you think you have become the victim of an identity thief, report it to the police, local authority and relevant Government departments or companies immediately.
• Keep personal information in “encrypted” folders on your computer. Encryption scrambles the contents of your chosen folder so it cannot be read by anyone else. You can “unscramble” the contents using a password. Many well-known software companies offer free downloads to help you with encryption, or encryption can be an option under your standard operating system.
• Consider installing “personal firewall” software on your computer to stop online intruders or “hackers” accessing information on your PC.

party safety

PARTY SAFETY TIPS

 

Whatever your drug of choice, remember: drugs and alcohol can affect your ability to make decisions (such as identifying danger signs and plotting escape routes). Manage how much you consume.

 

• Always get your own drink. Watch it being poured.
• Don’t leave it unattended.
• Don’t drink or taste anybody else’s drink.
• Don’t accept drinks from anyone else.
• Dispose of your drink if you think it tastes odd.
• (if you just leave it, someone else may drink it).
• Drugs used to spike drinks can be colorless and tasteless so you might not realize that anything has been added.
• Be aware of the behavior of your friends. Is their behavior out of character? Do they seem too “out of it” for what they’ve had? See the section on Drink Spiking to find out what to do.
• Watch out for your friends. Are they binge drinking or taking drugs? Are they making safe decisions? Are they OK?
• If your friend needs to sober up or straighten out, check to see that they are OK. Are they alone? Who is with them? Are they safe?
• Encourage people who are drunk to drink water or eat something. Keep an eye on them, if you can.
• Do you really trust whom you are going home with? Are you sure they won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do? Will they take “NO” for an answer?
• If you are going home with someone different, let someone know. Introduce them to your friends.

 

If You’re Throwing the Party

 

• Know whom you have invited to the party and plan what you will do if there are gatecrashers.
• Provide food and non-alcoholic drink spacers, eg water, soft drinks, juice.
• Keep a look out for your guests. Make sure they’re safe and having a good time.
• Offer to organize taxis for your guests. Take a note of the taxi company you have called.
• Create a safe atmosphere. If you know that someone is harassing or intimidating someone else, then do something about it:

 

1. Let them know you are watching;
2. Ask the person to stop;
3. Ask them to leave;
4. Find the victimized person a safe place;
5. Don’t be afraid to call the police.

 

Stay safe yourself and ask for help if you need it.

internet buying safety

INTERNET BUYING SAFETY

 

 

• Despite these many concerns, some now argue that it is actually safer to buy online than buying over the phone or handing your credit card over to someone in a shop. This is because if the online payment is handled properly your banking details will be “encrypted”, which means they cannot be viewed by anyone other than those handling the transaction – usually the banks.
• If you’re still unsure, Card Watch, the UK banking group that works with the police and retailers to stop credit card fraud, offer the following “top ten tips” when buying online:
• Make sure your web-browser (that’s the software that you use to view websites, most commonly Internet Explorer or Netscape) is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring. These options are not always automatically activated when your computer is set-up, so check your manual or the “Help” option.
• Check you are using a recent version of your web-browser as they often include better security features – up-to-date versions can be downloaded free from the Microsoft or Netscape websites. If you have a different browser or use on-line services such as AOL or CompuServe, contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or software supplier to find out how to activate their security features.
• Before purchasing from a website, make a record of the retailer’s contact details, including a street address and landline phone number. If these details are not available on the website, consider going elsewhere to buy, do not rely on the e-mail address alone.
• Do not enter personal details unless the security icon is displayed (this is a small padlock that normally appears at the bottom of your browser when you begin your transaction over the Internet). You can click on the padlock to see if the retailer has an encryption certificate. This should explain the type and extent of security and encryption it uses. Only use companies that have an encryption certificate and use secure transaction technology. The address of the page where you enter personal details should also start https://.
• If you have any queries or concerns, telephone the company before giving them your card details to reassure yourself that it is legitimate.
• Print out your order and consider keeping copies of the retailer’s terms and conditions and returns policy. Be aware that there may well be additional charges such as postage and VAT. When buying from overseas always err on the side of caution and remember that it may be difficult to seek redress if problems arise.
• Check statements from your bank or card issuer carefully as soon as you receive them. Raise any discrepancies with the retailer concerned in the first instance. If you find any transaction on your statement that you are certain you did not make, contact your card issuer immediately.
• Ensure that you are fully aware of any payment commitments you are entering into, including whether you are instructing a single payment or a series of payments.
• Never disclose your card’s PIN number to anyone, including people claiming to be from your bank or the police, and never write it down or send it over the Internet.
• If you have any doubts about using your card, find another method of payment

House Safety

You Are Going On Vacation – Help Burglars Take One Too!

 

 

An empty house is a tempting target for a burglar. Use this checklist of tips to help safeguard your home while you’re away.

 

• Have good locks on all doors and windows and USE THEM!
• Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you’re away. It’s a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
• Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.
• Stop all deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers and packages.
• Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived-in look.
• Plug in timers to turn lights, a radio or television on and off at appropriate times. This helps to disguise the fact that you are away.
• Don’t announce your absence on answering machine messages.
• Leave your blinds, shades and curtains in a normal position. Don’t close them unless that is what you do when you are home.
• Close and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
• Tell your local police you plan to be away. Patrol officers may have the opportunity to periodically check your home.
• Engrave your valuables as recommended in Operation I.D. This simple step will allow your stolen property to be identified and returned to you if recovered by the police.

 

Traveling Safety

 

• If you are driving, make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in suitable condition for the journey.
• Try to have specific directions and routes to your destination.
• If you get lost, call the local police for directions or assistance.
• Always keep your vehicle doors and windows locked.
• At stop lights and other traffic delays, leave enough space in front of your vehicle so that you have an escape option in case of an emergency.
• Let someone know the route you intend to travel and your itinerary. This will help authorities in locating you if there is a need to do so.
• Plan your trip carefully and allow for factors such as weather, fatigue, facilities for lodging, food and fuel. Be sure you have sufficient finances, either cash, travelers checks or credit cards.
• Ask the hotel or motel staff about their security measures so you know what to expect.
• Use the hotel safe to store your valuables during your stay.

Home Security

TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOME SECURE • Make sure your home looks like someone is living in it. Don’t close your curtains – in daytime this shows the house is empty. Think about getting automatic time-switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark. • Fit mortise locks or bolts to all outside doors, and locks to all downstairs or easily accessible windows. • Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries. • Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind. • Get a friend or neighbor to look after your home. They can collect your mail, mow your lawn and so on. This gives the impression that someone is living in your home. If you leave keys with a neighbor, don’t label them with your address. • Don’t leave valuables, like your TV, hi-fi or video, where people can see them through windows. • Mark any valuable items with your postcode and house number using an ‘invisible’ pen that you can get from DIY shops. If your property is stolen, this will help the police to identify it if it is found, which might not only allow them to return it to you but could also provide them with better evidence to convict the people responsible. • Make sure that you have up-to-date contents insurance. • Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are traveling to your holiday destination. • Lock the garage and shed with proper security locks, after putting all your tools safely away so they cannot be used to break into your house. If you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and lock it to a secure fixture with a ‘close shackle’ padlock or heavy-duty chain. • Finally, lock all outside doors and windows. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set and that you have told the police who has the key. • And just before you set off, its worth spending a couple of minutes checking that you’ve done all you had to do and taken everything that you need with you. Help from your neighbors • It’s also a good idea to get help from your neighbors. It asks them to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. • You could also ask them to collect post left in the letter box, sweep up leaves, even mow the lawn and generally make the place look lived in. • You can repay the favor by doing the same for them. Warn the neighbor who has your key not to put your surname, address or even your house number on your keys in case they fall into the wrong hands. • Is there a Neighborhood Watch scheme where you live? Your local police will tell you if there is a scheme in your area or help you set up one of your own. It could help you keep your home secure while you’re away, and has many other crime prevention and community benefits.

Home Alone Safety

SAFETY WHILE YOUR CHILD’S ALONE

 

 

Working parents- and that’s the majority of American families today- share the anxiety, frustration, and even fear involved in leaving children “on their own” when school lets out, child care arrangements with neighbors and relatives break down, or there simply are not any alternatives.

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

 

* Make sure your children are ready to care for themselves.

* Teach them basic safety rules.

* Know where your kids are, what they are doing, and who they are with.

 

ARE THEY READY? CAN YOUR CHILDREN-

 

1. Be trusted to go straight home after school?

2. Easily use the telephone, locks, and kitchen appliances?

3. Follow rules and instructions well?

4. Handle unexpected situations without panicking?

5. Stay home alone without being afraid?

 

Talk it over with them, and listen to their worries and ideas. Work out rules on having friends over, household chores, homework, and television. Remember, staying at home alone can build a child’s self esteem, sense of responsibility, and practical skills.

 

TEACH YOUR “HOME ALONE” CHILDREN

 

1. How to call 9-1-1 or your area’s emergency number, or call the operator?

2. How to give directions to your house in case of an emergency?

3. To check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.

4. To never accept gifts or rides from people they don’t know well. (And you approve of)

5. How to use the door, windows, locks and the alarm system if you have one?

6. To never let anyone into the home without asking your permission.

7. To never let a caller at the door or on the phone know they are alone.

8. To carry a house key with them in a safe place (inside a shirt pocket or sock)-do not leave it under a mat or on a ledge.

9. How to escape in case of fire?

10. To not go into the house or apartment if things do not look right- a broken window, ripped screen, or opened door.

11. To let you know about anything that frightens them or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Looking Out for Charity Fraud

CHARITY FRAUD

 

 

Charity fraud does a lot of harm. The con artist takes advantage of people’s good will and takes their cash – money that was meant for people in need. You can make sure that any money you give gets into the right hands. Just remember these tips when somebody asks you for a donation.

 

• Ask for identification – the organization AND the solicitor. Find out what the purpose of the charity is and how funds are used.
• Ask if contributions are tax deductible.
• If you’re not satisfied with the answers-don’t give.
• Give to charities that you know.
• Check out the ones you’ve never heard of before, or others whose names are similar to a well-known charity.
• Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics. If solicitors won’t take no for an answer, tell them NO anyway – BUT DON’T GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY.
• Be suspicious of charities that only accept cash.
• Always send a check made out to the charity and not the individual requesting the donation.

 

THE PIGEON DROP

 

A person approaches you and says that he just found a large amount of money. What should he do with it? Maybe his “boss” can suggest something. He then leaves to check with his “boss” and comes back a few minutes later. His boss said to divide the money, but first, each of you must put up some, “good faith money”. Once you hand over your share, you’ll never see it or the con artist again.

 

THE BANK EXAMINER

 

A con artist will contact you and tell you he is a bank official or police officer and that he needs your help to catch a dishonest bank teller. All you have to do is withdraw your savings and give the money to him so he can check the serial numbers. IF you do, you’ve been “stung”. A real bank official would NEVER ask you to withdraw your money.

 

Is it hard to believe that people fall for such tricks? Con artists may be the greatest actors you’ll ever meet. The pigeon drop and the bank examiner schemes are two of the most successful con games around. Don’t be fooled. CALL THEIR BLUFF BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.