The Power of Your Sign

What keeps burglars and other intruders away from your property? One of the major deterrents is a security provider's sign. A house with a security system show that the occupants mean business. Other things that help keep thieves away are barking dogs, gated driveways, and a house full of people with an inconsistent schedule.

So if you think that the sign in your yard announcing the fact that your home is equipped with an Atronic Alarms' security system doesn't fit in with the new landscaping you did this fall, remember that the best medicine is always prevention.

Fireplace Safety

This damp, cold weather has forced many of us to start up those fireplaces we love some much. The crackle, the warmth, the ambiance . . . it is what brings families together to sit over a cup of hot tea and cocoa and talk about their days, their dreams. But before this should begin, be aware of the following:

The National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) states that your fireplace should be inspected once a year and cleaned if needed. Also, use only dry, seasoned wood to avoid creosote build-up, an oily deposit that catches fire easily and accounts for most chimney fires. Additionally, make sure you have a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying out in the room, and place a fire proof mat in front of your hearth.

These simple practices should help keep your family safe and warm during the 2009-2010 winter season.