Welcome 2010-Safety Tips for New Year's Eve

It is New Year's Eve once again. This age-old tradition of celebration revives old dreams and rekindles new hopes, and with tonight's blue moon arraigning over the festivities, the excitement of saying goodbye to 2009 and bringing in 2010 is definitely in the air. Staying safe should also be on most people's minds this day, and as a reminder to all, there are a couple of key elements that will keep this night a special one and not one you will want to forget.

Number One: Don't Drink and Drive

All right, admittedly, that is a statement drilled in by society over and over again. But, because of its severity and potential consequences, don't you think it needs to be? If you are going out to meet friends, and if you haven't already done so, decide AHEAD of time who is the designated driver. Right Now. Draw straws, alternate years, play rock, paper, scissors . . . whatever it takes. Enjoying yourself does not have to be based on alcohol, but driving home safely does.

Number Two: Watch the Fireworks

Watch them, but still "watch out" for them. Fireworks can be as dangerous now as they are on the 4th of July. The snow and cold doesn't mean they cannot still blow up in your face or remove a finger. They also still bother the animals in your neighborhood. Take the same safety precautions that you do in the summer. If you are leaving the house, provide a secure environment for your pets (music, white noise, extra toys) just in case someone celebrates in your neighborhood with loud and pretty party favors.

Number Three: Safety is a Choice

We cannot know what will happen in the future, and some say we can't even alter it's path. But others say there are ways that we can lower the percentages of dangers. If it is icy and 10 below zero? You may want to keep those high-heels in your closet until next year and wear those cute black pants you have, not the short dress. Also, blankets and extra clothes in your car could really make a differences if that snow drift walks out in front of your path.

Final words of advice? Enjoy the evening, howl at the moon, laugh with strangers, cuddle with loved ones. And don't just make new year's eve resolutions; live them. To quote Nike's famous slogan, "Just Do It."

Stop Freezing Pipes With a Hi / Low Temperature Alert

Protect your home, vacation home, pool house or guest house from freezing pipes with a hi/low temperature sensor that easily installs into most existing security systems. The environmental device monitors temperatures from -30 to +130° F and has adjustable high and low alarm set points. When the temperature reaches above or below the point you specify, the central monitoring station is contacted and you are immediately notified.

Women in Security

Nell Mathews, the Atronic Alarms general manager, was quoted recently in an article about Women in Security, by Martha Entwistle of Security Director News. When Martha asked about the mix at Atronic Alarms and if Nell thought the company could benefit from more diversity, Nell said,

"We have had one (1) female field install technician, three (3) female Sales reps. Our monitoring coordinator is female, as is our Marketing and Web Site designer.

I think this is a industry that requires hands on working experience because of the diversity of the systems, and the life and safety issues of our products and the codes and regulations involved and the city state and federal interaction that is required in certain cases, that experience can be hard to acquire but is often essential in getting in the door.

On the Residential side I can see where it would be beneficial in dealing with the homeowners because often times the wife is the one who is most interested in the security and or fire system for the family and home, especially if the husband travels or there are small children involved, and she can be a major part of the decision making process."

Read entire story here.

CO Detectors called "Silent Killer"

The winter is when Carbon Monoxide poisening is usually at it's highest. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, invisible gas that comes from fuels, such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil and methane, that burn incompletely. You can't see it or smell it, and it's symptoms are most often confused with the flu, food poisoning and other illnesses.

Protect your family by investing in a Carbon Monoxide Detector that is linked to your alarm system. Central station is then notified and you are called when the deadly CO is detected in your home. Visit this link more information on Carbon Monoxide and also visit Atronic Alarms, How Alarms Work.

Porch Lights

Driving around today I notice that there are many people who work full time away from their home. They leave early in the morning and come home after dark. How do I know this? It's pretty easy to figure out; there are no lights on inside the house, but the porch light is burning bright. I know how nice it is to come home to a lit house and how good it is to have lights surrounding you after dark. However, it also may provide others the same thought as me. Not so good. The "bad guys" can just come right in the front door. No one's home, right?

Safety is first priority for Atronic, saving energy is second. Can you do both? Install motion lights outside the home that come on when you pull up in your driveway. That way it is lit up and you are not fumbling around with a key. You also should have lights come on and off at different intervals inside your home while you are away. It gives that "lived in" look from the outside. A home automation system can provide both these features, while also giving you security and fire protection. This system can automatically turn your lights on and off at specific times of the day or night, which helps both to save energy and to provide that "We're Home" look when you need it.

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.