More people are killed or injured in fires than all the burglaries of homes or businesses combined. Smoke & soot damage will consume every square inch of your home. I had a neighbour who had a fire and clothes packed in suitcases still got damaged with soot. They were far removed from the actual fire. So it is important to add fire protection to your security system.

Most smoke detectors security alarm companies use is different than the ones sold in hardware stores. They measure the quality of the air electronically. They usually can detect a fire as opposed to fumes using this method is much better. When a fire is detected, the fire department is notified even sometimes before you the home owner know you have a fire. The internal siren in the home alerts your family of the fire. Most alarm systems give intermittent short blasts if there is a fire as opposed to a steady sound of the siren. This also lets you know even in a deep sleep that when the siren goes off, you know it’s a fire instead of a break-in.

It is important where you place these devices. Some cities have codes stating you have to have one for each bedroom. Most of the time they are installed in a common hallway outside of the bedrooms.

Another device is called a heat rise or heat sensor. Most of these devices operate sensing the heat of the air surrounding them. There are two kinds. The first device will detect a fire if the heat rises to a certain temperature. The other device will activate if there is a sudden change of temperature from a certain degree to another.

These devices are placed in areas like kitchens, garages, attics, basements near the furnace, utility rooms, and any where you have a heater or flammable materials.

Every family should have a fire drill every so often. Each member of the family should know all exits. Have a place where you meet outside, like at the mail box, so you know everyone has gotten out. Many people have lost their lives going back into a burning home thinking that someone is still in the home when actually they were out but on the other side of the home.

Keep in mind that most insurance companies give discounts if you have a security system installed in your home or business. The more levels of protection could mean a greater discount on your insurance. So an investment in a complete security system could mean a substantial savings over the years plus the “peace of mind” knowing you’re protected.

Get a FREE* ADT Alarm System worth over $850, with a $99* installation fee, and $ 0 activation fee, 24/7 Immediate Emergency Medical, Police and Fire Response, 2 Way Voice Enabled Control Centre and much more. Please visit: http://www.apexdirect.ca/promos/3 to get a FREE, no obligation Life Safety System quote or call us at 1 888 496 9488

Have you noticed that people are obsessed with windows? They want more of them and they want them wider, taller (two-storey perhaps?), and shapelier (round tops, elliptical, oblique). The problem arrives when you decide to dress this sea of glass. What to do?

Don’t despair. Firstly, determine your budget. Quality window treatments are not inexpensive but if chosen properly they will serve you well for many years to come. Secondly, decide how much light filtering and privacy you need for each room. Next, determine the style of window coverings that will best suit the design of the room and home. Here are some options to consider.

Great View
Do your windows have a beautiful view? If so, you won’t want to cover this feature. Instead flank the view with side panels only, leaving the window portion untreated, particularly for windows that are north facing. The panels should coordinate in colour and pattern with the other elements in the room.

Light Filtering
If the windows face any direction other than north, consider a shade/blind mounted on the inside of the window that can be positioned to filter the light, or pulled up/down entirely. A layered treatment with sheers for light control and fabric panels on either side is another option.

Alternatively, professionally installed window films can filter UV rays while offering a clear view outside. Couple this with a fabric treatment that dresses the window such as a roman or box pleat valance and side panels.

Security
Some films allow you to look out while passers-by are unable to look in due to the mirroring effect that occurs from the outside. This is a great option for rooms where security is of the utmost importance, such as home offices and family rooms.

Undesirable View
If your window faces your neighbour’s brick wall/window consider cellular or pleated shades with different opacities that allow the light to come through while obscuring or blocking the view entirely.

Privacy
Bedrooms necessitate the most privacy so do make sure the treatment has complete light control. Use shutters, blinds or shades that specify complete light control for privacy. In addition, have a fabric treatment that flanks the window with perhaps a valance above it.

Finally, if you’re still unclear as to which treatments you should be entertaining for your home contact Margarida Oliveira, designer and owner of Chic Décor, for a consultation.You may reach her at: 905-337-8463, or visit her website at: www.chicdecordesign.com

Safeguard Your Home and Business against Lock Bumping

Videos on lock bumping are all over the Internet and on local news stations throughout the country. It is becoming common knowledge that locks can be bypassed using a method called lock bumping. The spread of this information is causing great concern for individual safety and security for homes and businesses. As a security professional, I am often asked, “Can people really open locks that easily?” “Should I be concerned?” “What can I do about it?” and “What do you recommend?”

The method of lock bumping using bump keys has been around for many years. The recent spread of this information has increased the use of this technique for illegal purposes, and now requires individuals to take precautionary action to protect themselves and their property. In addition to the security concern, there is an insurance issue. If your home or businesses is burglarized and there are no signs of forced entry, does your insurance cover the loss? If the method used to break into your home or business was lock bumping, the signs of forced entry would likely be minimal and might not even be visible.

Installing bump-proof locks will provide better safety and security. One of the best bump-proof locks on the market is the BiLock cylinder. Most locks have both top and bottom pins, and locks with the top pins are susceptible to lock bumping. BiLock is a 12pin locking system with no top pins. The BiLock cylinder also has two sidebars and a trigger mechanism within the key. BiLock is also a restricted key high security system which allows you to have greater key control. These lock cylinders can be purchased as part of the deadbolt or door knob lock. They can be added to most commercial locks and some residential locks without having to replace the entire deadbolt or door knob.

For homeowners, the easiest solution is to purchase the deadbolt with the BiLock cylinder and replace your existing deadbolt. This is normally a simple installation and usually fits within the existing holes currently on the door. The BiLock lock system with its patented U-shaped key design and trigger mechanism within the key requires two proprietary key machines to produce a key. These key machines are only available to authorized BiLock dealers, and helps eliminate unauthorized key duplication. This provides another layer of security, knowing that no one has copied the key to your home or business. All keys are numbered at the time they are issued. Simply keep an accurate record of the distribution of your keys - as long as all keys can be accounted for, there is no need to change the locks.

The cost to upgrade your locks to prevent lock bumping is more than your average lock, but it is a worthwhile investment to maintain the security of your home or business. The cost is small when compared to a denied claim for loss from your insurance company! When the BiLock lock system is installed on your home or business, you can rest assured knowing that you have bump-proof locks on your door.

Dave Jabas is a lock expert with 30 years experience, specializing in door hardware, door locks and bump-proof locks for residential and commercial applications. http://www.wholesalelocks.com/ Copyright 2006 Wholesale Locks

Lock bumping has been around since the early 1950s. Burglars use a filed-down key, which works on almost ANY lock. It can be slid into any tumbler lock, because it has no grooves, and the lock is bumped to allow the key to catch and open the lock. An experienced burglar can gain entry into your house in seconds! After the thief inserts the key, he bumps the door repeatedly while trying to turn the key, the tumblers fall into place quickly and allow the key to turn and the lock to open.

When considering door locks for your home, you need to do some research. Less expensive locks tend to be break when a burglar ‘bumps’ them and will not allow a key to turn them at all – meaning you won’t be able to get in either. The higher-end locks have been found to be more vulnerable because they have been manufactured to higher standards, allowing keys to slide in and out more easily.

A consideration is purchasing Bump Proof locks. I recently went to Home Depot and I was able to find about 30 different kinds, but be warned, they are not cheap! You could also consider adding a deadbolt to your door, which is harder to crack. Also consider having a locksmith visit your home and assess your current lock. He or she will be able to help and offer any recommendations that are required.

Having a home security system will also help deter any would-be thieves. I had my house broken into two years ago — they smashed my back door window and gained entry from there. It was a good thing that I had home insurance, so please make sure that you have that taken care of too.