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Keep Your Home Safe From Break-Ins

10/28/2014

October is National Crime Prevention month. Burglary is one of the easiest crimes to prevent, yet is one of the most common. Let's not keep it that way! With the holiday season upon us, and with holiday travel plans being made, now is a great time to consider improving your home's security.

Consider the following anti-burglary tips offered by WebMD to boost home security and keep your home and family safe.

1. Don't Advertise You're Away

Use automatic light timers throughout the house. It's beneficial to use timers that have more than one on-off cycle to create the illusion of movement from room to room. These timers can also be used to turn TV's/radios on and off.
Turn the volume of your phone's ringer down so someone outside can't hear them ring. If you can, have your calls forwarded while you're away.
Arrange to have your lawn cut or snow removed if you will be gone for a long period of time.
Have a neighbor pick up your mail and deliveries and hold them for you.
Always park your car in the garage with the garage door closed when you are home to avoid someone watching for patterns.
Never leave notes on the door.

2. Make It Hard to Break In

Never leave doors or windows unlocked.
Never hide a key to your house where it can be easily found.
Use solid core or metal doors that are secured with good quality deadbolt locks.
Treat a door between an attached garage and the house as an outside door.
Any window or glass panel in the door that is closer than 42 inches to the lock should be reinforced with an invisible security film so a burglar can't break the glass and reach through to unlock the door.
Use a metal or wooden rod in the track on sliding glass patio doors to prevent them from sliding open.
Never leave a ladder that can be used to access the roof or a second story window outside or in an unlocked shed.
Cut back tree limbs that hang over the roof, and remove any lower branches from trees next to the home.

3. Don't Make It Easy to Hide

Trim back or remove any shrubbery next to doors or windows. If you are going to use plants next to the house, you should use thorny plants.
Use outside security lighting to illuminate every access door.
Use exterior lighting with motion detectors for the yard, driveway and other outside regions.
Remember the back and side of your home offer some concealment for a burglar who is trying to break in. So pay close attention to securing all entrances, and if possible avoid installing a tall privacy fence since that offers even greater concealment.

4. Install a Home Security Alarm System

Be sure to use the yard sign and window decals that say your house is protected by a home security system. Regularly check to make sure the sign is visible and has not been covered up by shrubs or pulled out of the ground by pets or neighborhoods children.
Choose a home security system that uses motion detectors as well as arms all windows and doors that could provide access.
Also consider using glass-break sensors that set off the alarm at the sound of a window or glass door panel being broken. Some sensors also detect sudden shock waves and will set the alarm off if someone is trying to kick open the door.
Never post your pass code next to or on the home security alarm key pad.

5. Get to Know Your Neighbors

Make it a point to meet your neighbors so that you can ask them to keep an eye on things while you're away.
Consider organizing a neighborhood watch program if your neighborhood doesn't already have one. Most local law enforcement agencies can help you plan and organize a watch program.

At ALINK Insurance Services, we care about the safety of your home and family. Contact us at any of our offices listed below to discuss any of your insurance needs. And from us to you, have a fun and SAFE Halloween this weekend!
Check back HERE for a Halloween safety reminder.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

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Winterizing Vacant Homes

10/21/2014

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If you have a vacation home, an unoccupied rental, or are going to be away for an extended period of time this winter, getting your vacant home ready for the cold weather is an important step. Homes that are not properly winterized are prime candidates for burst water pipes and subsequent water damage. Water damage affects not only the plumbing, but also the walls, ceiling, floors, and any personal items that may be kept in the home. Repairs can cost in the thousands of dollars. Taking action now will ensure that your property and your belongings are secure.

What is Winterization?

In order to winterize a home, a number of steps must be taken to ensure that it is ready for cold weather. This includes the following:

Turning off water supply.

Turning off and draining water heater.

Draining supply lines.

Blowing out water supply lines to ensure there is no remaining water.

Draining appliances and any water filters or water treatment systems.

Draining heating systems if needed.

Filling drains or traps with anti-freeze.

If you plan to be gone for a short period of time over the winter, full winterization is not necessary, but at the very least be sure to leave your heat on at a minimum setting. While this may seem like a waste of money and energy, the price of your heating bill will still be less expensive than damages that might occur with a frozen pipe. You can, however, turn off the main water supply to a home, as this will also help prevent against frozen pipes.

ALINK Insurance Services is here for you! Contact us to discuss any of your insurance needs.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

Materials obtained from the Advantage Sewer & Drain October 2014 Newsletter

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Preparing Your Home for Winter

10/17/2014

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The crisp autumn mornings are a sure sign that winter is near. Raking the leaves in the yard is an expected household chore, but don't forget that not all of your preparations need to happen outside in the yard. Before the sub-zero temperatures arrive it is important to pay attention to the plumbing as well.

Preparing Your Home for Winter:

Preparing your home for the cold weather is one of the most important things you can do this fall. Follow these tips to ensure that you don't end up with frozen pipes this winter.

Make sure furnace is set at a minimum of 55 degrees to prevent frozen pipes.
Disconnect outdoor water hoses.
Close the shut-off valves leading to outside faucets, and drain water from the pipes.
Because your water heater works harder in cold temperatures, be sure that it is running at optimal levels. Flush the tank to rid it of sediment and build-up.
Set your water heater at 120 degrees for ideal performance. (Note this is scalding hot water, be sensitive to safety concerns with small children in the home.)
Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
Open cabinet doors to allow heat to flow in concealed spaces.
Inspect and clean your sump pump.
Clean sewer lines to prevent a backup.
Check weather stripping and insulation around exterior doors and windows.

Let's take these cooler temperatures on by storm and be prepared! Contact us here at ALINK Insurance Services to ensure that all your insurance needs are met this approaching winter season.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

Materials obtained from the Advantage Sewer & Drain October 2014 Newsletter

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Keep Your Home Safe From Break-Ins

Winterizing Vacant Homes

Preparing Your Home for Winter

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