Door Locks

Today anyone can go to Home Depot and buy a new lock for their front door. But how many know what the facts are behind the lock you are buying?

The door lock that you choose can make the difference between the safety of your home and family. There are a few facts that you should know before choosing a new lock.

The myth that a better lock will cost more is just that, a myth. Most homes today use standard keyed locks. These locks use a set number of pins called tumblers. The more of tumblers in the lock the safer it is. Also locks are not as hard to get into as many people may think. Lock picking kits are easy to buy and even easier to learn to use.

The safest locks would be dead bolts. Requiring extra effort to turn the tumblers adds resistant to being picked. Also the locks using flat keys with holes on the side are much harder to bet in.

Do not buy your door locks from a place like Home Depot. If you were to ask a sales person, you would find that you could buy a second lock using the same key just by matching up the numbers on the package. In order to sell locks with this ease of matching, they must stock many locks with the same key. This limits the variations of keys being sold in your area.

Only buy your door locks through a local locksmith, express your concerns about security and likelihood of similar keys being sold in your area. Ask a lot of questions, and don’t stop until you feel that you are buying a lock that will keep you safe. And reparable locksmith will understand your questions and be happy to assist you with the right answers.

Be safe, buy right.

Written by A. Wallace

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Safety Tips for Families

Here are some Safety Tips to help you think about online safety for your family. We encourage you to read the rest of the Safety Guide for more detailed information.

1- Use the Internet with your kids. While you're spending time with them, you can help them to be safe and responsible online. Learn about the technology together, ask lots of questions, and don't be intimidated if it seems like your kids have a better understanding of the technology than you. Remember, it's your family, and you have the power and responsibility to keep an eye on what your kids are doing.

2- Teach kids never to give their personal information to people they meet online, especially in chat rooms and on bulletin boards. If you have a family web site with your children's pictures up, don't include information like where they go to school, where you live, your phone number, or any other personally identifiable information -- that's giving personal information out every bit as much as sending an e-mail or talking to someone in a chat room.

3- Instruct your child never to plan a face-to-face meeting with online acquaintances, and to notify you if they are approached for an offline meeting.

4- Establish clear ground rules for Internet use for your family. Think about signing a Contract with your children that reflects those rules. Learn about the different parental control tools, protective software, and controlled access options that are available, and decide which, if any, are best for your needs.

5- Tell your children not to respond if they receive offensive or dangerous e-mail, chat requests, or other communications, and to leave if they go to a web site that makes them uncomfortable. Also tell them to show you anything they receive that makes them uncomfortable. Assuring them that you won't be angry with them and that they are not to blame can help you to develop a trusting, open relationship.

6- If you become worried that your child or another child is in danger, don't hesitate to contact the authorities.

For additional resources, check out www.SafeKids.com Parents' Guidelines and The Children's Partnership Keeping Kids Safe Online: Tips & Tools.
This safety tip is from http://kids.getnetwise.org/Please visit their site for more safety tips on children.

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Safety in crowds

With the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations coming this week, I felt a need to focus on safety in crowds.

Many of us will be looking to enjoy the festivities that come with St. Patrick’s Day. However if not enjoyed with safety, the same festivities can become a tragic experience.

When your out and having fun in the crowd, try to keep some grip on reality.
Most of the crimes (pick pocket and other forms of petty larceny) that take place in crowed events could have been avoided. By letting yourself get to carried away with the events your attending, you also become less aware of your surroundings.

Make a mental note of the nearest police or safety person as well as the nearest store that is open and not likely to be crowded. This is your key to help should you need it.

Take a moment every now and then to look around and be aware of anything that may need your attention. This does not mean to constantly look over your shoulder, just simply be aware.

If you see something of concern, go to a safe point at once. Be it the Police officer you made the mental note of or the store.

Don’t be afraid to be heard. If you feel you’re in any danger or confrontation that may become dangerous, let it be known. Yell, speak loud or what ever the situation may call for. Drawing the attention of those around you may more then likely make the difference between your becoming a victim or not.

Always travel in groups. Safety comes in numbers, and your power of not becoming a victim can also stem from the same numbers.

Don’t stray from the group. As much as you may want to see that float going by, once you part from your group, you may have a hard time finding them again.

Set up a meeting point and rules. By making sure that everyone in the group knows that when one person is missing from the group for more then 5 minutes, everyone is to meet at a predestinated point. This way if your truly in danger and do not show at the predestinated point, your group will be able to help.

Set up a calling rule. If someone gets separated from your group, there should be a calling rule in place. This would help the group to know that your alright and will meet them at the meting point.

Most of all, HAVE FUN. Being safe does not mean that you cannot have fun. So as important as safety is, keep it in proper moderation so that you can be safe and have fun too.

Written by A. Wallace

Visit my site The Weekly News for more information about/related to St. Pactrick's Day

St. Pactrick's Day head lines include "The History of St. Pactrick's Day" and "The St. Pactrick's Day Parade"

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Fire Safety

This information is from FEMA at http://www.usfa.fema.gov

After hearing about so many fires in the news this week, I felt it would be a good topic for the Weekly Public Safety Tip

Working Together for Home Fire Safety

More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured. An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home. There are time-tested ways to prevent and survive a fire. It's not a question of luck. It's a matter of planning ahead.

Every Home Should Have at Least One Working Smoke Alarm

Buy a smoke alarm at any hardware or discount store. It's inexpensive protection for you and your family. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. A working smoke alarm can double your chances of survival. Test it monthly, keep it free of dust and replace the battery at least once a year. Smoke alarms themselves should be replaced after ten years of service, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Prevent Electrical Fires

Never overload circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionally repaired or replaced.

Use Appliances Wisely

When using appliances follow the manufacturer's safety precautions. Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs that appliances need to be shut off, then replaced or repaired. Unplug appliances when not in use. Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets, especially if there are small children in the home.

Alternate Heaters

·Portable heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away.
·Keep fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your chimney cleaned annually. The creosote buildup can ignite a chimney fire that could easily spread.
·Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities. Never use gasoline or camp-stove fuel. Refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled.

Affordable Home Fire Safety Sprinklers

When home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke alarms, your chances of surviving a fire are greatly increased. Sprinklers are affordable - they can increase property value and lower insurance rates.

Plan Your Escape

Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.

Caring for Children

Children under five are naturally curious about fire. Many play with matches and lighters. Tragically, children set over 20,000 house fires every year. Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching your children that fire is a tool, not a toy.

Caring for Older People

Every year over 1,200 senior citizens die in fires. Many of these fire deaths could have been prevented. Seniors are especially vulnerable because many live alone and can't respond quickly.

Posted by A.Wallace

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