October is a very, very special month.
Keeping homes safe from fire and burglary is always top of mind for us. But this time of year, two of our favorite things come together: Fire Prevention Week and Crime Prevention Month.
At Guardian, we want to be there for our customers when they need us, but we also want them to feel empowered, safe, and confident every day. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite home security and fire safety reminders to raise awareness and ring in this awesome month.
What are Crime Prevention Month and Fire Prevention Week, anyway?
Crime Prevention Month was kicked off in 1984 by the National Crime Prevention Council. Since then, October is the official month for recognizing and celebrating the practice of crime prevention, while promoting awareness of important issues such as victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities.
Created by the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Prevention Week has been around even longer — the 1920s! This makes it the longest-running public health observance in the U.S. The week is all about fire safety and education.
Fire Prevention Tips
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If required, replace the batteries in all non-monitored smoke and CO detectors twice a year. If your CO detector is a plug-in, use its test button to ensure it’s working. Monitored smoke detectors and CO detectors should be tested monthly.
Help protect your home with fire extinguishers. Keep a fire extinguisher on every level of your home, and learn how to use them! Check out this video from our friends at the Bower Hill Fire Department:
Make an escape plan and practice it. Create a fire escape plan for your family (including pets!) mapping out how you’ll get out of your home in case of fire and where you’ll meet. Practice it twice a year, especially if you have young children, to make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go.
Create “kid-free” and “pet-free” zones. Have an off-limits, three-foot barrier around open fires and space heaters.
Cook smart! Did you know cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires and home injuries? Cook safely by never leaving a stove unattended while in use and keeping your barbecue grill at least 10 feet from your home and other structures. If a fire starts and you have any doubts about fighting it, rally the troops and bail! Get outside, close the door behind you, and call 9-1-1 from outside.
Learn more about the top causes of home fires here.
Home Crime Prevention Tips
Secure all entry points. Make your home difficult to enter for potential intruders. Lock all doors and windows and any other entrance point. Consider a monitored home security system to help protect your home and family 24/7.
Make your home look busy. Set schedules for smart light control, put a hold on mail when traveling, and keep up with landscaping.
See something, say something. Be aware of your surroundings and report anything that seems suspicious to local authorities. Join or start a neighborhood watch group that brings neighbors together to help prevent crime.
Take a break from social on vacation. When you’re going to be away from home for a while, resist the urge to post about it. It’s like sending an advertisement that your home is unoccupied. Unplug and enjoy yourself!
We’re constantly sharing updates on social about upcoming events, giveaways, safety tips, and more. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the know!
