While the following three tips may seem simple in nature, you might be surprised at the number of people that do not adhere to them. If you want to make sure you practice as safe a household as possible, these three tips will help you do just that!

1.    Stay Anonymous: Do not put your name on your mailbox or front door. In doing so, you’ve given a would-be intruder the opportunity to research your phone number based on this information (since they already know your address). Once armed with your number, calls can be made to your house to determine when you aren’t home; and with this information, burglars can time their intrusion.
2.    Don’t Hide Keys: If you think of the “perfect spot” to hide a key, chances are would-be intruders have already thought of it and will look there. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’re smarter than a burglar – they’ve been doing this a lot longer than you have! Instead, give a spare to a neighbor or friend.
3.    Keep Doors Locked: Yes, it sounds simple; but again, you’d be surprised how many front doors are left unlocked while the occupants are home during the day and intruders literally walk in. That’s a frightening thought. Instead, always keep doors locked regardless of the hour of the day; and if you have a burglar alarm, always keep it armed – even if you are at home!

Sadly, it seems to be a growing sign of the times that the once-simple act of answering your own front door bell has turned into an increasingly dangerous proposition; especially if you live alone. But by keeping these three tips in mind you can minimize risk of a possible home invasion:

1. Unless you are expecting someone, do not open the door when your door bell rings. Instead, walk up to the door and clearly announce “I am not expecting anyone at present so I must ask you to leave.”
2. If the person on the other side states that it’s an emergency and they need to use your phone, don’t fall prey to this tactic. Instead announce “if you give me the number to call I will be happy to place the call for you.” If they say they want to give you literature, ask them to mail it.
3. If the person remains persistence, clearly announce that you are now dialing 9-1-1 and do exactly that.

As harsh or abrupt as these tips may seem, it’s important to remember that we’re not living in the same kind of towns we were living in 50 years ago. The times have changed, and with that advancement brings a need for new personal safety practices.

When all has been said and done you haven’t been rude – you’ve offered to help by making a call if the situation is indeed an emergency –but you have preserved your personal security.

Many products that help keep your home and vehicles clean and in working condition may also be harmful and poisonous. Practice caution when using and storing household chemicals and substances, and in case of ingestion call the national poison hot line at 1-800-222-1222. Follow the tips below to help ensure the safety of your home.

• Same container: Keep products properly labeled in the same container they came in. Moving them to other containers can lead to improper use and hazards.

• Follow directions: Don’t compromise your home’s safety by mixing products together that may cause chemical reactions. Always follow the directions on a product’s packaging, especially if they call for using gloves, eye goggles and other safety wear. Mix insect sprays as directed in outdoor areas away from areas your family members and pets use.

• Out of Reach: Store and lock products labeled with the words “Poison,” “Danger,” “Keep out of Reach of Children” and “Warning” in a place where children cannot see or reach them. Some products may include antifreeze, pesticides, paint thinner and automotive fluids. Also be careful of pool chemicals, which are poisonous and flammable. Make sure that flammable materials are stored near smoke detectors, which are often included as part of home alarm systems.

Hot water is a hazard not covered by your ADT alarm system that often goes unnoticed in homes. But it takes only a second to be scalded in a home accident. Use caution and follow these home safety tips to help prevent scalds:

• Set the temperature: Set the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Test tub water: Always run your hand through bathtub water to check it’s a safe temperature before getting in or placing your child in it.

• Install special spouts: Buy specially made tub spout and shower heads that help prevent burns by turning off the water flow if the water reaches a temperature that can lead to burns.

• Cook safely: Keep children away from the stove, use oven mitts and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove while cooking. Be careful when sipping hot drinks and drink out of a container with a tight-fitting lid.

Although it’s how you get from point A to point B in your home, the hallway is often overlooked while critiquing a home’s safety. Check out these steps to help you secure your staircases and hallways.

1. Smoke alarms: Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in these areas because these may be escape routes when your home alarm system alerts you to an emergency.
2. Nightlights: Light pathways with plug-in nightlights to help prevent falls.
3. Rugs: Secure edges with tape so they won’t slide around. Also prevent falls by picking up stray items.
4. Handrails: Install handrails on stairways (and safety grips if a senior is in your home) to help in everyday maneuvering.
5. Safety gates: Find one that fits your needs, whether it’s to keep a wandering toddler or puppy from getting up and down stairs. But learn how to disengage it so you can get out when your ADT home security system sounds in an emergency.