Barbeque Safety

Planning to fire up the grill this weekend? Make sure you keep children away from the hot grill, raw food, and other items that are not safe for kids. If you need to step inside for a moment when children are playing, be sure to designate another adult to keep an eye on everything for safety.

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Trim Your Shrubs

 Overgrown landscaping can provide burglars with the best coverage when they want to break in to your home. Trim your shrubs so it gives anyone a good view. It may take away your privacy, but it will increase your security. 

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Pet Safety for the Dog Days of Summer

Summer kicks off backyard barbeques, trips to the beach, weekend vacations and time spent pool side. The warmer weather brings new safety concerns for your family as well as your pets. Your furry friends are affected just as much, if not more by the scorching days of heat and humidity. Not to mention, your summer activities could pose potential threats to your four legged friends. Here are some pet safety tips to keep in mind while having fun this summer:

• Inside your home: Inside, in the air-conditioning, is the best place for your pet during the hot days summer can bring. Dogs can get overheated quickly while playing outside. On particularly hot days try to keep play time confined to the indoors. If you’re going away for the day set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature for your pets before you leave. As always, make sure water is readily available in case they become overheated while you’re not there. With your wireless home security cameras you can even check on how they’re doing throughout the day.
• Outside your home: Backyard barbeques and pool parties are enjoyable summer activities for everyone. Make sure if your pet is outside during a barbeque that candles and matches are kept out of reach. Alcoholic beverages and food should also be kept up high as both can cause an upset stomach if consumed by your pet. Last, keep an eye on your pet around the pool. Not all dogs are great swimmers and chlorinated pool water can cause an upset stomach just as easily as other foods.
• At special events: If you choose to take your dog with you to a day-time event never leave him or her alone in the car – the heat can be overwhelming. It’s also important that your pet wears a collar and tags while out in case they accidentally escape from their leash. While walking around, stop and take a break every so often so your pet can rest in a shaded area. This is an easy way to prevent overheating in the hot summer sun.

The summer can be a great time to relax and enjoy the nice weather. Your pet enjoys the season just as much as you do, but taking the necessary precautions can help make fun in the sun safer for both of you.  

LifeShield, Inc.

LifeShield™ Security Forges Strategic Relationship with Industry Leader Protection 1™

June 6, 2012 — Yardley, PA – LifeShield™ Security is pleased to announce a new strategic relationship with Protection 1, the second largest security company in the United States, that will leverage the five fully redundant UL certified central stations of Protection 1 by offering their services to LifeShield customers as “monitored by Protection 1.”

With customers in all 50 states, LifeShield has built a significant national brand using innovative products, value pricing, and strong endorsements from Dan Marino and John Timoney, America’s top cop. Protection 1 is known for its highly rated customer service and local presence in 60 key markets. The relationship will leverage the best attributes of both companies and accelerate residential subscriber growth.

“LifeShield Security has grown rapidly over the last couple of years, but we believe we need a local presence to expand our opportunity to grow even faster. Protection 1 has one of the industry’s best reputations for local service,” said Michael Hagan, CEO of LifeShield. “This relationship with Protection 1 is a win-win-win for LifeShield, Protection 1, and our customers. We both have an over 95% customer satisfaction rating, and together we give customers peace of mind with LifeShield’s superior technology and Protection 1’s state of the art monitoring centers.”

“We are thrilled to partner with LifeShield Security,” said Tim Whall, President and CEO, Protection 1. “They have brought affordable interactive services to the industry through their IP- and cellular-based products and mobile applications. Their team has a great track record in high growth Direct-to-Consumer Marketing. We think this industry is entering a new phase of growth and these types of strategic partnerships help both companies gain larger market share in a growing industry.”

 

About Protection 1â„¢

Protection 1, the second largest electronic security company in the United States, provides installation, maintenance, and monitoring of single-family home security systems, business security systems and multifamily security systems. The company’s relentless focus on customer service has resulted in the removal of their automated phone attendant, the introduction of the Tech Tracker^sm service and the ability to provide same-day service in most cases. Protection 1 is also the nation’s largest provider of wholesale monitoring services, through its CMS division, and the leading provider of multifamily security systems installation, maintenance and monitoring through its Network Multifamily division. Protection 1, which serves over one million customers and employs more than 2,500 people in more than 60 locations across the country, has a 95% Customer Satisfaction rating and an A+ Better Business Bureau Rating. For more information about Protection 1, visit www.Protection1.com.

LifeShield, Inc.

Arizona Home Security

Arizona has more parks and national monuments than any other state, more mountains than Switzerland, and more golf courses than Scotland. So come camp, hike, and golf!

Home to the Grand Canyon, the huge state of Arizona has a suitably huge economy (bigger than that of countries such as Finland and Ireland) and a population which has grown at an extraordinary rate over the last twenty years.  It has a population of around 6.5 million but with such a large area to spread out on the population density remains low, and there is still plenty of unspoiled wilderness to explore. 

However, having a slightly higher crime rate than the US average, homeowners here would be wise to be vigilant in terms of home security.

Living in Arizona

Beautifully warm summers and mild winters have drawn people inexorably to this part of the world over the last 20 or so years.  The population of the metropolitan area of Phoenix rose by 45% between 1991 and 2001, which made Arizona the second fastest growing state in the United States during that period.  And it is not hard to see why.  National Parks and National Monuments are just some of the places in which to enjoy the stunning scenery of this state that has captured the imagination of so many filmmakers and musicians over the years, as well as the people that call this place home.

Most of the state’s population is concentrated in or around Phoenix, a lively and vibrant city with many education and employment opportunities.

Who needs an Arizona home security system?

In Arizona, each member of the population has a 1 in 245 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, which is a little higher than the national average.  They have a 1 in 28 chance of falling victim to property crime, which is again higher than the national average.  This is why in Arizona home security is essential.  Areas in which particular vigilance is advisable include the counties of Holbrook, Ganado and Eagar where crime rates are higher.

 

Home Security in Arizona

There are many ways to improve home security:

• Keep outside areas free from excess shrubbery to reduce hiding places
• Keep outside areas well lit
• Invest in motion sensing lights
• Fit strong, good quality locks to doors and windows
• Invest in a high decibel alarm system
• Think about installing an alarm with a direct link to the emergency services or to a 24 hour monitoring center.

There are many home security systems available now, many come with a host of modern conveniences and interactive features, so there is bound to be one to meet the needs of any customer.

 

Live in Arizona? Use These Links to Report Crime and Stay Involved in Your Community

• Arizona Department of Public Safety – http://www.azdps.gov/
• Arizona Crime Prevention Association – http://www.acpa.net/

10 Largest Cities in Arizona

• Phoenix
• Tucson
• Mesa
• Chandler
• Glendale
• Scottsdale
• Gilbert
• Tempe
• Peoria
• Surprise

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Free Alarm System Customizes Protection Without Upfront Costs

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Swimming Pool Safety

Ensure your pool is either covered when not in use, or that it is surrounded by a fence that is locked. Always have an adult present when children are in the pool area, and constantly ensure that all children are safe and accounted for.

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Cover Unused Outlets

If you have small, inquisitive children, be sure to cover unused outlets around the house. Toys and fingers can easily fit through the outlet holes. Electrocution can cause severe injuries.

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Keep Pot Handles In

When cooking, make sure that pot handles are not hanging out over the edge of the stove, where someone could walk by and easily knock things over. Turn the handles in towards the side or back of the stove.

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Check Fire Extinguishers Regularly

Regularly ensure that your fire extinguishers are easily accessible and are still full. Also be sure you know how to operate one BEFORE a fire actually occurs. Reading directions while feeling the heat of a fire will never end well

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Don’t Leave Notes on Your Door

Burglars can read too, so placing notes on your door, either for postal delivery or friends, will tip off burglars that your home is vacant. If you can’t be present for package delivery, arrange to have it delivered to a location that you will be, or pick it up from the depot yourself.

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Flame Resistant Fabrics

When purchasing new furniture or drapes for your home, be sure to use flame-resistant fabrics. If drapes are very flammable, fire could easily spread to other levels of your home very quickly.

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Advertise That You Are Alarmed

Most thieves will not try to break into a home that they know is armed. Prominently displaying the decal of your alarm company either on your lawn or in the window, will tell potential intruders to stay away.

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New Home Safety

One of the first things to do when moving into a new home should be to change the locks. You never know who the previous owners gave their keys to, so keep them out by starting fresh.

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Johnathan D., North Dallas, TX

I wanted home security for my business and for my fiancée. We came to Texas from Oklahoma where we were surrounded by family members and felt pretty protected. Since living on our own in a new area, we were looking for a home security system. I wanted things to be technically advanced for my needs.  I didn’t want a system that relied on a landline phone because they’re too easy to disable.

I love the Android app. That’s a must! The new app update really has a lot of features. I’m impressed! I have my phone on me 24/7, and I like the notifications I get. I like the fact that the system is wireless too. And of course, it notifies you when the battery’s getting low so you can replace it. I would definitely recommend it to friends and family.

LifeShield, Inc.

LifeShield May 2012 Customer Newsletter

Burglary Bulls Eye

Is your home a likely crime target?

Residential burglaries have been on the rise, despite an overall decline in the rate of violent crimes in the U.S.  You have already taken the first necessary step to protecting your home and family by having LifeShield in your home.  Having your LifeShield security system armed daily can prevent you from becoming another statistic. 

Although the homes targeted for burglaries may seem to be random, data has shown that most locations are well thought out in advance. Police and criminologists have seen patterns in residential burglaries too, and there’s only a small likelihood you’ll be able to dodge them all. Here are some of the factors criminals use to single out a home to burglarize:

 

Money Matters

Affluent homes—those costing more than $300,000–make the best targets for thieves, simply because these are more likely to yield a bigger profit. Many of these homes have residential safes, expensive electronics, valuable new and heirloom gold jewelry, even tools and other equipment that can be turned around for a quick profit.

But if you’re in an area with less expensive homes, you’re still vulnerable, unless your LifeShield system is armed and evident. Burglars understand that many of these homeowners are more distrustful of banks and are more likely to hide cash in the house. Prominently display your LifeShield yard signs and window stickers to dissuade them from even trying to burglarize your home.

 

Location, Location, Location

If your home is on a large lot, in a cul-de-sac or at the end of a dead-in street, you’re an easy mark. Thieves know they can come and go at their own pace without the detection of close, prying neighbors who may be on a more heightened alert these days for unfamiliar people or vehicles.

If you don’t live in the areas listed above and think you’re in the clear – think again.  Burglars often rely on daytime distractions – the sights and sounds of regular urban life – to provide cover, especially for burglaries that take place during the day.  Burglars know it’s more likely that homeowners in these busy areas are working and away from their homes for long periods of time.  Simply put, empty homes are easy targets.  By making sure LifeShield is armed when you leave the house, you aren’t nearly as vulnerable. Your system is an always-active presence, and  if someone does try to get in your home, you’re notified immediately via text message or email, no matter where you are.  

 

Social media

It’s great to let all your friends know that you’re vacationing with your family in Hawaii this year or having lunch with your friends at a trendy bistro on the other side of town, but when you’re posting pictures of yourself on the beach or the Panini you just ordered, do you really know who’s going to get those posts?

At this point, there are so many ways to connect that it’s easy to become careless. You may think you’ve kept your privacy intact, but you can’t actually be sure unless you’re certain you know all of your friends, the friends of their friends and even those friends. If you have children, consider those 2,000+ people they “know” too. It’s almost impossible to control or even monitor their web of social and business connections. 

Burglars use the most popular gathering sites to gain information. If they suspect your home will be a good potential target, they’ll go to location sites like Google Maps to get a street view of your property before they even approach it. This allows them to plan exactly how they can execute their crime and getaway without being detected.

 If you “like” LifeShield on Facebook™ and follow LifeShield on Twitter™, you’ll get the latest security updates, but you’ll also be sending out a clear signal to everyone that home security is a top priority for you. It suddenly makes you a much less desirable target. 

 

Carelessness

In one Washington State suburb, thieves have recently used movie theatres parking lots to find their targets. They hang out in or near the lot, and watch people and families heading into the metroplex. Then they can casually check to see if there are unlocked cars. Once in the cars, they find an owner’s vehicle registration in the center console or glove box which gives them your home address.

Calculating time for movies and trailers, these burglars know they’ve got a couple of hours to execute their crime. If it’s a family movie, chances are everyone in the house went along.

It’s easy to imagine how similar scenarios could play out in the parking lots of malls and grocery stores.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Think of how surprised these burglars would be if they got to your house and saw prominent LifeShield security signs and stickers!

 

Architecture and Landscaping

If there’s been a recent burglary anywhere in your area, that automatically puts your home at risk. Often, the architecture in residential communities is similar, with only color and trim distinguishing one home from another. A single residential access in an area means that now burglars know potentially vulnerable entry and exit points, as well as the location of bedrooms, home offices and family rooms.

Fences, trees, shrubbery—these are all wonderful for ensuring your privacy, but they can also give cover to burglars.  Plus, if you have a driveway, especially one that’s circular, or if you live on an alley, these are residential features that can guarantee a quick getaway.

 

The Fix

You can get a big dog, put your lights on timers, adjust all your online privacy settings, and even hide your valuables in an empty soda can. All of those things make good deterrents, but studies here and abroad have consistently shown that having a home security system like LifeShield is the best way to make sure your home doesn’t become a crime statistic.

The important thing is that you have to actually use the system once you’ve signed up. Having visible evidence that your home is professionally protected—using the LifeShield security signs and window decals–gives property owners that small edge, the one thing that will cause anyone casing your home or your neighborhood to move to the next house instead of yours. For the ultimate protection, put LifeShield signs on both sides of your home. All your first-floor, out-facing doors should be armed. If you need extra sensors, order them here: www.lifeshield.com/home-security-products/lifeshield-products-addons/security-sensors/door-window/

Finally, make yours a safe street. It’s a great idea to encourage all your neighbors to get home security. Check out the LifeShield Refer-a-Friend program to get everyone on your block protected. You can make easy money, and your whole block stays safe.

 

Easy Money

It’s the LifeShield Refer-a-Friend Program

You get $150 whenever one of your neighbors, friends or colleagues signs up for LifeShield on your recommendation!*

You get the cash. They get the same LifeShield protection and safety you have. And there is NO limit on the money you can earn.

Go to invite.lifeshield.com for all the details.

LifeShield, Inc.

Space Heater Safety

Space heaters are a great energy efficient way to stay warm in the winter, but ensure that no flammable items are nearby. Also be sure to turn the unit off when you are not home.

LifeShield, Inc.

Mapping Crime Online

Crime mapping isn’t a new tool in the law enforcement arsenal, but making the data available online for the general public is a new idea, and it is being met with great success. Every day local police and sheriff’s departments are making headlines by releasing crime maps to the general public via websites. This is an important step towards making the public aware of burglary, theft and assault in their area.

Some crime mapping is being done through the use of sophisticated software; others are sharing data with independent websites like SpotCrime.com to share the information. While each methods has its advantages, the end result is that anyone can go online and see how safe their neighborhood is, and which types of crime are prevalent.

While data is important, it only has value when you can use it. Many savvy residents are using crime mapping tools to understand neighborhood demographics and make important decisions.

How can you use crime mapping?

• Research neighborhood safety before purchasing a new home
• Using the data to set a fair price when selling a home
• Understand crime threats before starting a local business or moving to a new location
• Evaluate public schools beyond the test scores
• Establish the need for a community watch group
• Decide whether or not to buy a new or used car
• Determine if you need to carry a personal safety device, such as pepper spray, a taser, or a personal alarm, (depending on local laws)
• Choose a safe vacation spot,  and check out the crime data before renting a beach house or cabin.

Crime mapping is a fantastic tool for making important decisions and keeping your home and family safe. Use crime information to help you decide which home alarm is best for you.

After you investigate the crime maps in your area, share them with your neighbors. It is important for everyone to have this information and it can help prevent future crimes. Discuss the crime in your area, and come up with some community plans to reduce it.

If many cars on your street are stolen, start an initiative to get everyone to lock their car doors, leave porch lights on, and look outside every time a car alarm goes off. If there are a large number of burglaries, work on securing homes and installing home security systems with alarms.  Petition the police department for extra patrols, and work with your municipality to get additional street lights installed. You can make a difference, and it starts with the information found on your local crime map.

LifeShield, Inc.

Trending News

What do rock and roll, sushi, and the iPad have in common?

These were all once outrageous new trends which had staying power, and have changed our lives for the better. Trends can take the form of an idea, a gadget, or a way of life. It’s hard to believe, but once upon a time even the United States of America was just a trendy idea trying to win favor with the colonists.

Of course, not every trend is a successful one. MySpace and Friendster are long gone. Bell-bottoms and MC Hammer pants are no longer cool. And thankfully the Ugg boot summer fashion trend seems to be losing steam.

It’s the trendsetters who can claim credit when good trends catch on. Trendsetters are the adventurous people who ignore the status quo and existing knowledge, and try something new. Some of the greatest inventors and explorers in history are the ones who thought differently.

LifeShield is the perfect example of a trend that is here to stay. In 2002, inventor Louis Stilp wanted to create home security systems that were different. At that time, the alarm system technology had stalled with complicated wired systems that required professional installation. Unhappy with the existing systems, Stilp created his own system from scratch, and earning 20 patents along the way. Ten years later LifeShield is still going strong, with homeowners and renters in all 50 states using Stilp’s patented system to protect them.

It can be hard to predict which trends are going to be over in a few months, and which ones will stick around and change the way we think. Here at LifeShield, we want to help you keep on top of the latest trends and developments. Check out these articles on trending topics in the news:

LifeShield, Inc.

Trending News

What do rock and roll, sushi, and the iPad have in common?

These were all once outrageous new trends which had staying power, and have changed our lives for the better. Trends can take the form of an idea, a gadget, or a way of life. It’s hard to believe, but once upon a time even the United States of America was just a trendy idea trying to win favor with the colonists.

Of course, not every trend is a successful one. MySpace and Friendster are long gone. Bell-bottoms and MC Hammer pants are no longer cool. And thankfully the Ugg boot summer fashion trend seems to be losing steam.

It’s the trendsetters who can claim credit when good trends catch on. Trendsetters are the adventurous people who ignore the status quo and existing knowledge, and try something new. Some of the greatest inventors and explorers in history are the ones who thought differently.

LifeShield is the perfect example of a trend that is here to stay. In 2002, inventor Louis Stilp wanted to create home security systems that were different. At that time, the alarm system technology had stalled with complicated wired systems that required professional installation. Unhappy with the existing systems, Stilp created his own system from scratch, and earning 20 patents along the way. Ten years later LifeShield is still going strong, with homeowners and renters in all 50 states using Stilp’s patented system to protect them.

It can be hard to predict which trends are going to be over in a few months, and which ones will stick around and change the way we think. Here at LifeShield, we want to help you keep on top of the latest trends and developments. Check out these articles on trending topics in the news:

LifeShield, Inc.