Continue reading »]]> Home Security Lighting

It is widely accepted that appropriate lighting  can help to reduce crime and act as an effective deterrent to burglars. Appropriate lighting will help to make your home more visible to neighbours and passers-by; thereby increasing the likelihood of discovering unwanted intruders and trespassers. Lighting also helps to reduce the fear of crime. However, it should also be noted that lighting does have limitations and so should be regarded as an aid to other security features in your home such as good physical security.

Exterior Lighting

The most commonly used forms of exterior lighting are Robotic Security Lights, tungsten halogen floodlights and porch/bulkhead lights. Other types, including garden lights, are also available and suitable.

What type is best for me?

This is often a difficult decision to make. Some people prefer to have the bright light that a floodlight offers; others prefer the more subdued light of a lower wattage lamp. Floodlights tend to be operated with the aid of a movement/infra-red sensor and/or a manual override switch. These are normally pre-set to switch off after a short period. It is generally not acceptable, practical or feasible to keep these lights on continuously: your electricity bill alone would be enormous, not to mention that it would be very environmentally unfriendly and very annoying to your neighbours.

Porch/bulkhead lights, can be fitted with a photo electric sensitive cell which will activate the light at dusk and turn it off at dawn. These lights can be fitted with low wattage bulbs e.g. the energy saving Compact Fluorescent bulbs which are long-lasting and economical to run thereby making them more environmentally friendly. It is important to ensure that, as with floodlights, the light is directed appropriately and that it is well-positioned. These lights can also be easily connected to a timer switch if preferred over a ‘dusk to dawn’ system. If you also have a CCTV system in place, you must ensure that yur lighting system is compatible with your cameras. Site testing, in different light levels, should be carried out to ensure that this is so.

Interior Lighting

At night, in most occupied home lights are switched on and off at irregular intervals in different rooms. The light in the sittingroom may be switched on for hours at a time whereas the light in another room e.g. a hallway or bedroom may only be switched on intermittently as people move in and out of these rooms. In some homes, particularly those with children, the light on the landing is often left permanently on during the night. It  is important therefore, when a home is vacant, that an impression is generated to would-be intruders that the home is in fact occupied. This can easily be achieved by leaving some lights switched on for long periods and others for short random periods. The idea being to try to recreate  the normal living and lighting activities when  the home is occupied. Consider all areas, both front and back, upstairs and downstairs.

There are numerous devices available to achieve this:

• Plug -in mechanical or electrical timers on a wall socket connected to a table or other lamp.
• ‘Dusk to Dawn’ automatic sensors that fit into standard ceiling light sockets.
• Similar timer sensors that fit into ceiling light sockets etc.

To summarise, when installing security lighting, please consider each of the following -

• Avoid the creation of shadows and dark areas.
• Position the light fitting out of reach
• Aim for a uniform light level.
• Direct the light beam appropriately.
• Consider your neighbours.

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Crime on the rise

 Crime On The Rise

Both rural and urban areas are witnessing a big hike in recorded crime.

According to a report published recently in the past 12 months the number of recorded burglaries nationwide has shot up. Crimes have also increased markedly.

According to the latest CSO statistics they found in the third quarter of 2011 there were 6,561 recorded burglary (non-aggravated) offences, an increase of 493 or 8.5% on the same period last year. They also found that in the category of “other thefts and handling stolen property” offences increased by 1,119 (2.7%) to 42,544 in the 12 month period prior to the end of the third quarter of this year.

The report also highlighted the scam into the purchase of mobile phone top-ups using a credit card. It also stated that Eircom PhoneWatch estimated that  €48m worth of goods was taken from households in Ireland in the last 12 months. That equated to an average of €1,870 worth of property per household. 

They also found that unsurprisingly, the most likely time of day for a house burglary was 12pm to 4pm. Thursday was the day homes were most likely to be targeted. Over 20%  of the calls received by the National Crime Victims Helpline last year was related to property crime, most commonly burglary. Being a victim of burglary can leave people feeling violated, vulnerable and afraid, and can destroy their peace of mind and their feeling of safety in their own home visit CrimeVictims Helpline if you just want to talk. The helpline found that callers affected by burglary were also concerned about home security and how to prevent such a crime from happening again.

 Bike thefts have more than doubled since 2008. More that 4,500 bikes were reported as stolen to gardai last year. The situation is so bad that gardai have put a special section on their website advising members of the public on how to avoid having their bike stolen visit www.garda.ie.

Thieves are also targeting another high-price personal device which has even more widespread mass appeal. The number of smartphones being stolen is increasing by the day. Phones are among the items as well as handbags, wallets, sat-navs being targarted by thieves in parked cars in places where few people pass by for long periods, such as graveyards and well known tourist attractions. The methods by which criminals extract their bounty are highly varied.

In one case, a Dublin couple mistakenly left the door of their car unlocked while parked overnight in the driveway, only to discover the next morning the radio and contents of the vehicle had been stolen. They were later told that it was likely thieves that had been masquerading as distributors of charity bags. Almost the whole estate has been kept under close surveillance and almost  every house had a mark or two on the  door of their property. An investigation was launched into this incident.

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Crime Victims Helpline

Support For Victims Of Crime

We are all aware that crime is happening all around us on a daily basis, most of us do not often directly experience the effects of crime in our lives. When we do it can be a shocking experience. Crime Victims helpline is a support organisation that understands the issues and difficulties that victims of crime have to deal with and are there to offer help and give you that feeling of support that you are not alone.  How do they help -

They are there to listen – your call is confidential, you can talk about your experience of the crime to a trained person who will respond with care and empathy.

They are there to support – they understand what you as a victim are going through and will try to help and support you.

They will inform you about support services in your local area, help you to make contact with the Gardai and other agencies and services.

Trained volunteers are available to take calls on:

Monday – 10.00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Tuesday to Friday  – 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Saturday – 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Bank Holidays – 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

(Outside those hours if you leave a message asking them to contact you they will do so promptly).

Contact Crime Victims Helpline  FREEPHONE 116 006

Call them on there call-save number 1850 21 14

Text 085 1337711

email: info@crimevictimshelpline.ie

www.crimevictimshelpline.ie

They will  also give you advice on matters such as the justice system, compensation due to injury as a result of a crime, and security for your home.

You do not need a particular reason to ring, or a particular question to want to ask, if you want to talk they are there to listen.

Continue reading »]]> Home Heating Safety Tips To Prevent Fires

With the colder nights setting in now and temperatures generally dropping, we are turning up thermostat dials, plugging in portable space heaters, lighting fireplaces and wood stoves just to keep warmer.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your home and family safe during these colder months.

Portable Space Heaters

Home Heating Safety Tips

• Make sure your heater has been tested for safety.
• Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn – including furniture, people, pets and curtains.
• There should always be an adult in the room when a space heater is on. Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use. Never use space heaters to dry clothing or blankets.

 Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

• Burn only seasoned hardwood like oak, ash or maple. Do not burn trash, cardboard boxes because these items burn unevenly may contain poisons or cause a home fire.
• Have a trained professional inspect chimneys every year. Creosote logs can be used to help reduce the build-up of creosote  in fireplaces.
•  Check labels to make sure the log has been tested and approved by UL.
• Open flues before fireplaces are used.
• Use sturdy screens or glass doors to keep embers inside fireplaces.
• Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside or near sleeping areas.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Precautions:

Carbon Monoxide is known as “the silent killer”. You cannot see it, smell it or taste it.

It is a deadly gas that is produced by fuel-burning heating equipment, such as furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces and kerosene heaters.

Follow these guidelines to help keep your family safer-

• Install at least one CO alarm near sleeping areas.
• Have your central heating system/woodstoves and fireplaces inspected by a professional each year, cleaned or repaired as needed.
• Never use an oven or range to heat your home.
• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
• Portable electric generators must be used outside only.
•  Never use them indoors, in a garage or in any confined area that can allow  CO  to collect.

Each household should have a well-rehearsed family escape plan

• It is esssential to have this plan of action in place and that it is well-rehearsed so you can make sure everybody is out safely inevent of a fire.
• Have fire extinguishers installed in your home, know where they are located and more importantly know how to use them.

Continue reading »]]> For 11 years eircom PhoneWatch has been reporting on burglary trends in Ireland.

During that period a staggering €748 million worth of goods has been taken from Irish homes nationwide.

The report has revealed that burglary is a crime phenomenon that is simply not going away, with burglaries in Ireland increasing by 4.12%.

These findings indicate that burglars are becoming increasing opportunistic and individuals are not adequately securing their property while they are in the home thus increasing the risk of confrontation and personal danger. It is becoming extremely important that people become more security aware while they are in the home and familiarise themselves with simple measures that they can introduce to make their home more secure.

The reports findings:-

Dublin continues to top Ireland’s burglary table, with burglaries increasing 13% this year.

The top 10 hotspots in Dublin

• South County Dublin
• North County Dublin (Fingal)
• Dublin 15
• Dublin 24
• Dublin 9
• Dublin 13
• Dublin 16
• Dublin 14
• Dublin 5
• Dublin 11

Nationwide Hotspots

Semi-detached homes represent the most targeted type of dwelling, with 3 bedrooms remain the most targeted. The back of the house is the most popular point of entry either by the rear window or by the rear/patio door. A surprising percentage of burglars gain access via the front of the house.

Value:-

In the twelve month period between July 2010 & June 2011 the average value of €1868 was taken from each home burgled. This equates to approx €48million worth of goods stolen from residential homes.

The findings also indicate that burglars are opportunistic than ever gaining entry through front and rear doors and taking lower value items such as jewellery & electrical equipment. Also the majority of homes burgled last year where occupied at the time.

All of the above statistics where taken from the Eircom Phonewatch Report. (See full report on www.phonewatch.ie)

Continue reading »]]> Halloween happening this weekend please take these fire precautions seriously and enjoy the weekend

• Mount fire extinguishers in your home and make sure all adults and older children know how to use them
• More home fires start in the kitchen than any other room make sure to keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket close by
• Install smoke alarms on every level
• Test your smoke alarms regularly and if they require batteries, replace them
• Install a carbon monoxide detector near your bedrooms
• Get a fire safety blanket to store in your child’s bedroom. It can shield your child during an escape or even extinguish a small fire
• Never light candles unless you’re in the room to supervise
• Keep all flammables several feet away from fireplaces, space heaters and lamps
• Learn first aid and CPR
• If you have a multi-story dwelling, get a fire ladder. Practice using it from a ground floor window.
• Avoid overloading wall sockets
• Cover unused electrical outlets with outlet covers. (Nearly 4000 people are hospitalized every year because of outlet-related accidents; one-third of them are caused by children inserting objects in the outlet)
• Have your chimney cleaned every year
• Treat electrical cords with care. Examine them regularly and replace frayed or worn cords. Loose cords are hazardous; use cord shorteners or wire guards to store them out from under furniture and carpets
• Don’t use extension cords permanently
• Keep your barbecue at least three feet away from the side of the house
• Clean the lint screen of your dryer every time you use it, and turn the dryer off when you leave the house
• Use the correct bulbs in light fixtures to prevent overheating
• Unplug counter top appliances after each use
• Make sure kitchen and bathroom outlets are protected withGFCIs

Continue reading »]]> Picture this you arrive home, your house is in a mess you come into your kitchen and find the kitchen window glass removed, you been robbed! Your laptops, cameras, watches, jewellery & cash are all gone.

When you calm down you say to yourself nobody was hurt everything can be replaced you have house insurance and you never claimed before. You make a claim for €12000.00 to cover your financial losses. Your insurance provider sends out an assessor, who agrees with the cost of your claim and a few weeks later a cheque arrives.

Then your house insurance policy renewal comes through the door, you can’t believe the cost has doubled. You have been with this insurance company for years and always paid on time. Unhappy you call another company for a quotation but after learning you made a claim, they don’t want to know you they refuse to provide a quotation at all.

Unfortunately the above scenario happens all the time. A recent survey by the National Consumer Agency (NCA) found that 6 different insurance companies will refuse to quote for home insurance for a house in Dublin after a €12000.00 claim was made after a burglary.

In the survey, the NCA sought quotations from a number of companies to insure a 3 bed townhouse in Dublin 6, where the rebuilding cost of the house was €350,000.00 and the contents were valued at €75,000.00. They asked for quotes for the house where there was no previous claim for burglary, and where there was one to the tune of €12,000.00 last year.

Quotations where the house had not been burgled ranged from €422.00 t0 €782.00. However where the house had been burgled 6 insurance companies refused outright to provide any quotation at all. Only two provided a quote with one wanting €706.00 to insure it and another demanding an astonishing €1083.00 for the same house, over €300.00 more than the highest quotation for a “non-burgled” scenario!

(The above information was researched on www.houseinsuranceireland.com)

Continue reading »]]> Home Insurance policies protect your pocket from the expense of an insurance claim, but they do not do anything to protect your possessions from actually getting robbed or ruined as a result of an incident.

In fact insurance is not a preventative measure, it’s simply financial protection from what could happen. And while having that protection in place is imperative to help preserve your family’s financial security, it is always better to avoid these incidents happening in the first place.

You will also notice that the more measures you put in place to prevent insurable incidents the cheaper your insurance quotes become, because the insurance company is exposing itself to less risk when insuring you.

It is not hard to protect your home. The installation of quality Locks for your doors & windows, smoke detectors & carbon monoxide detectors can protect your home from burglary and damage thus lowering your insurance premium.

Remember by protecting your home’s first line of defence not only reduces your chances of experiencing damage from insurable incidents but you will also save yourself money year after year in insurance expenses.

Continue reading »]]> As more and more seniors are living in homes longer these days, creating a safe and risk-free home environment for our elderly is very important. Seniors want to enjoy the independence of living in their own home and they need a little extra attention around the house. There are many things you can do to improve a senior’s safety in their own home. A good place to start is by walking through the home to access the safety level. Such things as cracked stairs, loose tiles or loose electrical cords are high-risk and should be fixed.

Falls are the leading cause of unintentional home injury. Although accidents are unintentional, there are still many things we can do to prevent them from occurring and promote seniors safety.

Here are some tips on how to prevent falling in the home:-

• Install handrails on both sides of the staircase. Make sure that handrails run the entire length of the stairs from top to bottom
• Keep the stairs and open areas clear. Don’t leave clutter lying around
• Use double sided tape to keep small rugs down
• Have a non-slip rug in the bathtub and/or shower
• Install grab bars in the shower
• Clean up all spills as soon as they happen. Never leave anything wet on the floor
• Regularly inspect railing for support and sturdiness
• Fix any broken or chipped steps, tiles or flooring

Additional tips to improve seniors “home security”

• Good Lighting is vital. Make sure bedrooms, hallways and porches are well lit. Have a light accessible within arm’s distance from the bed and have light switches near every doorway.
• Monitoring devices, such as fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, should be regularity checked to ensure they are working properly
• Communication is key! Have emergency numbers ready and prominently displayed. Install phones near the bed and perhaps in the bathroom too.
• The more security the better. Make sure that all windows can lock. Install good quality locks on the doors and windows.
• Seniors want their independence just as much as anyone else and they deserve it. But the reality is that they are more at risk in their homes. It is important to adequately evaluate a senior’s safety in their home and take every precaution to eliminate all risks and provide the best resources available.

Continue reading »]]> Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury in the home. Many accidents happen due to unrestricted windows where children have access.

If you have double hung windows, open them from the top whenever possible but if you need to open them from the bottom keep it to no more than four inches to prevent a child from falling out.

Products such as window restrictors can be easily installed to prevent a window from opening more than a certain amount.

For windows that are low to the floor, have a window box seat or are otherwise accessible to small children. Install child window guards that will protect the window but have an easy open mechanism in case of an emergency.

Move chairs, tables or beds that are underneath a window or any object nearby that a child could pull over to the window to climb up and look out.

Don’t assume that falls will only happen to toddlers. Older children are just as likely to jump on a bed, lose their balance and end up crashing out of a window.

Unfortunately window falls are something that most parents don’t think will happen until they hear about a tragedy in their community or within the family. It takes only a short time to protect your windows and add one more layer of safety to your home.