At Totally Secure we want to help prevent your home or business from being burglarized. Here are some helpful tips that can provide you and your family with some peace of mind.

Since most burglaries occur through a door, start with a good dead bolt lock. But recognize that’s not enough. The frame, door and lock must work together to resist physical attack. For example, a strong lock is not effective, if the frame is not reinforced around the striking plate. Without reinforcing, the lock it can be pried open by bending the frame, or the door can be simply kicked in. Remember a burglar isn’t concerned about damage and will be much more physical than you will be when you are testing your doors.

Outdoor motion flood light sensors should be used to cover the outside perimeter of any house, especially windows that are next to bushes or trees that are particularly vulnerable because they shield an intruder while trying to break-in.

Don't overload your electrical circuits. This is one of the foremost cause of fires. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Don't smoke in bed. Don't accumulate oil or grease soaked rags. Keep combustibles far from grease sources. Use a fire detection and/or smoke detection system in your home.

Instruct all users on proper operation of your alarm system. Give them hands-on practice, but first call us to let us know you're testing the alarm system. Make sure your system is programmed with a Cancel Code for false alarms!...Or have your dealer add this feature for you. Instruct all users to disarm the alarm system as soon as they cause a false alarm. If you don't have a siren on your system, have one installed so that users will be aware when they've set off a false alarm and can take action to ensure that police are not dispatched. Ensure that all users have a confidential pass-code to properly identify themselves. Make sure you notify Totally Secure of all pass-codes you want us to accept, or any you want us to delete.

* Remember to lock all doors and windows when you leave the home.
* Keep all valuable items out of sight.
* Install proper lighting around your home to keep it well lit at night.
* Introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them. Also, take the initiative to start a Neighborhood Watch group.
*When you are out of town, do not lure burglars with stacks of newspapers and an overflowing mailbox. Either have a trusted neighbor pick them up daily or have the post office and news carrier hold them for you.
*Set timers for lights and a television so it appears that someone is home while you are traveling.
*Do not hide spare keys in obvious places such as: under doormats, in the mailbox, etc.
*Install a peephole in your front door to make it possible to see who is there without having to open it.
*Monitored alarm systems are effective at deterring burglars.
*Do not give out your alarm code to just anyone. Only a family member or trusted friend should know the code in case of an emergency.

* Smoke detectors that are monitored by a Central Monitoring Station are effective. Whether you are home or away.
*Check the batteries and test your smoke alarm monthly.
*Have a planned escape route for your home with a safe meeting place.
*Make sure that each room has an alternative escape route in case the first is inaccessible.
*Hold practice drills regularly so the entire family is familiar with the procedure for safely exiting the house.
*Do not overload electrical sockets. Unplug items when they are not in use.
*Furnaces and heating systems should be cleaned on an annual basis.
*Install a spark arrestor on your chimney to prevent sparks from starting a fire on your roof, nearby trees, etc. Also, cut back trees so they do not hang directly over the chimney.
*In case of an actual fire situation, it is imperative that your address is easily seen by emergency vehicles.
*For more information regarding fire safety, please visit the National Fire Protection Agency’s website at www.nfpa.org