7 deaths by fire in 6 months.

Those are grim statistics, outside the norm, tragic enough on their face. Add an additional statistic and they become even more awful — in four of five recent fatal Springfield fires, the latest on Wednesday, smoke alarms were not operable.

David Hall, the city fire chief, is more than concerned. And rightly so.

Typically, the city experiences only about three fire fatalities in an entire year. (The average since 1950 is 3.16, and Hall said many years bring only a single fatality, or two.)

To have this many people succumb in such a short period of time certainly warrants action. But the difficulty comes in figuring out what specifically to do.

This is not an easy problem. Typically, deaths that happen when smoke alarms are not functioning come in residences that are older — either private homes or rentals, often in less-affluent neighborhoods — homes that do not fall under the same inspection or code requirements in effect for newer or commercial structures.

The fire department already offers free smoke alarms and voluntary help if a homeowner or renter would like assistance planning fire prevention.

And, the city requires landlords to provide working smoke alarms and to get tenants to sign documentation at the time they begin renting that says alarms work. The problem comes when tenants simply do not replace batteries or — worse yet — deliberately disable alarms that they see as a nuisance.

More stringent rules for alarms — for instance, hard-wiring them into a home’s electrical system — are a difficult sell. Opponents routinely cite the financial burden on landlords or homeowners, the need for personal responsibility and a generalized worry about a “nanny state” enacting more rules to be enforced with taxpayer money.

“A man’s home is his castle and I guess he has the right to die in it,” was a wry remark offered to us by Los Angeles Fire Inspector Ken Kraus, a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs who serves in its education and prevention arm called the Life and Fire Safety Section. He said many communities deal with this problem but, told of Springfield’s recent deaths, he said: “Wow, that’s a pretty bad stat.”

One of Kraus’ suggestions, which Hall said he’s willing to embrace, is to post information about Springfield’s recent experience on a chiefs-only, web-based forum the association uses to gather info nationwide. Maybe, Kraus said, a chief in another area has tried education or prevention methods that could help save Springfield lives.

Hall also is planning to brainstorm within his department possible ways to better educate the public on this problem. He then will present information about the fatal trend to interested City Council members, as well as possible ways to react.

We applaud that plan, and urge Hall to bring it to fruition quickly.

Additionally, we hope the department can get more aggressive in implementing little-used arm-twisting on this front. Hall said he can recall firefighters issuing only one citation for disabling a fire alarm in the last five years, and that came after a non-fatal blaze.

He said filing a charge — it’s a misdemeanor carrying a potential $1,000 fine and six months in jail — is possible regarding alarms in rental properties. While doing so after a fatality or injury can seem harsh, he acknowledged the department might have to resort to such tactics to spread the word that messing with an alarm system can have deadly repercussions.

Can the city require signs in rental housing — like you see in bathrooms in airplanes — warning of penalties for disabling a smoke alarm? Would landlords and tenants agree to nonpunitive, voluntary inspections, perhaps by volunteers, to show a commitment to safety? Could the city find funding — perhaps through grants — to help landlords hard-wire alarms in homes rented by lower-income tenants?

Hall is willing to try to find answers to those questions. A relatively new chief who has helped organize fire-prevention activities during his many years in Springfield’s department, Hall said he’s committed to a new emphasis on prevention — as staffing levels in the department increase.

To his credit, he’s also open to hearing ideas on this front, not only from other chiefs but also from you. If you think you can help, call 864-1524 or e-mail csanders@springfieldmo.gov.

But before you do, check your smoke detector. Remind your neighbor, your parents, your friends — anyone who will listen — to do the same.

And please, do it today.

For the full story visit

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20100620/OPINIONS01/6200325/Don-t-go-without-a-working-smoke-alarm

Crime Never Takes A Vacation: What Intruders Don’t Want You To Know

Our lagging economy has spurred a dramatic increase in burglaries and home invasions across the country, with agencies reporting an increase in 2010 after falling for a number of years. What is especially troubling is that these crimes have increased in the suburbs and small towns – places where it rarely happened before.

“The numbers reflect what we have been hearing from listeners all over the country. The bad economy has caused an increase in crime and it is happening everywhere,” said home security expert, Alan Young.

Over the past three months, Young has conducted nearly 100 radio interviews, giving listeners tips on how not to become victims of a growing burglary and home invasion epidemic. Young is CEO of Armor Concepts LLC and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, The Today Show, and The Discovery Channel, as well as numerous local news segments.

Young’s common sense approach to home security, which focuses on economical ways to keep from becoming a victim, has suddenly made him a very popular guest for radio show hosts. “It was really interesting to hear his common sense approach to security. I know that it made me think, especially the part about alarm systems, “ said Georgianne Kiricoples, host of the “Breaking Through” radio show.

According to Young, there are three keys to making sure that your home is secure.

The first is simple: “Use some common sense. Don’t post vacation plans on Facebook and don’t post vacation photos while still on vacation. Many burglaries are committed by someone you know or by someone connected to someone you know. Letting the world know that you’re not home is an easy way to become a target.”

The second key is to make your home a less attractive target than your neighbor’s home. Sounds crazy, but according to Young, “If you and your neighbor are being chased by a dog, you don’t need to be faster than the dog, just your neighbor. Make your home a less attractive target and thieves will go somewhere else – unless you have something that they really want.” Steps to making your home less attractive to burglars include cutting shrubs and properly lighting the inside and outside of your home.

The third key is to secure the exterior of your home. “Most people think about home alarm systems as home security. An alarm simply tells you that someone is inside your house and police response times are often greater than 20 minutes. A home alarm is the equivalent of having OnStar in your car. Would you not buckle your seat belt because OnStar will call the police after you have an accident? Alarms are a good addition to your home’s security but 85 percent of all break-ins are through a door. Secure your doors and you greatly increase your likelihood of success against a burglar.”

For door security, Young recommends a kit that reinforces the jamb, locks and hinges on an exterior entry door. The kit can be installed in about 30 minutes by a do-it-yourselfer and is guaranteed to help prevent kick-ins. He also recommends upgrading your deadbolt to an ANSI certified Grade 1 lock.

“Security does not need to cost a lot, it just needs to work. Anyone that tells you otherwise is taking you for a ride. With a little common sense and a little effort you can effectively secure your home,” Young said.

Original article located at   http://secprodonline.com/articles/2011/11/22/crime-never-takes-a-vacation-what-intruders-dont-want-you-to-know.aspx

The weeks leading up to Christmas are the biggest shopping weeks of the year and for many retailers often accounts for 70% of their annual revenue. Stocking our homes with the latest electronic gadgets, computers, jewellery and must-have accessories is the norm, unfortunately though it provides thieves with the perfect incentive to commit burglaries.

Christmas; A time for giving, receiving…and taking!
These are Alliance Security Tips on ensuring your home is secure over the Christmas and New Year period…

Deterring would-be criminals is one of the most effective forms of crime prevention. Invest in a motion sensor flood-light or even some outdoor Christmas lights to highlight your home’s exterior during the holidays. I am not advocating leaving Christmas lights up all year. This will hopefully make approaching your home too conspicuous for a burglar. Highlighting the fact your possessions are security marked.

Festive lighting – be secure. A common mistake of many festive decorators is to feed extension cables through partially open windows, criminals know to look for this vulnerability.

Dispose of gift packaging carefully. Refuse collections over the Christmas / New Year period are normally at different times. If you can’t take packaging to a recycling point, make sure you only put your rubbish out just before the collection and do your best to fold boxes so that they do not advertise your new contents of your home to thieves!

Protect your Identity. It is good practice never to dispose of receipts and personal paperwork without first shredding it. Christmas is a time when this is especially important! Be careful though not to shred any important warranty details, make sure documents you keep are stored somewhere secure.

Check doors and windows for weak spots. Government statistics show that 30% of burglaries happen through windows. Installing a few dead-bolts and new window hinges could increase the security of your home exponentially.

Keep your curtains, drapes and window blinds closed at night, making sure valuable items are out of sight. When going out for the evening make use of inexpensive timers to give the illusion of occupancy.

Away over Christmas – plan ahead. If you’re going away at Christmas be sure to cancel any newspaper or milk subscriptions. Arrange for a neighbour to park on the driveway to help create the impression someone is home. Do not to leave descriptive telephone answering machine messages like “we’re away skiing for the Christmas holidays” etc and again make use of light timers.

Secure garages & sheds. Make sure that garden tools or ladders that could be used to force entry into your home are not left lying around or accessible from an unlocked garden shed. Garages are often targets for burglars looking for tools, bikes and gardening equipment – make sure the garage is secure and your possessions are secured too in the case of bikes and tools. Naturally make sure anything portable / valuable is recorded on immobilise.

Don’t hide keys & use alarms if you have them. Burglars know to look for hidden door keys so don’t hide spare keys under rocks, in flowerpots, or above door ledges. Instead give the spare key to family or trusted neighbor. Many houses these days have alarms, many though are rarely set, make sure yours is on and protecting your home.

Hopefully your property will not be targeted by burglars but we do hope some of the advice provided helps to keep your home safe.

Alliance Security Systems specializes in custom low cost installations across Louisiana we have offices in

Baton Rouge at 3888 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Baton Rouge LA 70816

Lafayette at 100 Beauvois Lafayette La 70507

We also serve New Orleans, the Northshore, Lake Charles, and Alexandria.

You can contact us anytime at 877-760-2143
Follow us on twitter

http://twitter.com/alliancesecsys

Like Alliance Security Systems

http://www.facebook.com/saferlouisiana

So…

…Would a security system in your house help make you safer than no system?

Certainly you know it will–so why don’t you have a security system in your Baton Rouge residence?

Procrastination?

Too many choices?

Haven’t needed one…YET?

Confusing?

Cost?

We know, just like other Lafayette residents that it takes some understanding before a security system is installed.

This will help:
Call our Lafayette area offices, ask your questions, and become better informed. We answer calls without obligation; and we’ll answer questions about alarm solutions specifically for your Louisiana household. You don’t have to buy an alarm system today (although if you do we can often have it operating by the next day). Nevertheless, your newly acquired education will help you better contemplate the safety and security of your Lafayette area home or condo.

A Lafayette home security monitored system is beneficial and affordable, and with a better understanding you may decide to have a secured home. We supply experienced services and we carry alarm and protection systems from the nation’s #1 provider of electronic protection systems. All for you, your family, and your Lafayette, LA household.

We provide everything you will need. Lafayette, LA security services–Always There 24/7.
(877) 760-2143 or (225) 296-4901

This amazing deal is also available in Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lake Charles, Walker, New Orleans, Slidell, Hammond, and most other cities across Louisiana, call for details.

Alliance Security Systems specializes in custom low cost installations across Louisiana we have offices in

Baton Rouge at 3888 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Baton Rouge LA 70816

Lafayette at 100 Beauvois Lafayette La 70507

We also serve New Orleans, the Northshore, Lake Charles, and Alexandria.

You can contact us anytime at 877-760-2143
Follow us on twitter

http://twitter.com/alliancesecsys

Like Alliance Security Systems

http://www.facebook.com/saferlouisiana

With the end of daylight savings time, Alliance Security wants to remind all Louisiana residents that its time to change the clocks means its also time to check smoke alarms and change the batteries.

Daylight savings time ended at 2 a.m. Sunday and clocks should have been set back one hour. Alliance Security Systems, LLC advises alarms should be checked and the batteries changed at the beginning and end of daylight savings time. Alarm batteries should be changed twice a year.

“While you’re spending a few minutes to change the time on your clocks, it’s easy to just to add an extra minute to ensure your smoke alarms have fresh, new batteries,” said Gary Hand at Alliance Security Systems in Baton Rouge.

Roughly two-thirds of deaths due to home fires occur in residences without a fire alarm and most of the fatal fires happen at night, according to a Gary Hand. Working smoke alarms increase the chance of surviving a home fire by 50 percent, and almost every day a smoke alarm saves someone’s life, Alliance Security reports.

In addition to the biannual battery replacement, Alliance Security recommends testing alarms once a month and vacuuming them at least once a year. Alliance Security recommends smoke alarms be installed in bedrooms, in hallways leading to bedrooms and in each level of a home, and families should designate a emergency meeting place, prepare and practice an escape plan.

If an alarm goes off, crawl low to the ground, under the smoke, and leave the home quickly, without taking anything, Alliance Security said. Proceed to the meeting place and ensure everyone got out safely.

If you need help changing your smoke alarm batteries call Alliance Security at 877-760-2143 and we will assist you for no charge. This offer is available for any resident in Louisiana.

Alliance Security Systems specializes in custom low cost installations across Louisiana we have offices in

Baton Rouge at 3888 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Baton Rouge LA 70816

Lafayette at 100 Beauvois Lafayette La 70507

We also serve New Orleans, the Northshore, Lake Charles, and Alexandria.

You can contact us anytime at 877-760-2143
Follow us on twitter

http://twitter.com/alliancesecsys

Like Alliance Security Systems

http://www.facebook.com/saferlouisiana

So…

…Would a security system in your house help make you safer than no system?

Certainly you know it will–so why don’t you have a security system in your Baton Rouge residence?

Procrastination?

Too many choices?

Haven’t needed one…YET?

Confusing?

Cost?

We know, just like other Baton Rouge residents that it takes some understanding before a security system is installed.

This will help:
Call our Baton Rouge area offices, ask your questions, and become better informed. We answer calls without obligation; and we’ll answer questions about alarm solutions specifically for your Louisiana household. You don’t have to buy an alarm system today (although if you do we can often have it operating by the next day). Nevertheless, your newly acquired education will help you better contemplate the safety and security of your Baton Rouge area home or condo.

A Baton Rouge home security monitored system is beneficial and affordable, and with a better understanding you may decide to have a secured home. We supply experienced services and we carry alarm and protection systems from the nation’s #1 provider of electronic protection systems. All for you, your family, and your Baton Rouge, LA household.

We provide everything you will need. Baton Rouge, LA security services–Always There 24/7.
(877) 760-2143 or (225) 296-4901

This amazing deal is also available in Lafayette, Alexandria, Lake Charles, Walker, New Orleans, Slidell, Hammond, and most other cities across Louisiana, call for details.

Alliance Security Systems specializes in custom low cost installations across Louisiana we have offices in

Baton Rouge at 3888 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Baton Rouge LA 70816

Lafayette at 100 Beauvois Lafayette La 70507

We also serve New Orleans, the Northshore, Lake Charles, and Alexandria.

You can contact us anytime at 877-760-2143
Follow us on twitter

http://twitter.com/alliancesecsys

Like Alliance Security Systems

http://www.facebook.com/saferlouisiana

Burglary Agency State 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Baton Rouge Police Dept LA                          4,036    3,940      4,021       3,847     3,783     4,268

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Dept LA     1,576     1,445     1,837       1,995     2,238      2,170

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Department LA      3,285                  3,731       3,632     3,675     3,343

Lafayette Police Dept LA                                  1,332    1,233      1,296       1,410      1,421     1,407

Livingston Parish Sheriff Department LA       640     485         603          593        785         612

New Orleans Police Dept LA                           5,238                  4,087       5,039     4,591      3,821

Shreveport Police Dept LA                              3,307    2,969      2,922       2,861     2,512      2,730

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Department LA 726      782       754          790       775         643

Notes:

When data are unavailable, the cells are blank or the year is not presented.

Variations in population coverage and reporting practices may cause differences in reporting from year to year. (See definitions).

MSA and non-MSA county populations are not available.

Crime rates are not available for agencies that report data for less than 12 months of a year.

Sources: FBI, Uniform Crime Reports as prepared by the National Archive of Criminal Justice Data

http://www.ucrdatatool.gov/Search/Crime/Local/RunCrimeTrendsInOneVarLarge.cfm

Alliance Security Systems specializes in custom low cost installations across Louisiana we have offices in

Baton Rouge at 3888 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Baton Rouge LA 70816

Lafayette at 100 Beauvois Lafayette La 70507

We also serve New Orleans, the Northshore, Lake Charles, and Alexandria.

You can contact us anytime at 877-760-2143
Follow us on twitter

http://twitter.com/alliancesecsys

Like Alliance Security Systems

http://www.facebook.com/saferlouisiana

Prevention is very important to prevent break ins, be sure to walk around the outside of your home and perform a self-home security inspection look out for overgrown vegetation that needs trimming or light bulbs that need to be replaced. Also, ensure all your windows are locked.

Alliance Security Systems specializes in custom low cost installations across Louisiana we have offices in
Baton Rouge at 3888 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Baton Rouge LA 70816
Lafayette at 100 Beauvois Lafayette La 70507
We also serve New Orleans, the Northshore, Lake Charles, and Alexandria.
You can contact us anytime at 877-760-2143

Follow us on twitter

http://twitter.com/alliancesecsys

Like Alliance Security Systems

http://www.facebook.com/saferlouisiana

It doesn’t matter what city you’re living in these days, no one is exempt from the possibility that a crime may happen in the neighborhood that you call your own; or worse, even in your own home.

It’s important to remember that regardless of where you live your home is not immune to a potential burglary or home invasion, and the only way to assure that you’re as adequately protected as possible is by partnering with Alliance Security Systems.

Alliance Security is a Louisiana owned home and buisness security alarm company headquarted right here in Baton Rouge Louisiana GEAUX TIGERS!!

To learn more about the home monitoring deals and special incentives being offered in Baton Rouge simply call 1-877-760-2143 and I Gary Hand will help to assess your home alarm needs and discuss the many options available to you.

Because Alliance is positioned all over Louisiana we are able to install systems across the entire state, we do this with multiple office locations and the ability to offer low cost and zero down security systems. Alliance has been in business for over 7 years, Gary Hand has been in the alarm industry over 15 years, I understand that no two living situations are alike and offer an array of options designed to fit needs unique to each household.

For example, some families may have pets and require a pet-friendly infra-red interior motion detector to avoid false alarms while other homes may have elderly adults and benefit from a home security system that has two-way voice capability.

Either way, Alliance Security Systems understands that home security systems are not a one-size-fits-all model. For example, consider some of the additional features:

• The convenience of one-touch home alarm keypads
• Fire, smoke, flood, and carbon monoxide monitoring
• House alarm technology independent of your home’s land line
• Keychain remote access

To discuss your needs Baton Rouge or any other city in Louisiana, simply call 877-760-2143

Even more savings on home security systems

No one can predict the future, but for about $1 a day, Alliance can provide  your home with the 24/7 home security protection that you and your family deserve.

That dollar amount may even be decreased further the up to 20 percent discount on your homeowner’s insurance premium that many carriers offer. Call your insurance company or local agent to learn more.

Call the 877-760-2143 now to get started  you will benefit from:

• Cost savings
• Advance home security technology
• Customer service through eight interconnected monitoring centers
• Guarantees such as theft-protection and money-back service guarantees

Home security: it’s your decision

Remember that protecting your home in Baton Rouge is ultimately your decision. As much as we like to think we have control over our life’s situations we do not.

Instead of leaving your fate unprotected, why not take the first step to provide your family with the home security they deserve?

On average, someone’s home is broken into every 15 seconds whether you live in Baton Rouge or elsewhere. It will take you less time to call the toll free number shown and speak to a home security system expert than that.

For about $1 a day you can protect your home and family with a home security system. And before you think that a deal like this might be too good to be true, remember that Alliance has been providing home alarm services for over 7 years.

Call now to learn more about the deals being offered in Baton Rouge and you could start experiencing peace of mind as soon as tomorrow!

Alliance Security Systems specializes in custom low cost installations across Louisiana we have offices in

Baton Rouge at 3888 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Baton Rouge LA 70816

Lafayette at 100 Beauvois Lafayette La 70507

We also serve New Orleans, the Northshore, Lake Charles, and Alexandria.

You can contact us anytime at 877-760-2143
Follow us on twitter

http://twitter.com/alliancesecsys

Like Alliance Security Systems

http://www.facebook.com/saferlouisiana

Alliance Security Systems, LLC  would like to get the word out that Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 9 to 15, and is asking everyone to “Protect Your Home and Family from Fire.”

According to the U. S. Fire Administration, more than 75% of fire fatalities occur in home fires. Candles are a major culprit. Having working smoke detectors and planning an escape from a fire are critical for keeping your family safe.

Alliance Security Systems, strongly recommends the following suggestions.

• Install working smoke alarms on every level, and inside each bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.

• Test your smoke alarms once a month and change their batteries twice a year when you change your clock.

• Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.

• Make sure your plan allows for any specific needs in your household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.

• Practice your plan, at least twice a year.

• Some studies have shown that some children and adults may not awaken to the sound of a smoke alarm; they may need help waking up.

• If the smoke alarm sounds: Go to your closest exit, and if there is smoke on your way out, turn and use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Don’t take time to pick up belongings; just get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.

If you are interested in more information on fire prevention or fire safety, Alliance Security Systems  invites you to call and we will provide a free on site evaluation 877-760-2143

Alliance Security Systems specializes in custom low cost installations across Louisiana we have offices in

Baton Rouge at 3888 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Baton Rouge LA 70816

Lafayette at 100 Beauvois Lafayette La 70507

We also serve New Orleans, the Northshore, Lake Charles, and Alexandria.

You can contact us anytime at 877-760-2143
Follow us on twitter

http://twitter.com/alliancesecsys

Like Alliance Security Systems

http://www.facebook.com/saferlouisiana