Keeping Your Family Safe from Home Invasion

It doesn’t take too much imagination to picture this scenario: You and your family are tucked comfortably in your beds, sound asleep. Suddenly, the noise...is it possible that someone has invaded your home? The second noise leaves no room for doubt. You bolt out of bed as the adrenaline surges through your body. What next? What’s the next best step?

Home invasion happens more often than most of us would like to believe. Forethought and preparation are the key factors that determine how well we respond to such dangers. So what is the next best step to keep you and your family safe?

First, never attempt a confrontation, and if the burglar runs, don't pursue. Instead, hit the panic button on your home alarm system and notify the local authorities immediately. Even though some home protection systems will automatically notify the police department in the case of home invasion, it's also a good idea to keep your cell phone next to your bed so that you are able to call as you activate the alarm and provide real-time updates to 911 as police prepare to enter your home.

While you're on the phone, move yourself and your family to a previously discussed safe place in the home. Barricade it, and escape the house, taking refuge with a neighbor if possible. This is an activity that your family should practice regularly, as with fire drills. Once you have fled the house, inform 911  so they can notify the responding officers of your whereabouts.

If you are confronted by the burglar, it is always best to avoid "fighting it out." Always attempt diplomacy, remain calm, and be certain to make mental notes about age, appearance, etc., that you can provide to police. However, if it is clear that a violent confrontation is unavoidable and that it is impossible to remove yourself safely from the situation, defend yourself and your family until law enforcement officials arrive on the scene.

At Smart Home Protection Systems, we hope you’ll never have to face a scenario like the one described above. As an ADT authorized dealer, our mission is to put up a strong line of defense that prevents you and your family from ever having to. Let us help you protect your family from the dangers of home invasion, as well as other dangers, like fire, flooding, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Contact our Smart Home Protection team at (615) 212-9174 or click here for more information: http://protectingthehome.com/contact/.

Protect Your Family from House Fires

In just one example of the recent heart-breaking losses our region has suffered due to fire, an East Nashville man and his 4-year old daughter lost their lives tragically this month when a fire broke out in their home at 2 am. Nashville firefighters arrived on the scene to heavy smoke and flames. Fortunately, they were able to rescue 2 other children and managed to have the blaze under control in about 15-20 minutes. Unfortunately, investigators found no evidence of any type of alarm or detection system at the residence.

House fires happen unexpectedly, at any time of the day or night - often with no warning or even reason. As the rash of house fires by lightning strike in our most recent storms attest: it's absolutely imperative to have a plan to protect your family's safety, and survival, in case of such an emergency.

The American Red Cross tells us that we will likely have just two minutes to escape a fire started in  our home. Two minutes. Think about the amount of time you spend brushing your teeth before bed each night. Now think about the amount of time it will take you to arouse, alert, instruct, and assist each member of your family to safety when an emergency occurs. 

Next, factor in the additional time it will take to find, possibly subdue, and rescue your beloved pets. After all, they're members of the family too. When animals are stressed, they hide. Because they are smaller, the smoke they inhale affects them faster and more severely than a human.

Fire victims rarely see the flames. Fire consumes the oxygen in the air and increases the amount of deadly carbon monoxide, causing a loss of consciousness or death within minutes. 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. 

Our best chance of surviving a house fire is early detection and notification of our local area fire department. While we know our fire departments are staffed with trained, dedicated professionals, there are a wide number of factors that impact response times. One of the most important things you can do to protect your family's safety is to install a home protection system that gives you the ability to alert first responders immediately and with ease. Even better: utilize a monitored or smart home protection system that will make the call for you. During a home fire, working smoke alarms, home protection systems to alert first responders, and a regularly practiced fire escape plan will save lives.

We all agree: there's nothing more important than our family's safety. It's impossible to put a price on it. At Smart Home Protection Systems, we exist to help you protect your family's safety - and your peace of mind. We have a wide variety of equipment and packages available for your to choose from. To check out our great rates and special offers, click or call Smart Home Protection Systems today for more information at (615) 212-9174.