Month: January 2017

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an odorless, colorless gas found in the air we breathe on a daily basis. While “natural” CO2 exposure is harmless (humans produce CO2 and exhale it into the atmosphere), heavy concentrations can lead to serious health issues, and even death.

Common carbon dioxide hazards include improper storage of CO2 tanks in poorly ventilated areas, leaking compressed CO2 systems and leaking fittings, piping or carbonators. In rare instances, heavy doses of carbon dioxide can escape from underground and into the atmosphere. While carbon dioxide hazards are most often associated with commercial environments, CO2 poisoning can also occur in homes.

The Signs of Carbon Dioxide Poisoning

Because carbon dioxide gas is odorless and colorless, people are usually unaware of its presence until they begin to experience the symptoms of CO2 poisoning. These include an increased rate of respiration, rapid or irregular heartbeat and impaired consciousness. Exposure to extremely high CO2 concentration levels include convulsions and coma, which may ultimately result in death. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should be immediately removed from the area and administered oxygen. Assisted ventilation may be required in severe cases.

CO2 Prevention

The good news is that there are steps you can take to lower your risk of carbon dioxide poisoning. Carbon dioxide prevention in a work or home environment requires attention to the following safety tips:

• Commercial environments:

• Training all personnel on safe CO2 handling practices
• Installing CO2 receptacles above ground in open, well-ventilated areas
• Developing and implementing effective CO2 monitoring procedures
• Installing a CO2 detection device and notification system
• Placing highly visible signs warning of the potential dangers of carbon dioxide
• Establishing an inspection and maintenance procedure pertaining to CO2 equipment

• Residential environments

• Keeping your home naturally ventilated by installing screens that enable you to keep doors and windows open in warmer weather
• Installing a whole house ventilation system if keeping doors and windows open does not provide sufficient air quality improvements
• Properly maintaining your home’s HVAC system and having it professionally inspected on a regular basis

Installing CO2 Detectors

The installation of CO2 detectors can indicate the presence of a potentially harmful accumulation of carbon dioxide gas. These devices will measure carbon dioxide in the surrounding atmosphere and sound an alarm if it reaches an unsafe level. They can also deliver an alert to a central monitoring station that can dispatch first responders to the scene, if needed.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to Learn More About the Dangers of Carbon Dioxide

Titan Alarm, Inc. can protect your Phoenix-area home or business against all types of health and safety threats, including the risk of carbon dioxide poisoning. We can design and install an innovative residential or commercial alarm system that includes reliable CO2 detectors placed at the most vulnerable locations in your building. Contact us for more information and schedule a no-obligation consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

While some senior citizens spend at least a portion of their golden years residing in a retirement community or nursing facility, the vast majority of Americans aged 65 or older are able to live in their own homes. However, aging at home does raise concerns about elderly safety. In this post, we’ll look at some of the steps you can take to create a safe, secure environment for your elderly loved ones.

Fall Prevention

The Consumer Product Safety Commission points out that slip-and-fall accidents are the leading cause of injuries for seniors. Take a walk through your aging loved one’s home and remove any environmental hazards that could lead to falling, such as loose throw rugs and non-functioning lightbulbs. A regular exercise program can help seniors maintain their strength and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falling.

Home Modifications

Making modifications to specific areas of home can make them safer and more “senior-friendly.” For example, installing grab bars near bathtubs or shower stalls makes it easier for seniors to get in and out, and lowers the risk of slipping on a wet surface. Placing a lamp or light switch just inside the home’s entrance prevents the senior from having to navigate through a dark room to turn on a light.

Consider Hiring a Home Health Care Aide

A challenge that many working adults face is finding the time to look in on an aging parent who may need help maintaining an independent home life. A home health care aide can make regular visits to attend to the senior’s personal needs and monitor the use of medications. Some health insurance plans offer coverage for home health care services.

Watch for Cognitive Changes

While seniors can often appear to be in good physical condition, they might be experiencing cognitive issues. Look for signs such as increasing memory loss, confusion or the inability to complete familiar tasks, any of which can indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. This can also inhibit the senior’s ability to live independently.

Fire Prevention

Diminishing physical and mental capacity can make seniors more vulnerable to a home fire — careless or unattended cooking is the leading cause of fire-related injuries for older adults. Make sure your loved one’s home is equipped with smoke detectors and that a kitchen fire extinguisher is within easy reach of the cooking area. Consider installing a monitored fire alarm system that provides early detection and a prompt response if a fire breaks out.

Titan Alarm, Inc. Offers a Wide Variety of Senior Citizen Safety Solutions

At Titan Alarm, we understand the importance of ensuring the safety of aging family members. We can design and install a comprehensive home security system that includes fire and burglar alarms, video surveillance, energy management and much more. Well-trained security professionals who will dispatch first responders at the first sign of trouble monitor our systems. Contact us to learn more about our senior citizen safety solutions and to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Most of us are familiar with the more common home fire hazards — unattended cooking, a faulty heating unit, smoking in bed — but there are also many hidden fire hazards that could be lurking in or around your home right now. Here is a look at 10 unexpected fire hazards to watch for in your home:

1. Aging electrical outlets: If you have an older home, check for loose electrical outlets that could overheat and start a fire. A good method to tell if an outlet is not tight enough is if a plug does not fit securely.

2. Phone chargers: Many of us charge our smartphones overnight while we sleep. However, an inferior-quality charger can overcharge the battery, which could cause a fire. The best bet is to use a charger that is specifically recommended for use with your device.

3. Heated glass: The Phoenix area’s blistering temperatures and relentless sunshine can cause glass objects to absorb heat and catch fire if placed near a window that receives direct sunlight.

4. Dryer lint: The lint that accumulates in your clothes dryer is highly flammable, which is why you should clean the lint trap and ventilation system on a regular basis.

5. Improper rag disposal: Throwing oily rags into a clothes hamper or allowing them to pile up in your garage can pose a home fire hazard — all it takes is exposure to the right amount of oxygen to cause them to ignite.

6. Shoddy repair work: While many of us attempt to save money by performing minor HVAC or electrical repair work on our own, improperly performed repairs can create a fire hazard. The safe alternative is to call a professional to handle more complex repair tasks.

7. Dusty electronic equipment: The heat generated by electronic equipment and electrical appliances combined with the dust that accumulates on these products can pose a fire risk.

8. Batteries: Batteries stored close to metal objects can produce a spark that could cause nearby flammable items to ignite. Keep new batteries in their package until you are ready to use them, and be sure to properly dispose of old batteries.

9. Unsafe fireplace use: If your home has a fireplace, keep all flammable objects (including your pets!) at a safe distance to avoid contact with sparks. Also, have your chimney professionally cleaned prior to the start of the fireplace season.

10. Light bulbs: Light bulbs don’t only produce light — they can also generate a significant amount of heat. An exposed light bulb that meets a flammable object can cause a fire.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for a Comprehensive Fire Alarm System Inspection or Installation

While you may not be able to eliminate every hidden home fire hazard, a reliable fire alarm system can provide the early detection that will protect your family and property. Titan Alarm offers high-quality fire alarm system installation and inspection services in the Phoenix area that can be your best defense against all types of fire hazards. Contact us for more information today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

If you have small children that you leave in the care of a babysitter or au pair, you may be considering the installation of a “nanny cam.” Nanny cams are video surveillance cameras that are placed in targeted areas of your home that allow you to remotely monitor the interaction between the nanny and your kids. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of nanny cam use and take a look at some of the more common camera types.

Benefits of Installing Nanny Cams

The main reason many parents choose to install nanny cams is peace of mind. Being able to monitor your kids while you’re away gives you the assurance that they’re being properly cared for. You can also spot potential issues that you may need to discuss with your nanny. For instance, if you see that the nanny is not paying close enough attention to your kids or allowing them to engage in behavior or activities you find unacceptable, you can take the appropriate corrective measures. Surveillance video from nanny cams can also be used to assist law enforcement and prosecutors in instances of suspected child abuse or neglect.

What are the Potential Nanny Cam Issues?

It is not against the law to install a nanny cam in a home in Arizona or any other state, and you are not required to inform the nanny of the camera system’s existence. Many states (including Arizona) also permit the use of audio recording equipment. However, it is illegal to use a nanny cam in private areas such as bathrooms or a nanny’s sleeping quarters. Not informing your caregiver about the use of surveillance camera can also pose certain ethical issues. For example, if your nanny happens to discover a hidden camera, it could erode the sense of trust that has developed over time, permanently damaging the relationship. If you choose to disclose your use of cameras to your caregiver, it is important to fully address any concerns she may have.

What Types of Nanny Cam Systems Are Available?

If you elect not to inform your caregiver about your use of surveillance cameras, you’ll want to install them in discrete locations that are difficult to detect. Many hidden nanny cams can be disguised by common household objects. Cameras built within clocks are one of the more popular options, along with cameras in smoke detectors and electrical outlets. Certain stereo and sound system equipment can also conceal cameras with ease. Keep in mind that an experienced nanny is probably aware of these types of devices and is likely to spot them, which can defeat the purpose of not disclosing their existence.

Titan Alarm, Inc. Offers Capable Video Surveillance Support to Phoenix-Area Homeowners

If you’re in need of nanny cams or any other type of video surveillance equipment for your Phoenix home, contact the home security experts at Titan Alarm. We offer a wide range of fully supported video surveillance solutions that we can customize to your specific needs. We also provide motion sensors, alarm systems and other key security system components. Call us to schedule a no-obligation in-home security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Did you know that, according to FBI statistics, a burglary occurs every 15.4 seconds in the United States? The Phoenix, AZ area is not immune to crime. In fact, the city’s crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. Burglary in Phoenix is a significant problem — approximately 13,000 burglaries occur in the city on an annual basis.

Signs Burglars Look for When Targeting Properties

While you might think your home is safe, it may actually be an inviting target to burglars. The following list indicates the signs burglars look for when choosing their next victim:

1. Signs of inoccupancy: Burglars look for “red flags” that indicate the homeowners are on vacation or the home is unoccupied for an extended period. These can include an uncut lawn and untended landscaping, newspapers piled up on the porch and no interior lights at night.

2. Unlocked doors: Approximately one-third of burglars enter through an unlocked front door.

3. Unlocked windows: Many burglars gain entry through unlocked second-story windows that the homeowner mistakenly believes are inaccessible.

4. Regular routine: Burglars often discreetly watch a home for several days to determine when the occupants come and go.

5. High fences: You might think a privacy fence will protect your home, but burglars actually view it as a convenient form of concealment upon gaining access to your property.

6. Toys in the yard: Toys and bikes in the yard tell a burglar that the home is probably occupied by a mother who owns jewelry.

7. No exterior lighting: The absence of floodlights or other form of exterior lighting obviously makes it easier to avoid detection.

8. No daytime activity: Despite the misconception that burglars prefer the dark, many practice their craft during the daytime hours while the occupants are at work or school.

9. Uncovered windows: Burglars often look for windows with the blinds or curtains opened so they can get a good idea of what valuables are inside the home, especially during the holiday season.

10. Storm cellars: Storm cellars that enable ground access are a favorite target of burglars, especially if the owners leave them unlocked.

11. Vulnerable location: If you live on a cul-de-sac, your home is a more inviting target to a burglar due to its relative seclusion and less frequent law enforcement patrols.

12. Home type: Some burglars prefer townhouses and condominiums to stand-alone homes, as they frequently include small, enclosed backyards that provide concealment and sliding patio doors that enable easy accessibility.

13. No dogs: Burglars don’t like barking dogs, so a home with no visible signs of a dog such as a doghouse or outdoor food bowls is a more inviting target.

14. Unsecured ladders and tools: If you leave ladders alongside your home or tools in an unlocked garage or workshop, enterprising burglars will be happy to use them to their advantage.

15. No security system: A house without security is a more likely target than one that is protected by a home alarm system.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc.: The Phoenix Home Security Leader

Titan Alarm can provide an advanced burglar alarm monitoring system that will effectively deter burglars from targeting your Phoenix home. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation home security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.

 

Did you know that, according to National Fire Protection Association statistics, there are approximately 300,000-400,000 house fires in the U.S. each year? House fires cause thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in property damage. This underscores the need to make household fire safety a top priority.

The leading causes of domestic fires include:

• Cooking-related incidents: The NFPA reports that about 40 percent of home fires are related to cooking. Common examples include leaving food on a stove or in an oven unattended, and the ignition of cooking oil or grease.

• Malfunctioning heating units: A malfunctioning furnace poses a major fire hazard in homes during the winter. The improper use of portable space heaters can also lead to a fire, especially if they are placed too close to curtains, furniture or clothing.

• Electrical fires: There are numerous household electrical fire hazards such as faulty wiring, the improper use of electrical equipment, covering electrical cords with rugs or carpeting and the overloading of electrical sockets and circuits.

• Improper installation/maintenance of clothes dryers: The improper installation of a clothes dryer’s ventilation system can cause a buildup of heat that leads to a fire. The lint that collects in filters, under the dryer and inside the vents can also ignite and cause a fire.

• Improper use/storage of flammable liquids: Many products such as cleaning agents, paint thinners and solvents contain chemicals and other ingredients that can ignite or explode if they are exposed to a heat source.

• Careless smoking: While many smokers these days go outside to avoid impacting other household residents or to prevent the activation of the smoke detectors, careless smoking is still a leading cause of home fires. Smoking-related fire causes include failing to properly extinguish a cigarette and falling asleep while smoking in bed.

• Unattended candles: While lit candles can bring a warm, cozy feeling, they can also present a significant fire hazard in a home. Too often, people place candles within easy reach of kids or pets or do not keep them in a sturdy holder. And many people simply forget to blow them out when leaving the room.

• Kids playing with fire: Sadly, too many tragic household fires occur due to curious kids playing with matches or cigarette lighters that adults didn’t store properly.

• Arson: Not every household fire is accidental in nature. The NFPA indicates that arson in a top cause of household fires — and that nearly two-thirds of intentionally set structure fires occur when the building is occupied.

Titan Alarm, Inc. Can Help Protect Your Home Against Fire

One of the most effective household fire safety steps you can take is the installation of a reliable fire alarm system. If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm, Inc. can design and install an innovative fire alarm system that will provide your best defense against a potentially devastating household fire. Contact us to explore your alarm system options today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.