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    Month: August 2018

    How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    keeping-kids-safe-online

    While the internet can serve as an invaluable learning tool and offer other benefits for our children, its use does pose certain risks. As many as 20 percent of kids will be subjected to some form of cyberbullying, and predators use the Web as a vehicle to connect with kids and attempt to lure them to a meeting place. What’s more, kids can be exposed to various types of inappropriate content while they’re online.

    Consequently, knowing how to keep kids safe on the internet is an essential component of parenting these days.

    Tips About Internet Safety For Kids

    The following cyber safety tips for kids can help you protect your youngsters while they’re online:

    • Establish a set of online activity rules:

      You likely have rules in place for where your kids are allowed to go, what time they must be home, setting aside time for homework, etc. Set some rules for internet usage, such as when and how long they are allowed to be online each day. The more time kids spend online, the more susceptible they become to the Web’s “dark side.” It also limits the time they spend engaging in normal, healthy childhood activities such as playing outdoors or hanging out with friends. Set parameters regarding when and how often your kids can go online and be sure to strictly enforce them. Create a list of acceptable websites they can to visit without your permission and post it by the computer as a reminder.

    • Teach them how to safeguard their privacy:

      Instruct your kids not to give out information such as email addresses, home addresses or telephone numbers online or to provide any type of personal information strangers. Many proud parents also love to share photos and other news about their kids on Facebook and other social media sites. Unfortunately, this can also negatively impact their privacy and potentially expose them to individuals with bad intent. Think twice before posting information about your kids, and be sure to use social media site privacy settings to limit what you share to only those people you know and trust.

    • Instruct them on basic computer security:

      Teach your kids the fundamentals of computer security, such as logging out properly and creating challenging passwords that are difficult to crack. Also, warn them of the dangers of sharing their passwords with anyone, including their most trusted friends.  If your kids are old enough to go online on their own, they need to learn about what constitutes safe — and even more importantly — unsafe Internet practices. Educate them regarding setting strong passwords, detecting phishing emails and the dangers of posting or responding to inappropriate messages and photos.A simple rule to teach your kids is not to do anything online that they wouldn’t do face-to-face. Also, instruct them how to recognize cyberbullying and other online threats — and to tell you about them immediately if they occur.

    • Set up your household computers in open areas:

      Placing your computers in open, high-traffic areas such as a living room or family room enables you to more easily monitor your kids’ online activity. If you have multiple computers in your home, limit the number that are connected to the Web to one or two. While it may seem intrusive, keeping a close eye on their social media activity is a good way to protect kids’ online security. For instance, many parents require their children to provide them with the password in exchange for permission to establish a social media account. Another option is to have your kids make you a friend or contact on all social media sites they use. Software is also available that can monitor your child’s online activities.

    • Take advantage your browser’s parental controls:

      Popular Web browsers such as Internet Explorer and Google Chrome give you the option to adjust the security settings to restrict access to certain sites unless the user has a password. One of the most important steps you can take to protect children online is installing a reliable Internet security suite such as Norton Internet Security on every computer in your home.These products contain numerous safety features such as a personal firewall, phishing protection and spam filtering. Various Internet filter software products are also available that can prevent your kids from visiting inappropriate sites.

    • Talk to them about what they post online:

      As your kids progress through their teenage years, much of their online activity will probably consist of engagement in social media. Be sure to have a conversation with them regarding what is and is not appropriate to post online — even a seemingly innocent comment could antagonize others and even be construed as cyberbullying. It’s also important to keep the lines of communication open regarding internet safety. Let your kids know they can approach you if they come across something that concerns or upsets them while online.

    • Warn them about issues such as plagiarism and hacking:

      While the internet can be of immense help when working on school projects and reports, your kids should have a basic understanding of issues such as plagiarism and copyright infringement. If your child is particularly tech-savvy, explain the potential consequences of hacking.

    Contact Titan Alarm To Help Setup a Home Security System to Protect You and Your Children’s Privacy

    Today’s generation of kids are exposed to the Internet virtually from birth. When used properly, the Web can serve as a valuable tool for educating and entertaining your children. However, Internet use can also leave your kids vulnerable to threats posed by sexual predators and cyberbullies — which can have serious and even tragic consequences. The good news is that you don’t have to resort to drastic measures like removing computers from your home or disconnecting the Internet to keep your children safe. Remember, it’s never too early to start protecting your kids’ online security — you’ll sleep better knowing you’re doing everything possible to keep your children safe.

    Learn More About Home Security Safety and Your Family:

    Updated by Titan Alarm on August 20, 2018

    Data Center Fire Prevention Tips

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    A computer room, or data center, serves as the “nerve center” for many businesses these days. A fire in this area of your facility could destroy your expensive computer equipment — as well as the vital data it processes and stores. The resulting downtime and the loss of mission-critical information could have devastating consequences for your operation.

    The following prevention tips can minimize your risk of a data center fire:

    • Manage the paper clutter: Don’t make your computer room a repository for stacks of paper documents or other combustible materials. If you print a lot of documents, keep the paper flow moving through and out of the room instead of creating large piles.
    • Inspect power cords: If yours is like most data centers, it’s full of power cords that connect all your computer equipment. Check the condition of the cords periodically and replace those that are worn or frayed.
    • Implement good housekeeping practices: Dust can accumulate on and around your computer equipment, which poses a significant fire hazard. Make sure your office cleaning protocols include regular cleaning and dust removal for your computers, servers, printers, copiers, etc.
    • Institute a fire response plan: Be certain the room has at least one fire extinguisher and provide training for your employees on how to use it. Integrate an escape route from the room into your facility’s fire evacuation plan.
    • Install a fire protection system: While you may have a sprinkler system in other areas of your building, water-based fire sprinklers are not a wise choice for a data center — water can damage your sensitive electronic equipment. A clean agent fire suppression system is a better option for a computer room environment.
    • Schedule regular fire inspections: A timely inspection of your company’s fire prevention systems will verify that your building is fully protected against the possibility of a fire. It will also ensure compliance with local fire codes — and give you peace of mind.

    Contact Titan Alarm for All Your Business Fire Protection Needs

    As a full-service fire protection solutions provider in Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson, AZ, you can count on Titan Alarm, Inc. for the best commercial fire prevention systems in the region, as well as comprehensive inspection/testing services. Contact us to learn more today.

    Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Common “Unknown” Home Fire Safety Pitfalls

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    The safety of your family is a top priority. But when it comes to fire prevention, you might not be doing everything possible to prevent a potentially devastating blaze from occurring. Here are a few of the more common, but frequently overlooked home fire hazards you might not be aware of:

    • Allowing clutter near the stove: Approximately 40 percent of home fires start in the kitchen, with unattended cooking being the biggest culprit. However, excessive clutter is another “hidden” cause of kitchen fires. For example, some folks inadvertently place paper items such as recipe cards or paper towels too close to the stove. As a rule of thumb, keep any combustible products at least three feet away from the stovetop.
    • Cleaning the clothes dryer improperly: Most of know that a buildup of lint in the clothes dryer poses a significant fire danger. While many homeowners clean the dryer’s lint trap after each use, they may neglect to remove lint from inside or behind the unit. Lint that accumulates near the dryer’s heating element can ignite and cause a fire.
    • Letting sawdust buildup: If you have a home workshop in your basement, the sawdust produced when cutting wood can accumulate on surfaces and potentially ignite — even a thin layer that is difficult to see can catch fire. A standard household vacuum cleaner is not intended to handle sawdust; use a model that’s designed to pick up combustible dust when cleaning these work areas.
    • Leaving electrical outlets loose: Electrical outlets can loosen over time, especially if you plug and unplug items frequently. This can cause the blades inside the outlet to generate excessive heat that could cause a fire. If you have difficulty attaining a tight connection when plugging into an outlet, it’s time to consider replacing it
    • Keeping outdated appliances: That ancient coffeemaker, blender or space heater may still function properly, but it might not comply with updated fire safety codes. It may also contain frayed wires that pose a fire hazard.

    If you live in or around Phoenix or Tucson, AZ, Titan Alarm can conduct a comprehensive safety inspection to help you uncover and address these and other hidden fire safety hazards. Contact us to learn more today.

    Learn More About Testing & Inspection

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    What to Do With Outdated Fire Extinguishers

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    Fire extinguishers play a vital role in any Phoenix, Mesa, or Tucson-area business’s fire protection plan. However, they don’t last forever. Even if you’ve never had to use one, the life expectancy of a fire extinguisher is only about 10-12 years.

    Once they’ve reached that age, you’ll need to test the fire extinguisher to verify the integrity of the canister. If it’s still in good condition (the shell should be able to withstand a pressure of up to 500 psi), you can recharge the unit and possibly extend its lifespan by a couple of years.

    Signs It Is Time for an Extinguisher Replacement

    Besides testing the canister, there are other factors indicators a fire extinguisher needs replacing. They include:

    • Cracks in the shell
    • Clogs or cracks in the nozzle or hose
    • A missing inspection tag that indicates the last time a unit was inspected or received maintenance
    • Damage to the pin or a missing pin
    • A broken or unsecured handle

     

    How to Dispose of Your Expired Extinguisher

    When the day finally comes to send a deceased fire extinguisher to that big firehouse in the sky, you’ll want to make sure you do it safely — don’t throw it out with rest of the trash, as it still may contain pressurized chemicals that can cause injuries or property damage if mishandled.

    If the extinguisher still has a full or partial charge, try contacting your local fire department to see if you can drop it off at the station for disposal. If the department does not accept expired extinguishers, take it to a nearby hazardous waste disposal facility. If the extinguisher is empty but there is still some pressure in the unit, release it by squeezing the unit’s handle, then remove the head. Contact a recycling plant in your area to see if you can drop off the empty canister.

    Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for more advice regarding how to dispose of your outdated fire extinguishers. We’ll also be happy to schedule a safety inspection to ensure your Phoenix or Tucson company’s fire protection system is in peak operating condition.

    Other Helpful Tips About Fire Extinguisher Safety

    Essential Sprinkler System Facts

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    It’s no secret that the sooner a fire receives a good dousing of water, the less likely it will spread throughout a home or business facility. Sprinklers can play a critical fire containment role — they will automatically activate during the early stages to keep a blaze under control until firefighters arrive at the scene. In many cases, sprinklers can even extinguish the flames.

    Here are a few sprinkler system facts you might not know:

    • Sprinkler systems are proven lifesavers. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there has never been a recorded incident of more than two people being killed in a fire where there was a sprinkler system functioning at maximum capacity.
    • They cut down on fire-related injuries. The injury rate in fires where the building has a working sprinkler system is 41 percent lower than in buildings without one.
    • They can increase your chances of surviving a fire. The fire fatality rate in homes with a sprinkler system is 81 percent lower than in homes that don’t have one. However, only about seven percent of homes in the U.S. currently contain sprinklers.
    • Sprinkle systems can cut down on water damage after a fire. On average, firefighters use more than 3,500 gallons to put out a fire. Sprinkler systems typically use less than 300 gallons, significantly reducing the risk of water damage.
    • They can decrease your overall expenses surrounding fires. Fire-related property damage is around 70 percent less in homes with functioning sprinkler systems than in ones without them. Medical costs are 53 percent lower on average.
    • Sprinkler systems can save money in the long run. Many homeowners’ and business insurance providers offer premium discounts to building owners that install sprinkler systems. Consequently, sprinklers often pay for themselves in only about four years.
    • They’re extremely effective. In 60 percent of situations where sprinkler systems do not activate during a fire, it’s because someone had previously shut the system off.
    • They are set off by heat. Despite what many people believe, only the heat generated by a fire will activate sprinklers — smoke will not set the system in motion.

    Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to Learn More About the Sprinkler System Benefits

    Titan Alarm can help you choose the ideal sprinkler system for your Phoenix- or Tucson-area home or business. Don’t postpone this potentially lifesaving step any longer — contact us for more information and to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.

    Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Smoke Detector Placement Tips

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    Installing smoke detectors is one of the most important safety steps any homeowner can take. But even the most reliable detectors won’t deliver maximum protection if you don’t locate them properly. The National Fire Protection Association recommends placing smoke detectors in these sections of your home:

    • Sleeping areas: Installing detectors in your home’s sleeping quarters is paramount — if a fire breaks out while you’re sleeping, you might not be aware of it until it’s too late. Place a detector in each bedroom and in the hallway where the bedrooms are located.
    • Non-sleeping areas: Install one detector on every level of your home that does not include sleeping quarters. Key areas include the living room/family room, near a stairway that leads to the upper level and the basement. Place the basement alarm on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairway that leads to the ground level.
    • Cooking areas: Make sure any alarms installed in or near the kitchen are at least 10 feet away from the stove or other cooking appliance to reduce the chance of false alarms.

    In addition to strategic placement within your home’s layout, it’s important to arrange your smoke detectors so they can function properly. Follow these guidelines to ensure successful smoke detector placement:

    • Mount them high: Keeping in mind that smoke from a fire will rise, mount your detectors high on a wall — no more than 12 inches from the ceiling. If you’re installing an alarm in a room with a pitched ceiling, place it within three feet of the peak but not within the peak’s apex.
    • Keep them away from doors and windows: Avoid installing your detectors too close to doors, windows or air ducts — they’re prone to drafts that could interfere with the alarm’s function.
    • Consider installing interconnected smoke detectors: An interconnected smoke alarm system offers enhanced fire protection. When one unit detects the presence of smoke, it automatically transmits a signal to all the other connected devices. If you choose to install this type of system, make sure all your detectors come from the same manufacturer to ensure consistency and reliability.

    Smoke Detector Maintenance Tips

    Most of us know that smoke detectors save lives. They detect the early warnings of fire, which can provide enough time to escape before the flames engulf the structure. They can also prevent deaths from smoke inhalation.

    The problem with smoke detectors is that we tend to forget about them once we install them. The only time many of us pay any attention to our detectors is when we hear that annoying chirping sound that warns us of a dead battery!

    The Importance of Regular Smoke Detection Maintenance

    As with any mechanical device, a smoke detector can malfunction at any time. It’s important to check they are functioning properly, since they play a crucial role in the safety of you and your family.

    The following maintenance tips can ensure your detectors will function properly when you need them most:

    • Test your detectors at least once a month: Testing your detectors regularly will give you peace of mind and let you know if there are any potential maintenance or repair issues. Testing a detector is easy — with most models, you only need to press and hold the button that protrudes from the cover of the unit. If the alarm sounds, your detector is working properly.
    • Replace the battery once a year: By replacing your smoke detectors’ batteries on an annual basis, you’ll always have a fresh battery in the unit. Avoid using “long-life” batteries in older models, as this can inhibit their performance and even render them inoperable during a fire.
    • Vacuum them annually: If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your detectors, you’ll probably notice a collection of dust and debris in and around the unit. Excessive debris can cause detectors to malfunction. By vacuuming them once a year — a good time is when you change the batteries — you can prevent the build-up of dust.        
    • Replace them when the time comes: Most smoke detectors experience a 30 percent failure rate after 10 years of service, so upgrade all the units in your home at least once a decade.

    Top 10 Smoke Alarm Facts

    Smoke alarms may be the most essential home security feature when it comes to keeping your family safe. They provide an early warning of the presence of fire that enables everyone to get out of the house before the blaze spreads. They’re also required by law by most jurisdictions in Arizona and across the U.S.

    Here are 10 facts that will help you get the most benefit from your smoke detectors:

    1. There are two types of smoke detectors — photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric alarms are better at detecting slow-burning, smoldering fires, while the ionization version typically provides a faster response to flames. The ideal home security setup includes a combination of both types.
    2. One smoke alarm in a home is not enough to provide sufficient protection. Install one detector on each floor, as well as in hallways outside of bedrooms. Place them on the ceiling or as high up on the wall as possible.
    3. Test each alarm at least once per month. Many detectors have a button built into the unit you can press to hear if the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t, you may need to replace the battery.
    4. Speaking of batteries, replace them in all your detectors once a year. Most detector models also produce a chirping sound that indicates the battery is running low.
    5. You should replace your smoke alarms about once every 10 years. This reduces the likelihood of failure during a fire and gives you access to the latest upgrades in safety technology.
    6. Strongly consider interconnecting all your home’s smoke alarms — with an interconnected system, when one alarm detects smoke, it will cause all the others in your house to sound as well, increasing the level of protection.
    7. Carbon monoxide, an odorless, invisible, highly toxic gas, is another threat to your family’s safety. Consider installing multifunctional smoke alarms that also have carbon monoxide detection capabilities.
    8. If you plan to paint the interior of your home, be careful not to paint over your alarms. Paint can block the airflow, making it more difficult for the unit to detect the presence of smoke.
    9. Because of the importance of smoke alarms in ensuring the safety of your family, you don’t want to run the risk of an improper installation. Unless you have the necessary expertise, you should have a professional installer handle the task.
    10. Your smoke alarms should be part of a comprehensive security system that also includes central monitoring. When your alarms detect the presence of smoke, it will trigger an alert to a remote monitoring team that can immediately determine the nature of the threat and dispatch first responders to your home. Professional monitoring can also reduce the likelihood of false alarms.

    Contact Titan Alarm for More Information About Smoke Detectors

    If you own a home in the Phoenix or Tucson area, Titan Alarm, Inc. can install a state-of-the-art security system that includes smoke detection and 24/7/365 monitoring. Contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation today.

    Learn More About the Importance of Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety


    Page Updated November 1, 2018

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