Adding Value by Dennis O'Hagan

13 THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

There are some really great tips here:  The best are near the end.

13 THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

I am particularly interested in the part about the wasp spray...

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at http://www.faketv/.com/%29

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:
1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs http://www.crimedoctor.com/ and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Protection for you and your home:
If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you.
WASP SPRAY
A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection... Thought this was interesting and might be of use.

FROM ANOTHER SOURCE:

On the heels of a break-in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self-defense experts have a tip that could save your life.

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School. For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."

Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray.

"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out." Maybe even save a life.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr.'s office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

P.S.
I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone.

Please pass this on even IF you've read it before.  It's a great reminder. 

SAFETY - SMOKE DETECTORS...

According to Today's Texas Standards of Practice, smoke detectors should be installed near the ceiling in bedrooms and each adjacent hallway. There should also be one at each story of the home, one in the kitchen and one in the garage.

 

In newer homes, the smoke detectors are interconnected so that if one goes off, they all go off. Often in older homes, they are not interconnected and go off independently. 

 

Every smoke detector on the market today also has a battery backup. It is important to keep fresh batteries in smoke detectors so that when the electric service fails, your home's smoke detectors are still on the job. Batteries should be replaced at least annually.

 

Smoke detectors have a test button so that they can be tested insuring they work and that the battery backup is in good shape.

 

Smoke detectors are not expensive and are easily installed by most homeowners by following the manufacturers instructions. Prices range from about $12 to $30.

Holiday Safety Tips...

Gift Wrap

• Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can cause a fire if near flame.
• Do not burn gift wrap paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.  
• Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.

Food Safety

• Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.
• Wash your hands frequently, and never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it.
• Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separately, and use separate utensils when preparing them.
• Thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the counter top.
  Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours.  

Holiday Lights
 

• Before decorating, check all light sets for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or cracked insulation. If you find any defects, replace the entire set.
• All outdoor cords, plugs and sockets must be weatherproof. Keep electrical connections off the ground, and make sure wiring is kept clear of drainpipes and railings to prevent any risk of shock.
• Don't overload your electrical circuits. Circuits in older homes carry a maximum of 1800 watts each.
• Remember that hot bulbs can ignite dry tree branches. To avoid disaster, keep trees well watered and keep extension cords and light strings away from the water. For safety's sake, light your tree only when you are at home and awake to enjoy it.
• Don't mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire insulation. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples--don't use nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.    

HOME SAFETY - Dryer Ventilation and Exhaust

Keep your dryer lint screen clean. This is the extent that a majority of households go to in order to upkeep their dryer ventilation and exhaust. Some of us may go a step further and look behind the dryer from time to time, most likely when we are already searching for a sock that has fallen behind it. Even when our dryer does not dry clothes like it used to, we just chalk it up as being old and worn out. What you may not know, is that your poorly performing dryer may be a symptom of a much more dangerous and destructive problem. So, don't rush out and by that new dryer just yet. A poorly ventilating dryer exhaust could be the culprit.

Improperly installed dryer exhaust can cause many issues within your home which go well past your laundry room. It is estimated that almost 16,000 house fires a year are related to poor dryer ventilation. Our dryers release hot air and some lint through the back and into the wall via an exhaust hose. This is where the first and most easily fixable problem can occur. When a dryer is installed, it is important to attach the hose from the dryer to the wall with no more than two bends; and, the hose should be as short as possible. This will help prevent the build up of lint. It should also be noted that the hose should have a smooth inner lining and be made of metal. Ribbed hoses or easily crushable plastic hosing can restrict airflow which will also lead to lint build up, and ultimately an overheating dryer. This can lead to the backed lint being ignited by the high temps of the stressed out dryer. Dryer lint burns extremely fast, turning your dryer exhaust system into a fire that can spread quickly along its path. A simple solution beyond the proper installation of the ventilation hose would be to clean the duct on a regular basis, as well as, the area around your dryer. Not only will this help with safety, but your dryer will operate more efficiently. Dryers are one of the top users of energy in the home; so, that means money back in your pocket.

The issue of dryer ventilation goes beyond your laundry room, however. After the duct is terminated into the wall, exhaust piping will continue either up to, and out an exhaust hood on your roof, or under your home and out a wall damper to the outside of your home. The key here is to ensure that the air is terminated all the way to the outside of the home. If not, that same combustible lint will be spreading into your attic, crawl spaces and/or interior walls. The other end of the spectrum is the risk of mold, mildew, and interior damage to your home. Dryers release the hot, yet damp air from your drying clothes into the exhaust ducts. Again, if not properly terminated to the exterior of the home, this damp air is released into the walls, attics and underneath the home. Beyond the mildew issues, poor air quality can occur in the home and even lead to illness.

An extreme, yet true example of home damage caused by improper dryer ventilation recently took place right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A local contractor was inspecting a flooring issue in a 3000-plus square foot home. This is an older home with a pier and beam foundation, which creates a crawl space under the home. Upon deeper inspection, the contractor discovered the beams supporting the sub-flooring were rotting so bad that he could push a screw driver into them like "a soft stick of butter". The cause was an exhaust duct from the dryer that had become disconnected some 20, or so, years ago. The moist air and lint had built up under the home, leading to the decay of the wood under the home. The home owner was faced with two choices; replace the beams and flooring in the entire home at a cost near $200,000; or, tear down and rebuild. After discussing it with the builder, they decided the best option was to rebuild. A small problem with a simple solution created the perfect storm, which ultimately led to the complete destruction of a home. Crazy, but true!

Of the 80 percent of homes in the U.S. with dryers, almost 70 percent are estimated to have improperly installed dryer exhaust and ventilation. While to most of us, this may not seem like a big problem, tens of thousands a year learn the hard way that it can be. With some simple maintenance and inspection, there is no reason why you have to be one of them.

For more information about this blog or to schedule a home inspection contact Keith Boggs at 214-923-7304 or www.spi-guy.com

Safety tips and small home repairs program help residents during heat wave...

Texas is facing the most significant heat wave since the summer of 1980. Excessively hot weather can be dangerous or even deadly. If you do not have access to air conditioning, the Salvation Army, 600 Wilson Creek Pkwy., offers a cool place to visit Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 
The McKinney Fire Department offers the following tips for hot weather survival:

• Never leave a person or an animal in a closed, parked vehicle. The inside temperature of a vehicle can climb to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes.
• Drink at least 5 to 7 ounces of cool water every 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• Check frequently on family, friends and neighbors who are elderly, ill, or may be in need of assistance. 
• Click here for more tips

If your home needs energy-efficiency or minor repairs, the City of McKinney offers eligible homeowners Minor Repair Assistance through its Housing Rehabilitation Program. This city-wide program offers repairs up to $12,000 on replacement or repair of an air conditioner, plumbing, electrical, windows or other minor repairs necessary to improve safe living conditions and energy efficiency. The program is funded through the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).   
 
For more information, contact Christine Lawton at 972-547-2663 or stop by the Community Services Department at 314 S. Chestnut St

Tips for a Safe and Happy July 4th

However you celebrate, we hope you'll stay safe. Nobody wants to ruin a holiday with a trip to the ER! Here are some tips for having a great time, no matter what you're planning:

Picnics
Grilling out? To avoid contamination, don't take cooked food off the grill and put it back on the same platter that held raw meat or chicken. Serve your burgers or ribs right away, or keep them hot (at least 140° F), so bacteria won't multiply. Keep cold foods in a cooler chilled to 40° F or below.  

Fireworks
Fireworks are fun, but they're not toys. Adults should supervise their use, and small children shouldn't handle them at all. Did you know that even sparklers can burn at 2000° F? That's hot enough to melt some metals. If you're using fireworks at home, keep a garden hose or bucket of water at hand, and never pick up a firework that failed to go off. Some states prohibit fireworks, so check with local authorities before you light up. 

Boating
You can't beat a beautiful day on the water, but be smart and have everyone in your party don a life vest before leaving the dock. If an accident happens, you may not have time to find vests that are stowed away. Sadly, operator error accounts for 70% of boating accidents, so visit the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety site to learn about taking a safety course. 

Pets
Fluffy and Fido may get frightened when the fireworks start booming, so place them in a quiet, secure spot before launch time (hiding under the bed is okay, if that's where they feel safe). In case they become excited and overheated, make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water to drink. The holiday should be fun for our furry friends, too. 

Fireworks Prohibited Within City Limits of McKinney

The McKinney Fire Department urges residents to enjoy fireworks safely this Fourth of July by attending local sanctioned fireworks shows like the Red, White and BOOM! celebration, presented by trained professionals who adhere to strict safety codes. Possession, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited within the city limits of McKinney and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Illegal fireworks include anything designed to produce a visible and audible effect by ignition with a match or other heat-producing device. Sparklers, fire crackers and roman candles are examples of illegal fireworks. Fireworks found within the city limits of McKinney will be immediately confiscated, and violators could be fined up to $2,000 for each offense.

National agencies reported nine deaths, more than 7,000 people injured and an estimated 9,000 hospital emergency room treated injuries in the U.S. from 2008 to 2009. The age groups most affected were children ages 5 to 9 and teens ages 15 to 19. Sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for 32 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries in 2009. In 2008, there were more than 22,500 fires reported to have been started by fireworks resulting in almost $ 42 million dollars in direct property damage and almost 3 times that in indirect damages.

“Fireworks safety is not a supervision issue. A fireworks injury happens in the blink of an eye, whether or not a parent or other responsible adult is present. The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals. Celebrate Independence Day safely at Red, White and BOOM!,” said McKinney Fire Marshal John Nickles.

Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 972-547-2879 for more information on fireworks safety or visit www.mckinneyfire.org.

Click It or Ticket - Be sure to buckle-up...

With Memorial Day weekend and the summer driving season on the horizon, it’s more important than ever for Texans to keep themselves and each other safe on the road. That’s why the McKinney Police Department is joining forces once again with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and law enforcement agencies across Texas to ticket drivers and passengers who aren’t wearing their safety belts during this year’s Click It or Ticket campaign.

This year the McKinney Police Department will participate in the campaign May 23 through June 4. The Texas Department of Transportation’s 10th annual Click It or Ticket spring campaign kicks off this week with good news—Texans are buckling up more than ever, and thousands have been “saved by the belt.”

Before the Click It or Ticket campaign began in Texas in 2002, only 76.1 percent of the state’s population was buckling up. According to the Texas Transportation Institute, nearly 94 percent of drivers and passengers now buckle up. Experts at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimate that this increase over the past 10 years has resulted in 2,843 fewer traffic fatalities, 48,000 fewer serious injuries, and a savings to the state of more than $10 billion in associated costs.

Despite an overall downward trend in fatalities between 2003 and 2009, traffic crashes remain the leading cause of death for those between one and 44 years of age in Texas. In 2009 in Texas, more than 3,000 people died in fatal collisions on Texas streets and highways, and just under half were not buckled up. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent, and in pickups, that number increases to 60 percent, due to the fact that pickup trucks are more likely to roll over in a crash than passenger cars.

Fines for failing to fasten your seat belt can add up to $250, plus court costs. It’s not just drivers that must buckle up—state law also requires passengers in the front and back seat to buckle up.

Visit www.texasclickitorticket.com for more information.

The Dallas Area Chapter wants to help you Be Red Cross Ready. By completing three simple steps, you and your family can be prepared for the unexpected.

These 3 Actions could save your life:

1.  Get A Kit - Every family should have at least 3 days worth of supplies on hand in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit.
Learn how to build your own kit or purchase one online.

2.  Make A Plan - Talk with your family and come up with a communication and evacuation plan so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. 

3.  Be Informed - Make sure you know about the disasters and emergencies that could potentially effect you.  Learn first aid and CPR so that you have the skills and confidence to help when someone in your home, your neighborhood or workplace is injured.

For more information visit the American Red Cross McKinney Branch at 1450 Redbud Blvd., McKinney, TX 75069 or call 972.562.0601.

Hidden Danger...

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 170 people die every year in the U.S. from carbon monoxide (CO) produced by generators, fireplaces, water heaters, furnaces and similar products.

Since people can't see or smell CO, many people who are exposed to it are completely unaware. Mild symptoms from exposure to CO range from flu-like symptoms (minus the fever) to more severe exposure, which can lead to confusion, loss of muscular coordination, unconsciousness, and even death!

So, what should you do? The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home – even the basement. Detectors should be located within 10 feet of bedroom doors, and if you have an attached garage, there should be one near it or in the room over it. Finally, detectors should be replaced every five to six years.

Here are a few important tips to help you avoid exposure to CO:

• Never ever operate the above mentioned fuel burning appliances without proper instructions.
• Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm that has gone off.
• Never leave a car running in the garage.
• Have your chimneys and flues checked regularly by an inspector.
• Always perform a consumer test per the carbon monoxide detector's manual to ensure that the device is working.

For more information, visit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission Website.