SUMMER 2002   

 

INSIDE this ISSUE..............

 | Tips for Reducing False Alarms | The DO's and DONT's of travel |
| Protect Yourself from the SUMMER sun! | Summer Storm Season Approaches |
| Security Success Stories | Computer Security Tips | Contact Us |

This email newsletter can be seen in its entirety at URSecure.com.
 

 

Welcome to the 6th online issue of the The Security Seeker Newsletter. The Security Seeker offers security advice, statistics and stories.  If you find this email interesting, forward it to a friend and keep your friends secure, too!   
  
 

Tips for Reducing False Alarms!
 

One of the highest priorities of your central station is helping you reduce false alarms.  Download our Tips for Reducing False Alarms to share with system users later or view and print the tips below at URSecure.com's False Alarm Page!

  • Request thorough training so you are comfortable 
    using and maintaining your system. 

  • Keep simple operating procedures handy. 

  • Everyone who has a key to your home or business 
    must know how to operate your security system. 

  • Instruct and remind visiting relatives, kids returning 
    from school, etc. how to use your system. 

  • Be comfortable with how much time you have to arm 
    and disarm your system. Increase alarm system 
    "delays" to match you needs

  • Request that all power consuming devices be 
    point identified. 

  • Service and maintain system regularly before 
    false alarms occur. 

  • Before leaving - securely close and lock all protected 
    doors and windows.

  • Make sure all doors and windows stay closed whenever 
    your system is armed.

  • Keep pets, fans, heaters, balloons, etc. away from 
    motion sensor areas. 

  • Contact your alarm company if you are planning 
    any home improvements. 

  • Contact the alarm company and tell them of any 
    changes in your telephone service (call waiting or fax 
    line) or if you get a new area code.

  • Contact your alarm company as soon as you obtain 
    a new pet. 

  • Have all alarm system users practice the process 
    to cancel an accidental alarm. 

  • When a false alarm occurs - Don't Panic! Enter your 
    disarm code carefully to reset your alarm. 

  • If you set off your alarm by accident do not leave until 
    you are certain that either your system is reset or your
    central station calls you and you give your pass or ID 
    code (this is different from you disarming code). 

  • Understand that every time your alarm goes off, it is like 
    calling 911.  If you don't understand any aspect of your 
    system, ask your dealer. 
    
 

Travelers Tips & Prohibited Items 
DO’s and DONT's for Travel
 

Traveling in the summertime with the current airport security environments can be troubling and generally difficult overall. Here are some Do's and Don't when traveling at airports across the nation:

DO's
Do: Allow extra time, arrive early and be patient as the federalization of security at the airports continues.
Do: Be vigilant for suspicious activity and report it to authorities.
Do: Keep your baggage with you at all times. Review the guidelines for what you CAN take in your carry-on luggage.
Do: Bring a government-issued photo ID. (If you have photo identification for your children, please bring those as well.) Also, bring your ticket or a print-out of your itinerary for your E-ticket.
Do: Prepare your children for the security checkpoints. Advise your children that all bags and toys must go through the X-ray machine. Leave toys at home that could be mistaken for weapons. (For more guidelines for traveling with children, click here.)
Do: It is recommended that while in line at the checkpoint, please remove your cell phone and pager, take out your keys and change, and put all of them into your carry-on bag. This will save time when you arrive at the metal detector. If we all do this, it will save time for other travelers waiting in line.

DONT's
Don’t: Carry weapons: guns or knives in your carry-on luggage.
Don’t: Carry prohibited objects like scissors, pocket-knives, mace, and corkscrews. (For more prohibited items, click here.)
Don’t: Joke about terrorism, weapons, or firearms while in the airports or threaten or appear to threaten passenger screeners. All remarks like will be taken seriously. This could lead to arrest, fines, or at the very least, missing your flight.

Information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration. http://www.tsa.dot.gov/workingwithtsa/travel.htm

 

    
 

Protect yourself from the summer sun!
 

Surely by now we don't still have to talk to you about wearing sunscreen, right? No matter what kind of sun and warm-weather lover you are, there's a myriad of health problems associated with overexposure. Follow these common-sense ideas.

  • Wear sunscreen of at least 15 when you head outdoors.

  • Try and stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its peak.

  • Wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun.

  • Drink water before you head outside and while you are outdoors to prevent heatstroke.

  • If you begin to feel dizzy, can't sweat or get chills in the heat, go indoors and cool off to prevent heatstroke.

 
   
 

Summer Storm Season Approaches 
 

Americans are world-renowned for always being on the move. If you're moving from the snowy Northeast to earthquake-prone Southern California, you'll need to quickly prepare yourself for a whole new set of natural disasters. Use this guide to make sure you know about: floods, snowstorms, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and more. 


Tornadoes
Tornadoes can cause property damage far beyond Tornado Alley. Because they develop quickly, it's important to know how to react before a tornado strikes. Tornado season lasts from March through August, but storms can hit any time of year. The United States has an average of 100,000 thunderstorms each year, with 1,000 tornadoes developing from these storms, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you live in the Midwest, Southwest or Southeast, select an area of the home to serve as shelter in case of a tornado. Don't open windows. It's a common misconception that opening windows during a tornado equalizes pressure and helps minimize damage, but all it really does is to let dangerous winds enter the building.

Hurricanes
Hurricanes strike coastal areas from Texas to Maine, but severe weather related to hurricanes can extend several hundred miles inland. The storms have winds ranging from 74 to 160 mph, and often produce flooding and tornadoes. Be prepared to drive as much as 50 miles inland to find a safe place. The hurricane season is from June 1 through Nov. 30, with most occurring in August and September. Besides Gulf- and Atlantic-coast states, Hawaii is vulnerable to hurricanes. When a hurricane approaches, protect windows by covering them with shutters or plywood. Turn refrigerator controls to the coldest setting and avoid opening the refrigerator door. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances. Gather important documents and valuables and place them in a waterproof container on the highest level of the home. No matter where you live, you can ride out most any storm by taking the time to map out a plan and prepare for the worst. 


Floods
Floods can hit all 50 states and develop at any time. Cities and towns in low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a dam are especially at risk. The National Weather Service estimates flooding causes $4 billion in property damage in the United States annually.

To find out if your new home is in an area prone to flooding, call the local National Weather Service office or Red Cross chapter. Consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program as flood damage is not covered by homeowner's insurance.

 

Seven Simple Computer Security Tips
for Small Business and Home Computer Users
   
  • Use strong passwords. Choose passwords that are difficult or impossible to guess. Give different passwords to all accounts.
  • Make regular backups of critical data. Backups must be made at least once each day. Larger organizations should perform a full backup weekly and incremental backups every day. At least once a month the backup media should be verified.
  • Use virus protection software. That means three things: having it on your computer in the first place, checking daily for new virus signature updates, and then actually scanning all the files on your computer periodically.
  • Use a firewall as a gatekeeper between your computer and the Internet. Firewalls are usually software products. They are essential for those who keep their computers online through the popular DSL and cable modem connections but they are also valuable for those who still dial in.
  • Do not keep computers online when not in use. Either shut them off or physically disconnect them from Internet connection.
  • Do not open e-mail attachments from strangers, regardless of how enticing the Subject Line or attachment may be. Be suspicious of any unexpected e-mail attachment from someone you do know because it may have been sent without that person’s knowledge from an infected machine.
  • Regularly download security patches from your software vendors.

Consult www.nipc.gov for more information.

    
 

SECURITY SUCCESS STORIES
 

A Grandmother's life SAVED!

A home in Hawaii recently suffered an electrical fire in the middle of the night. Your central station operators received the signal and immediately dispatched the police. Although the house suffered some significant damage, the quick response of the operator helped to save the life a 97-year old Great grandmother.  Following central station procedure, the operator called the premise after dispatching the fire department. After numerous rings, the operator finally woke the occupant, giving her enough time to evacuate the premises.

And that's another success story from your central station.

Do you have a success story you would like to share with your central station and other security minded people?
Send us an email and let us know!

 
 
 

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

The Security Seeker is a customer service publication designed for security-minded consumers.  If you have any questions or suggestions of how we might better service your security needs or have a success story you would like to submit for consideration, please contact Editor Peter Prestipino at (773) 725-0222 or (800) 827-3624, ext. 6033. Visit our web site: www.ursecure.com.