Holiday Safety Tips

Having a happy holiday means keeping the things we cherish and love, safe and secure this season. Unfortunately, many of us live in a community where two distinctly different occurrences can happen. One, we let our “security guard down” while shopping, traveling, vacationing, attending events, visiting relatives and family or just plain enjoying the holiday season. Two, we take for granted that the homes we leave unattended will remain safe through the holiday season. These two factors are important because the last thing on our minds this time of the year is thinking about precautions to avoid something from occurring that would ruin our holiday spirit. December is the biggest month for home and business burglary, car hi-jackings, break-ins and thefts of all types and degrees of severity. While we’re enjoying the season, criminals are taking advantage of our good cheer and opportunities the holidays present. ESI, Emergency Systems Inc. one of Florida’s largest office, business and high-end residential security companies. We believe that keeping your employees, customers, and family safe and your property free from mishap and mayhem should be your biggest concern.  Here are ESI’s great holiday tips to keep everybody safe this holiday season.

ESI’s Holiday Tip #1

Soft Targets are what criminals refer to as easy prey, and a parked car at a shopping mall and in downtown areas might just contain Christmas gifts, even if they can’t be seen in the driver’s compartment. Actually, it is easier to break-in to a trunk of a car than it is to gain access through the doors. Most shopping areas provide limited protection from vehicle break-ins and whether the car is equipped with an alarm or not, passive or active, cars are still subjected to break-ins when valuables are left in sight. While shopping, it is a good idea to place your valuables in the trunk, then on the back seat or on the passenger’s floor. If you return to your car and place articles in it, look around and make sure you are not being seen by someone ready to steal them. Always be aware of any individuals in your immediate surroundings. Hopefully these shopping areas step-up security measures around the holidays and report any suspicious behavior to police. Remember, the vehicle and family you protect, maybe your own…

      ESI’s Holiday Tip #2

Today, more and more money is being spent on the internet because it is such a convenient way to shop. Unfortunately, all of those purchases have to be delivered by mail or delivery service and items arrive at all different times of the day and night. In most cases, these items are left in un-protected areas where criminals have access to them. Even with someone home, many a present was stolen and items bound for the Christmas tree were lost.  ESI provides security surveillance video cameras and CCTV.  We even carry the new “Verified Alarm Monitoring” devices that are very effective in protecting your delivered valuables. In the event, a crook tries to steal a package, these security devices will aid police in apprehending the perpetrators. ESI recommends that if you have a very valuable item delivered, coordinate the delivery time with someone home to sign for it. Always be aware of strangers walking or riding around in your neighborhood that do not look familiar. Never approach someone you suspect of foul play.  Call the non-emergency police help-line and let them know you suspect something is wrong.

    ESI’s Holiday Tip #3

If you do receive valuable packages never leave empty, identifiable, boxes out until garbage day. Crooks love to know what items have been bought for Christmas and your house could become a target if they have the knowledge you have items of value. Flatten and stack all cardboard boxes so they cannot be easily identified.

    ESI’s Holiday Tip #4

When leaving your home, always leave indoor and outside lights on a timer, so that the dwelling looks occupied. If you have more than one car, leave a car in the driveway. If criminals suspect someone is home guarding the house you have less of a chance being broken into. With a Smart Security System from ESI, you can turn lights on and off, control your thermostat, turn the alarm off and on at will and even use an ESI, Z-Wave security feature to automate your outdoor Christmas lights for extra safety precautions.

ESI’s Holiday Tip #5

Christmas trees, artificial or live can become a fire hazard. Using LED bulbs will reduce the risk of fire because they do not get hot. Live Christmas trees should have plenty of water keeping them moist, reducing the risk of drying out. Never leave your Christmas tree lights on for extended periods of time especially all night when you are asleep.  ESI has proven security systems that allow you to turn the Christmas tree lights off every night. If you forget to turn off the tree before you leave, you can simply use our Virtual Keypad App to turn them off from anywhere.

ESI’s Holiday Tip #6

Inspect your wood-burning fireplace chimney every year to ensure it is safe and free of debris. Never burn pinewood as it can build up sediment that can re-ignite. Chimneys should be free of sediment at all times.

Why Choose ESI as your Security Company

 Nothing can ruin a criminal’s day more than getting caught stealing something. Nothing can ruin a criminal day more than seeing a business, office, commercial property or a private dwelling protected by a sign that says “Protected and Monitored by ESI”. We protect 1000’s of homes and properties all around Florida. Our award-winning “smart security systems” are affordable security shields that offer maximum protection during this and every season. Wireless devices can even stop the most ingenious crooks. Having an affordable home security system is a necessity these days. The perfect way to stop thieves from gaining access to the home or office. You can take advantage of the security specials going on now at Florida’s Security Headquarters. Visit our website @GetESI.com and see all of the special products and features we carry, built by the world’s leading security manufacturers. Call us at 904 388 3975 and have a professionally trained and knowledgeable security technician answer your questions, offer a free on-site inspection and devise a security shield you can be confident in for years to come… Happy Holidays from the folks at ESI. Emergency Systems Inc. Your Security Company for over 40 years.