The Lawhead Team would like to share the C.A.R.’s latest “One Cool Thing” to help you keep a thief from stopping at your home. 

Stop, Thief!

The FBI reports that a burglary is committed every 20 seconds, with nearly 1.6 million such crimes nationwide annually. Follow these tips to avoid burglary, especially if your house is listed for sale.

1. Maintain Your Property 

Keep walkways clear and remove holiday decorations and fallen tree branches in a timely manner to signal that the home is occupied.

 2. Assess Your Home’s Vulnerability

Walk to the curb and face your house. Ask yourself, “How would I get in if I were locked out?” The first thing you think of is exactly how a thief will get in.

3. Respect the Power of Lighting

Invest in tools that make nighttime light automation easy, such as dusk-to-dawn adapters that go into existing light fixtures and motion detectors.

4. Use Technology to Make Your Home Look Occupied

Systems that remotely control lighting, music, and appliances such as a thermostat can help make it appear like people are home, even when they’re not.

5. Yes, it Has to Be Said: LOCK YOUR DOORS

It’s amazing how many people think they live in a safe enough neighborhood not to have to lock their doors when they leave. In 30% of burglaries, the criminals access the home through an unlocked door or window.

6. Reinforce Your Locks

A good door lock is nothing without a solid frame. Invest in a solid door jam and strike plate first, and then invest in good locks.

7. Blare the Sirens

A burglar’s biggest concern is witnesses to their crime. That’s why an external siren is invaluable. Even if you don’t have an alarm. It’s not a bad idea to invest in fake security signs and post them near doors.

Source: REALTOR Magazine

Make sure your home is secure while you are on vacation with these tips from Coldwell Banker and CARFAX’s Mark Gittelman.

We’ve all experienced those unsettling thoughts a couple of hours into our vacation when we wonder if we locked all the windows and doors. Worse than that is coming home from a fantastic trip and finding out that your home was broken into. In addition to locking up, learn the home’s most vulnerable entry points, and take steps to harden those soft targets.

• A large percentage of homes have sliding glass doors facing the backyard. This affords would-be felons the privacy they desire as they work on opening this entrance. Often they gain entry by prying upward on the sliding door to disengage it from the track. Your local home improvement center will offer several solutions to this problem. However, sometimes it’s as simple as sliding the right-sized piece of wood, metal pipe or broom handle above the sliding door to prevent the upward movement needed to gain entry.
• I’m a strong believer in a full-time home security system with a contracted monitoring service. Nevertheless, this type of commitment isn’t right for everyone. With the evolution of the smartphone, some really interesting no-contract security devices have entered the marketplace. Most of these are self-monitored through downloadable apps. Basic systems come in at around $200 and can provide peace of mind without the long-term commitment.
• Laying out a little more cash will give you additional sensor coverage and advanced features that can allow you to turn on and off the interior lights. This makes it appear that someone is home and moving from room to room. In addition, these more-advanced systems can notify friends and neighbors when trouble arises, while you’re busy riding a roller coaster at Wally World. The nice part about these no-contract systems is when you return home, you can stop paying for it without penalty.
• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home and collect your mail and any delivered packages, so it’s not obvious to others that no one is home.
• Finally, for your home’s security, wait until the adventure is over to post those vacation pictures on social media.

The Lawhead Team would like to share the following tips to keep you and your family safe at home.

Bedroom – Fire

• Since smoke can further hinder visibility, keep a rechargeable flashlight plugged in by your bedside to light your way or to signal firefighters.
• Place space heaters at least one yard from anything flammable. Turn them off when you’re not in the room.
• If you live in a two-story dwelling, a rescue ladder that can attach to your windowsill adds another escape route during a fire.
• Make sure security bars on windows have quick-release mechanisms.

Childproofing

• Install window guards. They aren’t a substitute for parental supervision, but they do provide reassurance.
• Check the crib. Make sure it meets safety standards. (Request a list of recalled products from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov.)
• Keep cords away from the crib.
• Keep the crib away from windows, if possible.

Bathroom – Slips, Trips, Falls

• For extra support getting in and out of a slippery shower, attach a grab bar to your shower wall installing it into studs.
• If your tub has a slippery bottom, add nonskid decals. Make sure your bath mats are nonslip, with rubber backings.
• If standing in the shower is difficult, use a handheld shower and a shower seat to prevent injuries.

Shocks

• Keep portable heaters out of the bathroom. Water and electricity don’t mix.
• Disconnect appliances like hair dryers and curling irons after use, and stow them away only when they’re cool.

Kitchen – Fire

• Don’t leave pots unattended on the stovetop.
• Turn the handles of pots and pans inward so you’ll be less likely to knock simmering food off the stove.
• Keep a lid close to the stove to snuff out cooking fires. Don’t use water, which can spread burning grease around the kitchen.
• Keep pot holders, towels, and other flammable items away from burners.
• Use only dry oven mitts―wet ones are a scalding danger.
• In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed. If there’s a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave.

Click here to read the entire article from Real Simple for more tips to keep your home safe.

The Lawhead Team would like to share the following information from SafeWise to make your home safe for the cute ghosts and goblins this Halloween.

The Lawhead Team wishes everyone a safe and spooktacular Halloween! 

1. Secure railings
Young children, and the adults who often accompany them, will need the security and support of railings while climbing steps to get to your front door. If you’ve been putting off fixing that rickety railing, Halloween is the time to get out the toolbox and make it secure.
2. Clear walkways
Trick-or-treaters are too busy counting candy to pay close attention to where they’re walking, so it’s critical to survey your yard for potential trip and slip hazards. Be sure your yard is free of tripping hazards like hoses and sprinklers, clear walkways of loose gravel, and be sure to clean moss off steps. If your home has an irrigation system, turn the system off well in advance of the big night so your lawn and walkways have a chance to dry.
3. Avoid using candles
A glowing jack-o’-lantern makes your home warm and welcoming to candy seekers, but using a candle to illuminate a pumpkin can be dangerous. Costumes, paper decorations and ornamental straw can easily catch on fire. Instead of a traditional candle, use one powered by batteries.
4. Consider candy choices
No doubt buying Halloween candy is fun, but keep in mind that not all candy is appropriate for every child. Avoid candy that poses a choking hazard for toddlers, and keep in mind that a number of children have peanut allergies. Even if the candy doesn’t contain peanuts, it could be made in a facility that handles peanuts. Check the candy bag’s label for a peanut allergy warning.
5. Use lots of lights
A dimly lit entryway helps set the spooky mood of Halloween, but it’s also increases the chance of an accident. Make sure the exterior lights of your home are working, and consider turning on flood lights to illuminate the darkest areas of your yard. Even if you’re not going to be home, leave on lights for safety reasons and to dissuade unsavory characters from vandalizing your home. And, if you won’t be there, make sure you set your security system, just to be safe.
6. Contain your pets
Barking dogs not only scare trick-or-treaters of every age away, they also present a danger. A dog that breaks away from your home might not bite, but he could knock down a toddler or scare a teen right into the street, causing even more danger. Keep all pets securely confined inside your home until the hustle and bustle of the night has passed.
7. Don’t put out candy
Maybe you won’t be home on Halloween or perhaps it’s difficult for you to answer the door, so you’ve put out a bowl of candy for kids to help themselves. While this seems like the right thing to do, someone could taint the candy. It’s probably unlikely, but it’s definitely not worth taking the chance.
8. Make room in the garage
If you’re headed out on Halloween, clean out the garage and store your car securely in it. From teen antics to serious vehicle vandalism and theft, your car is best kept in the garage on Halloween.
9. Use discretion when opening the door
While nearly all trick-or-treaters are innocent kids out to collect as much candy as they can possibly carry, you must still be cautious of whom you open the door for. If you have an uneasy feeling about the person approaching your door, don’t open it. And as the barrage of trick-or-treaters fades to just a few here and there, it’s a good idea to stop opening the door for the night.

Source: 9 Ways to Prepare Your House for a Safe Halloween

The Lawhead Team would like to share this great article from Coldwell Banker to help keep your dog safe around your pool.

• The most important safety precaution you can take is making the time to train your dog how to swim. If you aren’t comfortable with taking on such an involved task as this, consult with an experienced dog trainer. You may also want to think about learning how to properly administer CPR to a dog in the event an accident occurs.
• A common misconception with dogs is that all breeds are natural and instinctual swimmers. Some breeds – like the Retrievers, Labradors and Setters – love the water; others like Bulldogs and Dachshunds swim as gracefully as a block of cement. And regardless of breed, all dogs have to first be properly taught how to doggy paddle – never throw a weeks old puppy into the water to learn on its own! It is extremely dangerous and can be traumatic.
• One of the biggest hurdles to getting your dog in the pool could just be getting her comfortable with the water itself. If your dog seems hesitant, it may be a good idea to use a kiddie pool to introduce the fun in a more relaxing environment.

Some of the most frequent accidents occur when a dog does not see the edge and slips into the pool. That is why it is necessary to make sure your dog is completely comfortable entering and exiting the pool using the steps and will not panic if she slips. Help your dog always identify the stairs by marking the area with a large visible object, such as a plant, to help steer her in the right direction. If your dog is unable to use the steps to your pool, there are doggy ramps that can be purchased to make that transition all the smoother. Making sure your dog takes the steps will also cut down on the damage that the cement edges of a pool can do to claws and paws.

Another concern is the surface that surrounds your pool. The health of your dog’s paws should also be in the back of your mind if she is excitable and runs around the pool for an extended period of time. Many times these surfaces are hot, damaging and can cause serious harm to a dog’s bare paws.

It is loads of fun playing fetch and watching your dog fly through the air, splashing into your pool to retrieve her favorite toy. However, you also should be taking into account the amount of water your dog is drinking while her mouth may be open holding the stick or toy on her way to the stairs to start the game all over again as too much chlorine intake can make your dog sick. At the end of your swimming session, give your dog a rinse with fresh water after she gets out to get rid of the bacteria and chemicals that may be lingering.

If your dog will be spending most of their time outside, consider investing in a pool fence to stop an accident from occurring while you are unable to supervise. If you find the idea of a pool fence unsightly, an invisible fence is a great option. When it is time to close the pool for the colder months, be sure that your pool cover does not have any openings and is secured firmly.

To read the entire article click here: http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/dog-pool-safety/

The Lawhead Team would like to share the latest “One Cool Thing” from CAR on safety when it comes to selling your home.

When selling your home, there are certain safety guidelines that should always be followed to keep yourself and others safe.

Valuables:

• Don’t forget to take your keys, credit cards, jewelry and other valuables form your home or lock them away for safety.
• Antique, rare or expensive home décor items also should be put away to avoid accidental breakage, or worse, theft.

Medications:

• Remove prescription medications from medicine cabinets and bedside tables.

Weapon:

Firearms, knives (including those in a block in the kitchen), and other weapons should be removed from sight and locked away for safety reasons.

Personal Info:

• Bills, invoices, credit card statements, mail and anything with your Social Security Number or other personal identifying information should be removed from view.
• Family photos and anything labeled with names also should be put away.

Showings:

• Do not let strangers into your home if they do not have an appointment.
• All showings should be officially scheduled in advance through either your Realtor®, their office or another Realtor® who represents the buyer for safety reasons.

Hazards:

• Protect yourself from a liability standpoint by making sure that driveway and sidewalks are free of ice and debris.
• Also make sure all pets are secured at all times.
• Do everything in your power to ensure a prospective buyer is not in danger.

A safe home means knowing what to do in an emergency situation, having a meeting place for you and your family, and being able to stay calm.

Below are some tips from The Lawhead Team to keep your home safe from intruders and dangerous situations:

• Do not post on a social media sites your house will be empty for any period of time. This puts your home and valuables in jeopardy.
• Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms have batteries and are in working order so your family can get out of the home safe in the event of a fire or gas leak.
• Know where your fire extinguisher, gas shut off value, main water shut-off, and electricity turn off is located.
• Make sure windows and doors can be locked correctly so you can keep your home safe when you are there and when you are out.
• Keep your car keys on your night stand while you sleep that way if you hear something suspicious at night, push panic on your car alarm to scare off a potential threat.
• Consider planting thorny bushes below ground floor windows. You should also keep bushes and trees trimmed down to eliminate any hiding spaces they may create in which an intruder can stay hidden.
• Have a trusted neighbor keep an eye out for your house and do the same for them. This is a great way to keep your home and valuables safe while you are out.
• Stay safe by installing lights with timers on them all around your home. Intruders don’t want to be visible.
• Form a neighborhood watch to keep your home and neighbors’ home safe.