The Garage Plan Shop Blog

It is no secret the fall and winter holidays are fast approaching. It is a time when homes are filled with family and friends, overnight guests, sparkling lights, festive decorations, holiday trees, and tasty meals and treats. Many of us look forward to good times and special holiday moments, but this combination often comes with a risk. For example, the US Fire Administration reports structure fires increase during the winter holiday season and the dollar loss per fire is 34% greater than normal. Take some time to review the countless safety articles, holiday tips and other safety information that is available before the decorating and festivities begin. Doing your part to keep your family and home safe during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays will ensure enjoyment for all.

Source: www.safetyathome.com

Tags: holiday season, holiday tips, home safety, safety tips

Security for a detached garage plan is often overlooked, but it is important to note that a detached garage is a great target for vandals and thieves. Whether you actually store your cars in your detached garage or not, it is very likely your garage holds plenty of other expensive tools and equipment that may be of interest to potential burglars. Below are eight tips to help you keep your detached garage and everything inside it safe and secure.

1.    Make sure your garage door is in good working condition, take care of any garage door repair needs before it is too late. Check the garage door for cracks, loose panels, broken window panes and other damaged areas. If you need to get your doors repaired, you may hire a garage door repair company for garage door repair services as soon as possible before someone discovers these weak points and pries the garage door open.

2.    Lock doors and windows when you are not in the garage. Hiring a topnotch commercial locksmith to provide you with quality locks on all doors and windows will deter potential break-ins. You may also want to consider creating more sustainable window replacement like window replacement dallas that can give you energy efficient window which plays an important role in decreasing your energy bill.

3.    Lock the garage door from the inside. Criminals are getting smarter. Even with a quality garage door opener, criminals can still get in your garage by rolling the door up with a little effort. If your door was damaged, you’d better get that garage door opener repair done by professionals. If your garage door has locks, use them.

4.    Never leave your garage door open if it isn’t necessary, even if you are home. An open garage door easily displays your garage and all the contents inside to anyone traveling along your street so they know what valuables you have inside. A passer-by might see something he or she wants, such as a new bike or your prized motorcycle, and come back to steal it. Keeping the garage door closed also deters vandals. If someone looking to “have a good time” spots your sparkling ski boat or a restored vehicle in the garage, the open garage door just gave them an invitation to come back later and ransack the garage and damage your valuable possessions inside. Install Mesa Tint if you have windows for more privacy.

5.    Do not leave the garage door cracked for ventilation. Even the slightest crack at the bottom of the garage door provides an opportunity for break-ins. When you decide to get your garage door serviced, you must ensure that you hire a Garage Door Repair Rochester Hills company that has years of experience in dealing with garage doors.

6.    Use outdoor lighting and security cameras to deter criminals and thieves. Burglars know most detached garages are unoccupied at night. Since the detached garage is not connected to the home, it is easy to break-in and not be noticed. Lighting and security cameras will make potential burglars think twice. Do you need a permanent security screen? Starline Security screens and films offers high-quality fixed security screens that are easy to install over existing windows. Don’t miss out! You may also browse this site https://www.deepsentinel.com/wireless-specs/ for other security camera options.

7.    Stealing garage door openers out of cars is becoming a growing problem. Keep your call locked at all times even if you are in the house or the backyard. If you discover your garage door opener has been taken from your car change the frequency and code to your garage door opener immediately.

8.     If you have a home security system like fire alarm systems for your home, consider adding the security system to you detached garage as well.

Homeowners often overlook the security of their detached garage. Following these tips from The Garage Plan Shop will help make your garage and the things inside it safe and secure.

Tags: Detached Garage Plans, detached garages, garage security, garage security tips, home safety, safety tips, security tips

The holidays are quickly approaching. If you are like the rest of us, you are busy preparing for holiday get-togethers and dinner parties, mailing holiday greeting cards, finishing up your shopping list and planning visits to family and friends. But something else should be on your “to-do” list that probably isn’t. Home safety. While we are focused on celebrating on the joys of the season, burglars are watching and waiting. During the holiday season, many of us get caught up in the festivities and let our guard down when it comes home safety making it an opportune time for burglars to strike when we least expect it. Below are seven tips to help protect your home, family and belongings during the holiday season.

1. • Whether you’re home all day, on an errand to the store or out for town for the week, be sure to keep all windows and doors locked. This includes the garage door and service door between the garage and the home. Burglars know the holiday season is an opportune time for breaking-in, as many homes have extra valuables inside, not to mention extra cash on hand, and homeowners are often away from their homes. Locked doors and windows deter potential break-ins. In addition, you might want to consider hiring security guard services to monitor your area 24/7 and to avoid break-ins.

1. • When you change your home’s décor from its everyday styling to holiday themed decorating, keep it simple and modest. Expensive and showy holiday decorations and elaborate light displays are a signal to criminals there may be plenty of valuables inside your home. In addition, do not leave wrapped gifts under the tree in full view from exterior windows. These are an invitation to burglars to break-in when you aren’t home. Keep wrapped gifts stashed away in closets and storage spaces until the last minute. If you notice a strong smell of fuel around your furnace, an odor that appears suddenly, or a scent that doesn’t go away over time, you may have a furnace problem, click to learn more. Why is there a furnace burning smell occurring? Burning smells aren’t always hazardous or cause immediate concern, especially if you only started it back up after a long time. If the smell persists, you should call an HVAC technician to run an inspection. You can also go to https://www.eheatcool.com/services/heating/furnaces/maintenance/ for SE Portland furnace maintenance!
     

1. • Be sure your home is well-lit inside and out and the yard is well-groomed. Not only does this add to curb appeal, but it is an important safety measure. The more lighting you have inside your home and in your yard (including along sidewalks and around the garage), the less dark places for thieves to lurk and hide at night. Likewise, follow the 3 foot/6 foot rule when it comes to trees and shrubs in your yard. Trim bushes down to no more than three feet tall and trim trees up at least six feet off the ground minimizing hiding places for criminals. This also provides a clear view of your home from the street. 

1. • If you plan to travel out of town this holiday season, only mention your trip to the people who absolutely need to know you’ll be gone. Furthermore, do not mention you’ll be traveling on any of the social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter. If a potential criminal discovers you’ll be gone, it won’t take much legwork to find your address and know just when to break-in your home. 

1. • In addition, do not mention or discuss valuable holiday gifts via social media. A post like, “Got a new sound system for the home theater for X-mas,” becomes common knowledge instantly. If a criminal happens upon this information, all he or she will have to do now is watch your house and wait for you to leave. Within minutes, that new sound system will not be yours any longer.  

1. • • If you do not use social media, do not think you are exempt from the risk of burglary. As soon as you put the empty boxes and packaging from your new sound system in the trash can or next to it at the curb, you’ll be telling the whole neighborhood and all the passers-by that you have something valuable in your home. Use caution when throwing away packaging from “big ticket” gifts. Burglars know what to look for and some even cruise streets and neighborhoods looking for boxes, cartons and trash signaling valuable gifts inside a home. As soon as you leave your house, your new sound system is as good as gone. Instead of throwing away all of the packaging or the entire box at one time, break it down or cut it into smaller pieces. Recycle or dispose of the smaller pieces a little bit at a time so not to attract attention.   
   • If you have plans to travel this holiday season, take advantage of a home security system if possible. If you already have one, you are in good shape. However, if you do not have a security system and can afford one, considering having it installed as soon as possible. If you do not have a security system and cannot afford one, take a few smaller steps like replacing your regular gate with an automatic gate. You may also consider installing security gates. Install motion sensor lights along walkways, porches and driveways. Solar lights work well too, as you won’t have to manually turn them on or off. Inside, set your lights and TVs on timers. Have them turn on in various parts of the home at different times of the day. Consider asking a trusted neighbor to park in your driveway intermittently while you are away. Also ask a neighbor to collect mail and newspapers or stop these services until you return home. It is a good idea to notify your local police department as well and request a car drive past your home periodically while you are out of town. If you ask a neighbor to park in your driveway, identify the vehicle to the police.

As you look forward to celebrating the holiday season, The Garage Plan Shop recommends you add these home safety precautions to your holiday “to-do” list protecting your home, family and belongings.

Tags: holiday home safety, holiday safety, holidays, home safety, protecting your home, safety tips