Tips: Be Prepared For Wildfire Season

  • Jul 10, 2009

It’s that time of year again when outdoor temperatures rise and the threat of fires are at their highest, posing a risk to you and your family’s safety and security. However, recognizing the hazards and knowing proper fire safety procedures can assist in keeping the disastrous results of a fire at bay. Universal Protection Service gives you the following tips to help ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

  • Clean up the debris: remove vegetation around all structures and trim trees so branches are six feet from the ground and 10 feet from your chimney. Remove branches hanging over your roof and clear any dead leaves or needles from gutters.
  • Regularly inspect utility closets, electrical panels, and other areas where fires commonly start. Store chemicals such as paint, aerosol cans and oil in proper containers and away from the sides of your home or entryways.
  • Never attempt to trim trees near power lines yourself -- call your utility company to do the job for you.
  • Ensure your power tools have spark arresters, and do yard work early in the morning to avoid the sun’s heat and accidental ignition. As a preventative measure, consider landscaping with fire-resistant plants.
  • Improperly maintained equipment is useless: test smoke detectors often and change their batteries frequently. Also inspect fire extinguishers and make sure they’re conveniently placed.
  • Important documents, such as birth certificates, insurance policies and bonds, should always be stored in fireproof safes.
  • Use caution around open flames and heat sources: keep your candles in contained visible areas and flammable objects, such as potholders or dishtowels, away from cooking equipment.
  • If you see a damaged or frayed cord replace it immediately; regularly put your hand near electrical outlets to check for excess heat and always unplug appliances when not in use.
  • Create an evacuation plan: teach your children the “stop, drop, and roll” rule and hold family drills to practice escape routes everyone will take in the event of a fire.
  • Design a family communication strategy: make sure everyone in the family knows where to meet and who to call in the event you become separated from one another.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.