Securing your home against burglary

March 6, 2021

Make your home safer—and get insurance discounts, too

Burglars won’t find your home an easy target if it’s well lit and features security measures that slow them down. Don’t let your home be an easy mark for theft and vandalism. Protect yourself and your belongings—and save on insurance premiums—by employing commonsense safety precautions.

Check your home for security weaknesses and correct them

Research shows that if it takes a thief more than four or five minutes to break into a home, he or she will go elsewhere. Take the time to “case” your house or apartment just as a burglar would and consider these steps to make it more crime-resistant, especially at points of easiest entry.

Install simple security devices. Padlocks, door and window locks, grates, bars and bolts can increase the amount of time it takes to break into your home. Make sure the elements you already have in place are working properly.
Invest in a burglar alarm. The most effective ones also ring at an outside service.
Invest in security cameras. Cover key entry points and mount out of easy reach to deter tampering, these tell burglars that someone is watching.
Trade a bit of privacy for added security. Trim trees and shrubs near doors and windows and think carefully before installing a high, wooden fence around your back yard. High fences and shrubbery can add to your privacy, but can also be an asset to a burglar.
Shine a light. Force any would-be burglar out of the shadows. Exterior lights and motion detectors, mounted out of easy reach, can reduce the darkness shielding a would-be burglar.
Keep valuables out of easy sight. If your valuable paintings, silver collection or home entertainment system are easy to see from outside the house, consider rearranging your furnishings to make your home less inviting to criminals.

Home entry point security

To help foil break-ins, strengthen the barriers at your home’s entry points. Of course, don’t sacrifice personal safety in this effort—whatever security features you install, make sure that you are able to easily escape in case of a fire or other emergency.

Doors — Doors should be strong. Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood, and at least one-and-three-quarters inches thick. Doorframes must be made of equally strong material, and each door must fit its frame securely. Even the most efficient lock, if it is placed in a weak door, will not keep out a determined burglar. A peephole or a wide-angle viewer in the door is safer for identifying visitors than a door chain. Sliding glass doors present a special problem because they are easy to open but, if you have these doors, you can find special locks for them.
Locks — Deadbolt locks are best. They usually are locked with a key from the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. The cylinder (where the key is inserted) should be pick-resistant. Ask your hardware dealer for a reputable brand or buy your locks from a reliable locksmith.
Windows — Key locks are available for all types of windows. Double-hung windows can be secured simply by “pinning” the upper and lower frames together with a nail, which can be removed from the inside. For windows at street level or on fire escapes, consider installing metal accordion gates.

Home security habits

Don’t inadvertently invite crime into your home—make these safety behaviors non-optional.

Establish a routine to make certain that doors and windows are locked and alarm systems are turned on.
Avoid giving information to unidentified telephone callers and announcing your personal plans online or in public notices (such as giving your address when advertising items for sale).
Join with your neighbors to keep a close watch on what’s happening in your area—working together as a community is a good way to prevent crime.
Notify the police and/or your neighborhood watch if you see suspicious strangers in your area.
Don’t carry house keys on a key ring bearing your home address or leave house keys with your car in a commercial parking lot or with an attendant.
Don’t hide your keys in “secret” places outside your home—burglars know where to look.

Home security tips for when you’re away

To prevent burglars and vandals when you’re away for vacation or business, it’s critical to make your home looked occupied and have friends and neighbors look out for suspicious activity. Some hints:

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Leave blinds open in their usual position.
Notify dependable neighbors when you plan to be away; consider notifying police, as well.
Arrange to have your lawn mowed in summer and your walk and driveway shoveled in winter.
Stop newspaper deliveries and ask a neighbor to pick-up “throw-away” newspapers and circulars.
Have mail and packages picked up by neighbors; alternately, have them forwarded or held by the post office.
Lower the sound of your telephone ringer and answering machine so they can’t be heard outside.
Use automatic timers to turn lights and a radio on and off in various parts of the house at appropriate times.

Insurance benefits of home security measures

Devices that make a home safer—such as dead-bolt locks, window grates and bars, smoke, fire or burglar alarm systems, and some security camera systems—make sense for your homeowners insurance bottom line, too. Most insurance companies provide discounts for qualifying security devices; check with your insurance professional for specifics.

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Experience Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Truth be told, gorilla tracking in Rwanda is for luxury travelers and nothing less. The lie is; that gorilla trekking is a worthwhile adventure for everyone. Even though many people would love to see the mountain gorillas in their natural environment, the trekking experience might be uncomfortable for some. However, with proper information, you can make an informed decision to go on a gorilla safari in Rwanda. With a world population of less than 1200, the mountain gorillas are highly protected and carefully managed. In order to boast the mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda, a whole campus was jointly launched with the help of Ellen DeGeneres. The trekking experience is made possible by the help of expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures. The gorillas are the largest living ape. They can be found in Zoos around the world. However, the subspecies known as mountain gorillas can only survive in their natural environment that is spread across a few countries that including Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Experience gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, one of the best national parks that have positioned for luxury travel. With twelve habituated gorilla families living in the park, gorilla trekking is open throughout the year. However, even though there are twelve habituated families, two families are set apart for research. Each gorilla family consists of at least one silverback along with several females and juveniles. The Cost of luxury Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda The cost of gorilla trekking varies according to your choice of accommodation, meals, tips, and other factors that make up the cost of a fully inclusive tour. However, the main item that cannot be revised or replaced is the gorilla trekking permit that goes for $1500 It is important to note that the price of gorilla permits is $1500 without any transportation, accommodation, food, visas, air tickets, packing lists, porters, and tips for the Guides. The cost is inclusive of access to the volcanoes national park, a guide, and a game ranger for protection in the park. All-mountain gorillas open for gorilla trekking are wild animals. It is for this reason that there are strict gorilla trekking guidelines to ensure your safety. The habituation activity simply removes the fear of running away from people or attacking them in fear. There is also an activity similar to gorilla trekking known as the gorilla habituation experience. However, this is quite different from gorilla trekking. It takes the whole day and involves having four hours with mountain gorillas instead of the one hour allocated to tourists during normal gorilla trekking. A gorilla permit is a requirement for tracking gorillas. You cannot be allowed to take part in the activity without showing your permit to the park authorities. What is included in the price of a gorilla permit? A gorilla permit includes interacting with the gorillas for one hour, park entrance, and Ranger fees. To book a gorilla permit, you need to go through your tour operator or Rwanda Development Board. It is important to book your gorilla tour at least three months in advance because they are considered first come first serve. Only eight people are allowed to trek a gorilla family per day. Planning to travel in the peak season? The peak season falls with June, July, August September as well as December to March. It is recommended to book at least 5 to 6 months before the trip so that you don’t go through the stress of asking different tour companies if they have availability. How Luxury gorilla tracking is done in Rwanda All tourists or visitors gather at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi at 7 am, and are allocated a family group on the day according to fitness levels, and divided as well to fit the numbers for each family. When the allocation is done, the briefing will take place, and some small history as well as protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas. These will include a three-meter rule from the gorillas, no talking loudly, no taking pictures with flush lights as well some feeding the gorillas. Some gorilla families that can be visited by tourists in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda, and Muhoza, etc. Hikes up to their various locations can last anything from 30 minutes to four or more hours, reaching an altitude of between 2,500m and 4,000m. Porters are available to carry backpacks and cameras, as well as to offer a helping hand along the route. In cases where you cannot walk or trek anymore and your legs are done with it, there are special luxury gorilla treks commonly known as the African helicopter (stretcher). Porters will carry you to and from the mountains and this will cost you from around $300-$500 depending on the distance where you will find the gorillas.
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6 Tips For Creating A Waste Management Plan

The term waste management plan can be defined as a written procedure detailing the steps needed to finish a project while keeping the environment and legality in mind. A specific waste management strategy helps create waste control plans that vary based on your particular requirements. The typical project management approach holds that the prime contractor must manage all of the waste. With a waste management plan, you’re expected to have a clear set of procedures on how, where, and when you dispose of your garbage. Here are some waste management suggestions to keep in mind to help you develop your waste management plan. Evaluate Everyone’s Contribution Assign someone to take charge of waste management to ensure the plan’s implementation. To do the job well, the employee must have a strong work ethic and a desire to continue working in their current position because assigning new work is challenging. Non-awareness of roles and responsibilities can be harmful to the group’s overall goal of waste management. Members must understand their roles when implementing a plan. You can also hire junk removal companies such as Dirt Cheap Rubbish Removal if you want to lessen your team’s responsibilities. Waste removal companies frequently invest in training their employees to ensure that rubbish removal projects run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The training generally entails differentiating between various types of waste and determining how to properly dispose of each one. Employing proper methods will transform them into experts in waste management. Depending on the type and quantity of waste you have, you may have disposal concerns if you consider doing a removal job on your own. Apart from developing allergies, cuts, and bruises while removing waste and junk, there may be health risks. Additionally, not having proper disposal and waste handling training can get you in trouble with the law. Setting dates for completion helps you avoid the risk of setting impossibly aggressive deadlines and ensures the project is completed on time. Knowing one’s role includes knowing when to perform it. Establish Waste Logistics Construction projects utilize multiple ways to dispose of materials. Identify the waste destinations and recycling processes that are needed. The office staff should be constantly provided with an up-to-date list of recycling operatives to find references quickly if there are any problems. Estimate Your Waste Taking steps in advance to minimize the amount of waste can make the cleanup process less extensive. Estimating anticipated waste provides more ease of disposal by giving estimates of the waste types and percentages, allowing no additional waste to worry about. Most businesses provide comparable information to assist you in determining the best specifications for your project. Find Ways To Reduce, Reuse, Or Recycle Effective waste management also includes several processes such as recycling, reducing, and reusing to lessen waste production. Waste headed for the dump or landfill should be minimal. If these options are not feasible, the trash would increase. Your plan should give equal weight to reducing waste and reusing what you can. Attempt to reuse as much of everything as possible. As a last resort, consider finding another company or industry that can use your trash for other purposes if you cannot make good use of it. Record Your Progress It’s not practical to draft a plan without following through with its implementation. Keep records of everything, including the quantities of garbage generated, the costs involved in disposal, and the associated savings. Once you start a new project, you can use the records as a source for other ones in the future. Check Your Area Guidelines Businesses have various responsibilities regarding waste management, and one of them includes checking the waste disposal guidelines of your area. Some suppliers and their customers’ useable units may need separate containers. You need to be aware of your responsibilities, regardless of where you are located. It’s in your best interest to do your part and follow the regulations as you will receive warnings or punishment accordingly if you fail to follow your area’s guidelines. While also making an effort to understand your community’s responsibilities, you must understand the local rules. It’s also necessary for some places for one’s waste to be sorted or dumped into a specific landfill, to follow the correct procedure. Additionally, make sure that all these policies and rules are explicit for all employees to ensure everyone is on the same page. Takeaway The most powerful strategy for waste reduction in your company is to produce less waste in the first place. Preventing waste has the most significant environmental and economic benefits. By promoting reuse, recycling, and resource recovery within the organization, you’ll help minimize waste in the landfill. Waste reduction will help you save money and protect the environment.
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Study shows: Nuking an incoming asteroid could actually work

Firing a nuclear warhead at an asteroid on a collision course with the Earth could stop 99 percent of it from hitting the planet, according to a new study. Every two years the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California runs a simulation on the result of an asteroid impact. In this year’s scenario, a fictional 329ft (100m) asteroid, dubbed 2021 PDC, wasn’t detected until it was only six months from hitting the planet – not enough time to send up a spaceship to nudge it, or take any action on the planet to save many lives. However, new research by Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland, found that a megatonne nuke, exploding near the surface of the asteroid, would destroy it without leaving thousands of large fragments still heading for the Earth. ‘If we employ a robust nuclear disruption technique by at least one month before impact, we can prevent 99 percent or more of the impacting mass from hitting the Earth,’ study lead author Patrick King told Gizmodo. How it would work? A large one megatonne nuclear warhead would be fired from Earth to the asteroid heading for the planet. This is 50 times more powerful than Little Boy, which was dropped on Hiroshima by the US in 1945. It would be set to detonate just above the surface of the asteroid. This would send a shockwave that should rip the space rock apart, causing it to fragment into thousands of much smaller pieces. Experts tracked the likely trajectory and found if the nuke went up two months before the rock was due to hit the Earth, 99 percent of fragments would miss the planet. It is likely that the one percent that arrived should break up in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing no damage. This is an idea that has become a staple of Hollywood disaster films, most famously in the 1998 movie Armageddon, in which Bruce Willis and a crew of deep-core drillers are sent up to a giant incoming asteroid to blow it up. Unlike in Armageddon, the Johns Hopkins University team believes it would be enough to just fire the nuke at the asteroid from the ground – no need to get Willis out of retirement. This isn’t the first time NASA, or other planetary scientists, have investigated the idea of using a nuke to destroy an incoming asteroid, but the team looked at the potential path of the many resulting fragments. Previously, it was thought that even if we did succeed in blowing up a large space rock, some of the fragments would still be large enough to destroy cities and cause mass destruction. Simulated exercises in May, funded by NASA, found that even firing a nuke at a space rock six months before it hit the Earth wouldn’t bring it down. However, the team from Johns Hopkins disputes these findings, taking a much closer look at the nuclear explosion and fragments caused by it ‘going up’. To understand the true path of fragments from a destroyed asteroid, the team simulated their resulting orbit and trajectory, tracking them from the detonation of a megatonne nuke, through to their resulting orbit around the sun. The team included the impact the gravity of other planets in the inner solar system, such as Venus and Mars, might have on their trajectory and whether it could nudge them into hitting the Earth. Their simulation found that this massive bomb, 50 times more powerful than Little Boy, which destroyed Hiroshima in WW2, would do the trick if ignited near the surface of a 328ft (100m) space rock on its way to the Earth. They tested their findings at five different distances from the planet, finding it worked in all cases – so would be a viable option for last-minute arrivals. Obviously, the more in advance of the impact the nuke is fired, the better, as it further reduces the volume of incoming materials, they found. An asteroid is a large chunk of rock left over from collisions or the early solar system. Most are located between Mars and Jupiter in the Main Belt. A comet is a rock covered in ice, methane, and other compounds. Their orbits take them much further out of the solar system. A meteor is what astronomers call a flash of light in the atmosphere when debris burns up. This debris itself is known as a meteoroid. Most are so small they are vapourised in the atmosphere. If any of these meteoroids make it to Earth, it is called a meteorite. Meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites normally originate from asteroids and comets. For example, if Earth passes through the tail of a comet, much of the debris burns up in the atmosphere, forming a meteor shower. The larger the asteroid heading for the planet, the more in advance you’d need to fire the nuke in order to limit large fragments from still causing untold damage. It is still possible to have 99 percent of the resulting fragments of a large asteroid miss the Earth, but you’d need to hit it six months in advance, rather than one or two months with a smaller rock. ‘We employed several approximations in order to make the study feasible, but we believe that we have captured the essential physics necessary to make general observations about nuclear disruption as a technique,’ King told Gizmodo. ‘Much of our uncertainty is driven by our inherent uncertainty in the properties of the asteroids themselves; we definitely need to support more space missions to investigate their properties in more detail.’ It wouldn’t always be a viable option, according to King, who said there is always a possibility of many smaller pieces still hitting the Earth, causing worse problems than a large impact. ‘By making several fragments instead of one single impactor, it is possible that we multiply the threat,’ he wrote in the paper. ‘On the other hand, disruption has its own advantages, and a disruption could succeed >>Read more
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Which heating radiators are better to choose for a private house?

When developing a project for an autonomous system for heating a private house, it is necessary to decide on the choice of a heating system. The efficiency and economy of the heating system and the level of comfort directly depend on their parameters. To determine which heating radiators are best suited for your home, it is necessary to compare their performance, reliability, and cost. For more information about heating radiators, visit Yokando – an online store with a wide variety of products that affect the totality of your home, such as thermostats, radiators, decorative items, or similar items. Radiator heating in a private house When choosing a heating system for a house, you need to take into account installation costs, ease of use, and profitability. For brick, block, frame, and wooden houses, water heating are equally well suited. The radiator heating system for a country house or cottage has an advantage over water floor heating since the installation of pipelines and radiators is easier and faster than laying the circuit and equipping the screed. The autonomous heating system differs from the central one: low working pressure no risk of water hammer the ability to regulate the temperature of the coolant and set the permissible maximum the ability to adjust the acid balance of the coolant economy At the design stage of an autonomous heating system, it should be decided which radiators and pipes to use for installation. Its functionality, profitability, and durability depend on it. Each type of heating device should be considered based on the properties of the material and design features. Radiators are different: according to the material of manufacture (steel, aluminum, cast iron, bimetallic) by design (sectional and solid) according to the principle of heat transfer (radiating thermal energy, convection, and combined) Steel radiators Among heating radiators for a private houses, steel models are in steady demand. Their list of benefits includes: relatively lightweight, which simplifies installation fast heating and cooling quite a long service life a wide range of models with different functionality and appearance The disadvantages of steel heating appliances include: tendency to corrosion tendency to overgrow due to a rough inner surface restrictions on the characteristics of the coolant To understand which steel heater to choose, let’s take a closer look at each variety. Manufacturers offer sectional, tubular, panel, and convector steel heating appliances. Sectional radiators These radiators consist of sections whose amount can be changed. This is a serious advantage of radiators of this type. If the calculation is incorrect and the radiator power is not enough, additional sections are added. If the house is insulated, it is enough to remove the extra sections to reduce energy consumption. The advantages of sectional models also include a stylish design. Panel radiators Panel-type heating radiators have stylish, concise designs. Unlike sectional radiators, panel models equipped with convective fins and heat faster – a stream of heated air is formed to heat radiation. The ability to create curtain activity makes panel radiators in demand for installation in rooms with extensive glazing. Panel radiators, like tubular ones, are integral. Models of this type can be mounted on the wall or on the floor. Convector radiators Water convectors consist of steel pipes, on which numerous metal plates are mounted on an edge. From above the heating device is closed by a stylish metal casing. There are models built into the floor. The gaps between the plates contribute to the formation of a stream of heated air. Convector radiators are recommended to be placed along the panoramic windows, in the winter garden, and in a room with high ceilings. Due to natural convection, the room warms up faster than by thermal radiation. When deciding which radiators are best, you should pay attention to the fact that a system with water convectors requires a smaller volume of coolant compared to using other types of radiators. The disadvantages of convector radiators include high costs. In addition, during the operation of such a radiator, air currents constantly raise dust that enters the human respiratory system. Aluminum radiators When deciding which heating devices are best for a private house to choose, pay attention to aluminum models. Such radiators are in growing demand among specific developers due to their low weight and ease of installation, their appearance, the possibility of switching on, and choosing a section amount. The cost of the radiator depends on the manufacturer. Aluminum radiators: may leak due to the presence of threaded connections aluminum is picky about the acidity of the coolant due to the increased heat transfer, most of the room can become very warm But, despite this, it is reasonable to choose an aluminum radiator for a private house – the metal quickly heats up and cools down, making it possible to quickly change the content level in accordance with weather conditions and microclimate requirements. In this regard, aluminum radiators are one of the most practical. Bimetallic radiators Such devices combine the advantages of steel and aluminum models. The inner surface of a durable iron alloy is undemanding to the characteristics of the coolant and the structural strength of the battery. The external aluminum casing is characterized by good heat dissipation, due to which the radiator effectively warms up the room. The bimetal radiator requires high and pressurized pressure, which makes it the best choice for connecting to the heating network.
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Auto insurance for teen drivers

Is there a newly licensed driver in your home? Reduce the stress by understanding the implications for your car policy. For parents, the excitement of having a first-time driver in the house is usually tempered with worry. With little driving experience, immature drivers are at a higher risk for accidents. Of course, safety concern is uppermost in most parents’ minds but other stressors—like the high cost of insuring your new driver and the financial liability implications of a teen driving mishap—can be reduced with these steps. Before getting a learners permit, make a call to your insurance professional Your agent or rep can clearly explain the costs involved in insuring a teenage driver. The good news is, as your teenager gets older, insurance rates will drop—providing he or she has a good driving record. Therefore… Involve your teen in the car insurance discussion From the outset, it’s important to talk to your kid about the relationship between driving a car and the attendant responsibilities, including insurance costs. Explain and reinforce driving safety tips and the serious consequences of driving infractions or accidents, including increasing the cost of insurance. Encourage positive behaviors Auto insurers offer discounts or reduced premiums to: Students who maintain at least a “B” average in school Teens who take a recognized driver training course College students who attend school at least 100 miles away from home and don’t bring their car to campus Choose the right auto insurance company It’s generally less expensive for parents to add teenagers to their auto insurance policy than it is for teens to purchase one on their own. By insuring your teenager’s car with your insurer, you may also qualify for a multi-vehicle discount. That said, insurance companies differ in how they price policies for young drivers, so do some research into prices to be sure to find the best fit for you and your teen. Assign your teen to the right car Find out how your insurer assigns drivers to cars—some insurers will assign the driver who is the most expensive to insure (generally the teenager) to the car that is the most expensive to insure. If possible, assign your teen to the least valuable car. Note that with this kind of arrangement there can be no exceptions; your teen must use only the car to which he or she is assigned, even in an emergency. If your teenager is involved in an accident with an unassigned car, penalties could be imposed and your own premiums might increase. Increase your liability insurance for greater protection If your teen gets into an accident, state minimums for liability insurance will not be enough to fully protect you from lawsuits. Consider purchasing higher amounts of liability coverage—if your teenager is found negligent in an accident and the damages exceed your insurance limits, you will be held financially responsible and could be sued in court for those amounts not covered by your insurance. Depending on the value of your financial assets, you may even want to have the extra protection that a personal umbrella liability policy provides. Raise your deductible to save on your premium The higher your deductible, the more money you can save on your premium, so consider raising your deductible from the minimum amount required. You may want to use those savings to increase your liability insurance.
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Securing your home against burglary

Check your home for security weaknesses and correct them

Home entry point security

Home security habits

Home security tips for when you’re away

Insurance benefits of home security measures

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