A deck can be the perfect place to experience the outdoors, but it can also become a hazard if not properly cared after. Keep loved ones safe this summer as you entertain on your home’s deck with these safety tips.

• Inspect regularly: Have a licensed and experienced deck contractor inspect it. If your deck is more than 10 years old, it’s best to schedule annual inspections. Also do visual inspections in between official ones for signs of wood rot, rusty hardware and movement.

• Protect against fire hazards: Place a non-flammable pad between your deck and anything that could start a fire like a fire pit, grill, chimney or candles. Make sure that your home alarm system and nearby smoke detectors are properly working so that enjoying your deck won’t compromise your home safety.

• Check vegetation: Visually inspect any landscaping near your deck you think may compromise the structure. Call a landscaper to deal with any that doesn’t meet your standards.

It’s easy to keep the party going  even after the sun sets with an outdoor fire pit. But take extra care in tending to the fire because indoor smoke detectors and ADT heat sensors won’t alert you to a fire outdoors. The interior of your home has the added protection of a home alarm system – keep the exterior of your home safe with these fire pit safety tips:

• Stake out a good spot: Place the pit on a level surface made of concrete, brick or stone that is at least 10 feet away from your house and other structures.

• Use proper fuel: Burn dry wood that was cut at least six months ago.

• Ignite safely: Don’t use gas, kerosene or lighter fluid to start the fire.

• Douse out: Keep a fire extinguisher (dry chemical extinguisher), or a bucket of water or sand to douse the fire in case of an emergency or when you’re ready to head inside.

Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean that inter-generational care is no longer a concern. Prepare for the long-term care that many aging parents require by considering the following:

• Qualified caregivers: Whether it’s a nurse in a senior assisted living facility or a live-in caregiver, make sure that the person who cares for your parent is well-qualified and trustworthy.

• Home security: Install a home alarm system in your parent’s home and make sure they know how to use it. Two-way voice capability of systems like ADT can be especially helpful.

• Emergency funds: Set aside money for medical emergencies and other emergencies that happen more often among the elderly.

• Accessibility: Can your aging parent easily access common household items like the washer and dryer and refrigerator? Also, evaluate how they can overcome hard-to-navigate barriers to other parts of the house like stairs.

• Personal security: Look into personal monitoring receivers that can be worn on a necklace, so your parent has an easy way to get help in the case of a fall or emergency.

Sudden summer downpours and thunderstorms can momentarily ruin the fun of outdoor adventures. But most people don’t worry about the dangers of lightning until it begins raining. However, if you can hear thunder, you’re within striking distance, so be sure to follow these lightning safety tips while you’re enjoying the great outdoors this summer.

• Stop at first sound: Quit all outdoor activities at the first sound of thunder so everyone has time to find cover.

• Seek shelter: Find a fully enclosed building with a roof, walls, and plumbing or wiring, and stay there.

• Keep away from plumbing, electronics:  If lightning strikes the building it will travel through the wiring or plumbing, and therefore go through any water or electronics in the building. Don’t try to disarm your home alarm system. Some, including ADT, have back-up batteries in the event of a power outage.

Hoarding has received a lot of attention lately through TV shows like A&E’s “Hoarders,” and media awareness, giving people the urge to organize their homes. A well-organized home is easy to enjoy, but there are a few more reasons to get in on the trend.

• Aesthetics: Even the most severe hoarders will admit that their piles of belongings look horrible. Be proud of a home that you work hard to maintain. It will encourage you to invite others over to enjoy it with you.

• Hidden treasures: There are probably many items you’ve either forgotten about or gave up on finding years ago because of clutter. Sort it out and  reap the rewards of finding lost items.

• Emergency exits: Home alarm systems, smoke detectors and other home security devices alert you when there’s an emergency. But that’s only part of keeping yourself safe. Clutter can get in the way of emergency exits and can drastically increase the time it takes you to exit your home.

Going from renting to buying a home is a big milestone. Be sure that you’re making a sound investment and finding the right home for you by considering these three important things.

• Research school systems: Find out how the school district is ranked, even if you don’t have or don’t plan to have children. Being located near quality schools can increase a home’s selling price.

• Weigh neighborhood security: Are there signs posted for neighborhood watch groups? Check out homes in the area to see if they have window decals and yard signs for ADT security systems.  Criminals may be less likely attempt break-ins in neighborhoods protected by home alarm systems.

• Evaluate your commute: Time how far it will take you to get to work, grocery stores, schools and any other places that you’ll frequently visit. Then decide if your prospective home is worth the travel time.

Windows are a home safety hazard that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Practice care with functioning windows and don’t rely on screens to prevent accidents. Even if a window is marked as a protected point of entry for a home alarm system, you still need to take steps to protect children who are around it.

Practice these window safety tips to help secure your home and protect your family.

• Clear the area: Prevent access for children and avoid placing anything that can easily be climbed on  near windows. Never create play areas in front of windows.

• Block access: If you must open windows for ventilation, open the top portion no more than four inches. Many different kinds of window guards are available, but be sure to purchase ones that have quick-release mechanisms so that you can escape quickly in the case of a fire or other home security emergency.

• Watch coverings: Be wary of any inner or outer loops in cords on window blinds. Also be sure to tie cords up and keep them out of the reach of children. Keep any furniture, including cribs and play pens, from windows and window coverings.

• Stay nearby: Never leave a small child alone near an open window.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, as many as nine millions Americans’ identities are stolen each year. Identity theft can happen in a number of ways, and can hurt your credit report and score. The trail an identity thief leaves behind can be messy and lead to a complicated process of clearing it up.

Help protect your identity and improve  home security while you’re gone on vacation this year with these three easy tips:

1. Put a hold on newspaper and mail delivery: People often arrange for friends or family members to pick up mail periodically when they’re away, but if someone is watching your home they may notice that you’re not getting your mail and realize you’re away from home.
2. Notify your home security company: Utilize the service for which you’re paying and let your home alarm system provider like ADT know that you’ll be away so they’ll be even more alert when it comes to helping protect your home.
3. Tell your credit card companies your itinerary: If they know you’ll be in Greece, company representatives won’t be suspicious of your spending there, but they’ll notify you if someone is using your credit card number at home.

Many people are opting to work out of their home to save on commuting costs or spend more time with their families. While you may feel safer at home than in an office building, it’s important to remember that home offices and their expensive equipment can attract potential burglars.

Be sure to follow these simple safety tips below to help keep you and your home office safe.

• A few extra measures: In addition to a home alarm system and working locks on all outdoor windows and doors, install window treatments that obscure your office equipment from sight. But for a little extra assurance, install a dead bolt on your home office door to deter potential burglars from taking equipment like computers, printers and paper shredders.

• Safe records: Label and make a list of your equipment, along with photos and keep it in a safe place like a safe or bank deposit box so you’ll know what exactly you had in the case of damaged or stolen equipment. Also notify your insurance company that you’re working from home.

• Entryway check: Identify anyone making a delivery to your home before you open the door to ensure your home security. Never let the person enter your home office.

• Initial meetings: Always meet clients or other people you’re meeting for the first time in public. Also, let someone else know whom you’re meeting and where to ensure that someone will be on alert in case something happens to you.

Are you looking for simple, inexpensive way to improve your home security? The main component of property defense is an ADT alarm system, but there are several additional components you can install to bolster that technology. Read on to discover how you can make your family safer without breaking the bank.

Install Flood Lights: Normal bulbs concentrate their light into a narrow beam, illuminating a small area. Flood lights work the opposite way, by beaming low-level light across a wide swath of territory. One high powered flood light can bring your entire driveway out of the darkness, taking away hiding places from potential intruders. Along with ADT decals and sign posts, bright light is one of the strongest deterrents to criminals. Motion-sensing light systems can be installed for under one hundred dollars.

Take Away the Incentive to Break In: Don’t advertise your expensive goods to burglars. Hang some blinds or curtains in rooms with big-ticket items like televisions and computers. Try to park cars in the garage.

Get a Dog: Man’s best friend is a burglar’s worst enemy. You don’t need a Rottweiler or Pitbull; any dog with a decent bark will send criminals scurrying on to the next house on the block.

Change Your Locks: When was the last time you swapped out your old locks? If you’re like most Americans, every once in a while you give out a spare key. Over the years, these invitations into your home accumulate. Eliminate the chance of an uninvited guest gaining easy entry by changing the locks on all doors. While you’re at it, upgrade to a more secure deadbolt lock.

Buy a 2×4: One piece of wood can have a huge impact on your home security. Sliding glass doors are one of the most vulnerable parts of your home’s defense. Jam a 2×4 between the door frame and the lip of the door to make sure that it can’t easily be opened.

Home security is a lifelong effort. Use these inexpensive tips to make your ADT alarm even more effective.