by Sherry McCourt
www.sherrymccourt.com

Gone are the days of relying on the simplistic alarm systems with basic security functions and ignored sirens.

Sophistication and Smart Technology takes the place of a standard security system and turns basic into an extraordinary, easy to use, life enhancing and even an environmentally friendly approach to safe and easy living.

Smart Systems provide the ultimate in safety for your family with features not found in a standard security system such as inside and outside lights turning on in the event of a security breach, or the air conditioner/ furnace fan automatically turning off in the event of a fire to prevent the spreading of smoke throughout the home.

These systems can be personalized to notify you by e-mail, internet surveillance or by central monitoring of an alarm event. With a couple clicks of a mouse you can log in to your home system and check or change the security, temperature, or light settings, and view any camera’s you have in your home.

An example of these alerts is having your system email you when your children have arrived home from school or if the alarm has gone off.

So in these busy and often hectic times, it is very normal for us to turn to technology to ease some of the demands and why not?

The security of my home is one less thing I worry about, I love my occupancy lighting – I never come home to a dark house (and I am not wasting electricity leaving the lights on), I never think about the temperature in my house (and I know that I am saving money on my heating/cooling bills) and my house will email me if the children have not arrived home by our set time. (NEXGEN Controls inc. installed my system)

Aren’t you and your family worth more than the basic alarm system?

Be safe,
Sherry

By Sherry McCourt, CFE – McCourt and Associates

Have you ever felt frightened or anxious when out walking alone? Have you ever wondered what you should do if approached by an attacker?

The alarming reality is that we live in an increasingly violent world in which the fear of crime is ever-present. Personal safety has become an issue of importance for everyone, but especially for women.
The following are a few safety practices that every woman should know and use.

Awareness: The first and probably most important factor in self-defense is awareness: awareness of yourself, your surroundings, and your potential attacker’s likely line of attack.
The potential attacker’s primary plot is to use the advantage of surprise. Studies have shown that attackers are skilled at choosing targets that appear to be unaware of what is going on around them. By being aware of your surroundings and by projecting a strong and confident presence, many altercations which are common on the streets can be avoided.

Use Your Sixth Sense. “Sixth sense” “Women’s Intuition” Whatever you choose to call it, is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and people. All of us, particularly women, have this gift, but very few of us pay any attention to it. Learn to trust this power and use it to your full advantage. Avoid a person or a situation which does not “feel” safe–you’re probably right. If you think someone is following you, check by crossing the street – more than once if necessary – to see if he follows you. If you are still worried, get to the nearest place where there are other people – and call the police.

Escape: Always Your Best Option. What if you are suddenly confronted by a predator who demanded that you go with him? It would seem wise to obey (especially if he promises not to hurt you), but leaving the initial crime scene ensures that you are far more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Escaping by whatever means possible, be it by screaming fire, hitting your attacker in the eyes, throat, groin, or by throwing your purse or bags in his face and running the other way.

Your Right to Fight: Although your best option is to escape. It is important to understand that you can and should defend yourself physically. You have a right to do so, even if the attacker is only threatening you and hasn’t physically attacked first. Aim for the eyes first (poke and gouge) and the groin second (squeeze and pull or kick/knee hard). Try to use the element of surprise to your advantage–strike quickly, be strong and confident in your actions. You may only get one chance. Then run away. Escape to a safe place (this means anywhere where there are other people)

Self-Defense Training: The self-defense program should include simulated assaults, with fully padded instructors in realistic rape and attack scenarios; this will allow you to practice what you’ve learned. (And continue to practice).

Take the next few minutes…. Think about your safety, try to visualize how you would react to someone threatening your safety… now know how you will react, be strong and confident in your choices…

To quote H. Stanley Judd
“The ultimate security is your understanding of reality”