Recent News

7th Annual Coldwell Banker Home Show

Date: Saturday, February 14, 2009
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Venue: Cedarbridge Academy, Devonshire
Cost: Free

Description: Annual Home Show Expert contractors, architects, interior designers, landscapers and home security professionals will also be available in all kinds of areas to provide advice on enhancing the home, both in appearance and value. For those who haven't already planned a project, organizers say it's also the perfect place to find ideas.

IBA Seminar - Crime Prevention through Environmental Design

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Time: Seminar 5:30pm – 6:30pm (followed by Q & A period)
Venue: Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club - 25 Pomander Road, Paget
Cost: Free
Speaker: Tom McKay – Police Officer, Crime Prevention Specialist

Description: C.P.T.E.D. - From Principles to Practice - This session will provide an introduction to and basic overview of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design concepts and strategies. The session will draw from a variety of real world examples analyzing the impact on opportunity crime.

Teaching Home Safety to your Children

 

Prior to leaving your child home alone, make sure that you establish rules to be followed such as:

• Are friends allowed in the house while you’re gone?

• Are kids allowed to touch the stove or microwave?

• Are kids allowed outside to play?

• Are kids allowed to use the phone except in the case of an emergency?

• If you have a good relationship with your neighbor, ask them to keep an eye on
   your house in your absence.

• Give your child all the telephone numbers they may need in case they have to call you.
   Write a list and keep it near the phone.

• Advise your child what to do in the event that someone knocks on the door on calls the
   house: NEVER REVEAL THAT THEY ARE HOME ALONE!

• Go over your fire escape plan with your child until they are familiar with it and role-play
   emergency situations so that your child does not panic should a situation arise.

While you may not want to leave your child home alone, these simple common sense tips will allow you to enjoy peace of mind knowing that they are safe in your absence.
 

 

Before operating your heater
 

Although it doesn’t snow here, Bermuda’s winters can be brutal, particularly if you live an old Bermuda home. In most cases, utilizing a space heater to make your home cozy is a must. If you need to purchase a heater this winter, make sure that you select one that meets safety standards.

 

Regardless if your space heater is gas or electric, make sure that its size is suitable for the space you are heating. With gas heaters, ensure there is proper ventilation to avoid polluting your home.

 

Before operating your heater, read the instructions thoroughly. Accidents can happen due to improper handling. Keep children and pets away from heaters; they can get extremely hot and burns can result.

 

Make sure that your place your space heater at least three feet away from objects like curtains, furniture and bedding. NEVER place you heater near any object that can catch afire. Your heater should be placed on a hard surface where it cannot be easily knocked over.

 

To ensure that your family is warm and safe, use your space heater with caution and care and enjoy a cozy winter!

 

Fire Escape Plans

 

Almost everything we do in life involves planning…choosing a college for our kids, buying a new car, going on a family vacation. So why do many of us neglect to prepare a fire escape plan from our homes?

While we seldom experience devastating house fires in Bermuda, we should always be prepared, just in case.

The first thing that should be done is to create a floor plan of your home. Know where all of the viable exits are and mark two ways to exit each room. Ensure that every member of your family is familiar with the plan, especially your children. Display the plan in your home and practice it at least twice a year.

No home, no matter the size, should be without a working smoke alarm. The batteries should be tested at least once a month and should be replaced yearly.

Should a fire break out in your home, remember these few helpful tips:

• Make sure windows and screens can easily open
• Get out first, then call for help
• Do not enter a room if the doorknob is hot
• If your clothes catch afire, STOP, DROP and ROLL
 

 

Perimeter Security

 

Long gone are the days when you can leave home and be guaranteed that you will not return the victim of a home invasion. Did you know in addition to close to 500 reported thefts from homes in 2006, only a mere 126 attempts were unsuccessful?

As a community, we must do all that we can to thwart the efforts of burglars by ensuring that our homes are well protected. This is not difficult to do. Did you know that burglary is one of the most preventable of crimes?

Burglars are usually impulsive and do not put a lot of planning into their actions, but if you are well prepared, you will beat them to the punch.

Here are a few tips to consider:

• Outfit your home with motion sensors which light up your home’s doors and windows
• Set automatic timers on indoor and outdoor lights, so that anyone watching your home is
  not aware that your home is vacant
• Keep surrounding shrubbery and trees trimmed—thieves hate the chance of being caught
  in action
• Ensure that your home is fitted with maximum security deadbolts

Not sure which type of perimeter security best suits your home and budget? Contact the Bermuda Security Group at 292-8181; one of our courteous and knowledgeable professionals will be happy to assist you.


The elders in our community

 

The elders in our community are our Island’s precious jewels and should be treasured. 

They have worked hard all of their lives and deserve to enjoy their golden years in peace. However, Bermuda’s climate is changing rapidly and it’s no secret that crime is on the rise.

 

As a community, we need to band together to keep them safe. The following are a few tips that seniors should follow:

 

- Never open your door as soon as someone knocks. Use the peephole or look out     the window first - Lock your doors and windows - Leave on lights when you are going out at night - Travel busy streets when walking alone - Have your key ready when approaching your door - Never give anyone your banking information

 

Nothing is worse than being ill and alone. Give that special senior in your life peace of mind and have a Care Guard Medic Alert System installed by the Bermuda Security Group. Portable and easy to carry, either around the neck or on the wrist, with this system help is on the way with the push of a button. Our seniors should be able to live independently and without fear. Call the Bermuda Security Group! Special prices are given for members of Age Concern.

 

Home Security an Affordable Necessity

Let’s face it. Times are changing in Bermuda and for the last several years, crime is on the rise. Did you know there were 494 cases of residential break-ins in 2006? Although you may not have been a victim of a home invasion, the truth is, it CAN happen to you!

Gone are the days of thinking that security systems are needed for only large homes and businesses. At the Bermuda Security Group, no system we design is too large or too small.

Consider a Home Burglar Alarm System. It’s wireless, therefore this system significantly cuts down installation costs and allows you the ability to arm the perimeter of your property while you are home or the entire house when you are not.

For those seeking a personalized emergency response system, the ITI Care Guard is ideal for you. Just one push of the panic button and help is on the way.

Contact any one of our professional security consultants today so that you can be safe tomorrow!


Bermuda Security Group launches its new security portal

As security experts that regularly face Bermuda’s ever changing climate of crime, we felt the public could be much better equipped with preventative measures. "didyoulockthedoor.bm" is our attempt to give the public a first rate security information site.

Everything that you need to know about becoming better secured in Bermuda can be found here, from Bermuda Police Crime stats to Security Home Makeovers. We have joined forces with Crime Stoppers and provided invaluable interviews from experts on Security here in Bermuda. Check back for updates, as we gain new insights and develop new services.