An ADT Monitored Wireless Home Security System is one important way to provide your family with superior safety and security. But did you know that there are additional things you and your family can do to protect yourselves from burglary and fire? Follow these 20 steps to decrease the chances that you'll need to summon authorities in an emergency.

Protecting Against Burglary and Home Invasion

1. Set interior and exterior lights on a timer if you'll be gone for an extended period of time
2. Ensure all doors and windows are secured with appropriate locks
3. Make sure children know not to open the door for any stranger
4. Don't leave an extra key under the doormat, in planter or in any other obvious place
5. Install a metal bar, pipe or broom handle in a sliding glass door track
6. Always keep garage doors closed when not in use
7. Close blinds, curtains and drapes in rooms with expensive electronics or audio and video equipment
8. Don't keep valuable jewelry or excessive amounts of cash in your home
9. Don't leave notes on a door for a family member or service person indicating that you are not home
10. Ask a neighbor or relative to retrieve mail, newspapers and packages if you'll be gone for an extended period of time

Protecting Against Fire

1. Use only fire retardant building materials
2. Never leave a burning candle unattended
3. Dump ashtrays, cigarette and cigar butts in a separate metal or tin container, not in the trash
4. Always make sure appliances such as irons, coffee pots and the stove are turned off when you leave the house
5. Keep brush and weeds far from your home
6. Make sure lids remain on garbage cans
7. Do not keep firewood, gas cans or other combustible materials near your house
8. Have a smoke detector on every level of your home, including near the bedrooms
9. Take the time to establish – and practice – an escape plan
10. Ensure your address is clearly visible from street and don't ever block fire hydrants

For further information and tips on keeping your family, your home and your belongs safe and secure, visit these websites: