Archive for June, 2009

To Most People, the Security of Their Mail Isn’t Even an Afterthought, Mail is Often Left Unsecured

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

The design of outdoor mailboxes have remained fairly constant over the past 100 years, despite the changes in the way information travels. Individuals receive many correspondences through the mail that are filled with personal information such as bank account numbers, health records or credit card info. While in most situations, this information would be kept under lock and key, mail is often left unsecured in outdoor mailboxes, easily accessible to the public.

To most people, the security of their mail isn’t even an afterthought. To that end, all of their personal information, from bank statements to tax information, is an easy target for individuals bent on getting it. When you consider that identity theft accounts for losses close to one billion dollars each year, metal mailboxes no longer seem an excessive protection

Although it may seem like an extreme solution to use metal mailboxes, not all metal mailboxes are built the same and not all of them are convenient to use. In fact, most people probably picture large metallic contraptions built with a heavy cement base. Although these designs can keep your mail safe, they do little in the way of d

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Portable Generator Safety Tips

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

Portable generators are great to have when the power goes out. But when using a generator, there are three dangers that you need to know about in order to avoid them. They are electric shock, Carbon Monoxide poisoning, and fire.

When using a generator there is a chance of getting electrocuted. Make sure to keep your generator dry and if it rainy or wet don’t use. Operate your generator on a dry surface under an open, roof-like unit. Don’t touch the generator unless your hands are dry.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs when you inhale your generators toxic exhaust. Most important, is to never use a generator indoors. This includes: inside your home, garage, basement, crawl space or any partial or enclosed area which is connected to your living space. Using a fan, or opening windows and doors is not enough to prevent CO build-up.

Finally, preventing fires while using your portable generator can be done easily. Propane, gasoline, kerosene, and any other flammable liquids should be brought outside for storage. All containers should be properly labeled.

Don’t store fuel near any fuel burning appliance like a gas water heater. Invisible fumes can move along the ground if fuel is spilled. It can then be lit by the appliances pilot light. Lastly, turn your generator off and wait for it to cool down before refueling. Spilt fuel could ignite on a hot engine.

George Thomas helps you find the right portable generator for your needs. Choose from electric, diesel, gasoline, Coleman, and more.

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9 Tips for Better PBX Safety and Security

Monday, June 15th, 2009

There are a variety of measures you can take to insure that your PBX is safe from hackers.

Listed below are tips you can use right now to protect your business.

1. Take steps to secure your authorization codes on a permanent basis. Remind employees of the need to keep all access codes secure and change them frequently.

2. Contact your equipment vendors and ask for any and all information on the available security systems in place to detect toll fraud. They should also provide information on monitoring services available to help you quickly detect unusual usage.

3. Work closely with your PBX administrator to ensure that all of the PBX security features available are in place and are being implemented.

4. Unless needed for routine business, block outgoing international calling, 809 and 900 calling capabilities.

5. Conduct regular and routine auditing of your telecommunication systems and bills, especially just after regular vacation months and holiday seasons. It is during these times of year that PBX toll fraud most often occurs.

6. Wherever possible, limit the number of employees who are authorized to use remote access. And if possible, change pass codes and authorization codes when an employee permanently leaves the company.

7. NEVER transfer a call outside your PBX if you are unaware of the identity of the caller. Instruct employees that phone companies will never ask customers to be part of a “test” – no matter how official the caller may sound.

8. Always be alert to possible PBX abuse signs. These could include repeated calls of short duration, sudden increase in 800 usage, or unexplained changes incoming, outgoing or especially after-hours calling patterns.

9. Consider out sourcing your telecom bills to a firm that will provide bill paying and audit services on an ongoing monthly basis. You’ll save money across the board and catch toll fraud at the time it happens.

Karen Thatcher is President and CEO of TelCon Associates, Inc. a 32 year old telecom audit and bill management firm. For a 66 page report on PBX safety and security, visit http://www.telconassociates.com

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Ladder Lock Safety, Ladder Fall Protection and Other Ladder Safety Tips

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

The ‘Consumer Product Safety Commission’ reports that thousands of people are treated for fractured bones, bruises and cuts from improper use of ladders every year. Hundreds of people die from ladder related injuries.

Some common safety tips that can be followed for a smooth working with your little giant ladder are:

(i) Inspect the little giant ladder. Make sure the ’spreaders’ can be locked when open and that there are ’safety feet’ on the ends. When choosing a little giant ladder be certain the ladder is able to carry the amount of weight that will be applied.

(ii) Check for ‘loose or bent rungs’ of your little giant ladder.

(iii) The little giant ladder should be kept clean of oil, grease, mud, snow and other slippery materials.

(iv) Carry a ’single or extension’ little giant ladder parallel to the ground. Hold the side rail in the middle of the ladder for balance.

(v) The ground under the ladder should be level and firm. Do not set your little giant ladder up on a muddy surface.

(v) Set the base of your little giant ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder height.

(vi) Do not use bricks, boxes, etc. to raise the height of ladders to make them gorilla ladder.

(vii) Keep ladder off from windowpanes or sashes.

(viii) While using the ladder as an orchard ladder, turn the it sideways, and ease into the tree.

(ix) Face the ladder when you climb up or down. Hold on to the side rails with both hands. Use a rope to lift heavier equipments.

(x) Keep your body centered ‘between the rails’ of your little giant ladder. Wear shoes with ‘non-skid soles’. Do not wear ‘leather-soled’ shoes; they can be slippery.

(xi) Never use a ladder in high wind. Never stand on the top rung of any ladder.

And the last and not the least never leave a raised ladder unattended.

We offer the best online ladders and ladders accessories source. Check it out now on the Gorilla ladders and Little giant ladder guide.

Find all about ladders on – http://www.multipurpose-ladders.info

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