Pin tumbler locks, the most commonly used locks in America, are the easiest to “bump.” When a lock is “bumped,” a modified key is slipped partially into a lock and with just a few taps on the key, the door unlocks, leaving no signs of forced entry. Scary.

The vibrations from the tap disengage the lock’s pins, unlocking the door.

Hundreds of videos can be downloaded on popular Internet video sites that demonstrate lock bumping technique and bumping tools can even be purchased on eBay for less than twenty dollars. Really. Scary.

Protecting for your family against lock bumping can be as simple as replacing the deadbolt or adding a simple security feature. Statistics show that 14 percent of burglaries occur when the victims are at home. Shouldn’t your home be your sanctuary? Protect your family. Protect your home.

Here are a few tips on what you should expect from a locksmith:

1. Make sure the locksmith you contact is a certified locksmith who has graduated from an accredited program. These programs ensure that locksmiths are proficient with all types of locks and provide continuing education and resources for graduates.

2. Once you have contacted a locksmith make sure he or she is bonded and/or insured. Bonded locksmiths have purchased a bond from a bonding company or agency; these bonds cover unintended mistakes made by the locksmith – usually between $5000 and $25000. Insured locksmiths provide coverage beyond the bond and includes typical liability insurance conditions many homewoners face.

3. Get your locksmith’s license number and verify his or her number at: http://www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/lookup.htm or (800) 952-5210.

4. Check for a membership in a professional organization such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) or a regional organization. These organizations provide ways for locksmiths to stay up-to-date on industry news and events. Many legitimate locksmiths are members although it is not a requirement.

5. Finally, make sure to ask about all applicable fees. Including: minimum fees, travel fees, mileage fees, etc.

To find a locksmith in your area check the listings on the ALOA Web site at: http://www.findalocksmith.com/ or consult a local contractor for reccomendations and, of course, there’s always the Yellow Pages.

Major factors that contribute to workplace falls include:

• Poor lighting,
• Lack of protective devices like missing guard rails,
• Poorly maintained equipment, and
• Unclear safety procedures and lack of safety training.

Go here to learn about the Occupational Safety & Health Administration and their many standards governing workplace safety and safety education.

To avoid workplace falls, steer clear of wet or slippery walkways, broken stairs and cubicle clutter while at work. Here are a few more tips:

• Open cabinet drawers are a tripping hazard; keep them closed when you’re not using them.
• Turn on the lights before you enter a room.
• Always use handrails on the stairs, and take one step at a time.
• Make wide turns around corners, so you can see who’s coming.
• Don’t overload – take only what you can carry comfortably, and make sure you can see over it.
• Make sure chains, guardrails, or warning tapes are in place around elevated areas.
• Keep all harnesses and other fall protection equipment in working order, and use them correctly.
• Wear the right shoes for the job, and keep the soles clean for better traction.

In the United States, security expert Marc Tobias drafted his own white paper that analyzes the technicalities and the risk of lock bumping.

It’s currently unknown how many home invasions were achieved by lock bumping, but because it is easy to learn and requires only the simplest of tools many are concerned that the number of incidents will increase.

For more information on lock bumping and some of the media coverage it has received, please visit http://del.icio.us/simlock.

Go here for a list of workplace ergonomic tips and here for information on simple workplace stretches.

Not only will you feel better, but your productivity will increase, too. Check with your workplace about ergonomic support programs. You might be surprised to find that your employer may offer ergonomic assessment and evaluation.

Sunshine, heat, and bathing suits mean one thing: Summer.
There isn’t a lot that tastes better in the summer than a burger or hotdog fresh off the grill – But grilling can be dangerous.
So before you light up your grill, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Move the grill at least three feet away from other objects, including the house and any trees or bushes.
• Never use gasoline to start a charcoal grill. Use only the recommended starter fluids.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill by encouraging them to play in other areas.
• Never bring a grill indoors or into an unventilated space – this is both a fire and a carbon monoxide risk.

For more on these tips and others, please click here.

Once you are ready for some tasty (and safe) summer food check out these sites for simple, summer recipes.

• www.rd.com/content/40-summer-grilling-recipes/
• http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/BBQ–Grilling/Main.aspx
• http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/1,21861,1184176-1184177,00.html

More and more, rural areas are undergoing development and these areas are especially vulnerable to wildfires. According to Colorado State University’s Extension program, the primary determinants of your home’s ability to survive a wildfire are it’s roofing material and the space around it.

To create a “fire-safe” zone around your home begin by removing all potentially flammable vegetation in a 15-foot radius around your home. Once you have done that it is neccesary to prune and remove dying or dead trees and vegetation in a 75-foot radius around your home.

It is possible that the local authorities will ask you to evacuate if the wildfire moves too close to residential areas. If you and your family are asked to evacuate, do so as quickly as possible. Before you leave your home, you should: turn off any natural gas, LPG, or fuel oil supplies as far away from your home as the plumbing will allow; leave the lights on in your home (it will help draw attention to out-of-the-way homes); open the damper on your fireplace to stabilize inside/outside pressure (but close fireplace screen so that sparks cannot ignite the room; and close outside attic, eaves, and basement vents.

Most importantly, sit down with your family and make a plan before wildfire season – choose a meeting place, keep supplies handy, and make sure everyone knows what to do!

Here are some resources for more personal safety tips:

Safety tips on wide range of issues from backyard pools to electrical hazards, fireplaces to preventing falls from windows.
http://www.cpsc.gov/tips.html

Safety tips from the National Safety Council.
http://www.nsc.org/library/facts.htm

Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings. Many safety hazards are preventable with just a little effort and thought. There are more than 18.039 million property crimes committed every year and 22 people in every 1000 will be victimized. Please, don’t let it happen to you.

If you know of more great resources for safety tips, please share them with us and with other readers.

Be Safe!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol-related crashes in the United States cost nearly $51 billion.

With our nation’s birthday just around the corner, think smart and be safe. Call a friend, call a cab or stay put. Don’t put yourself, or someone else, at risk.

Each day we encounter many different communities—work, school, home, soccer teams, even the grocery store. Understanding the everyday safety hazards in these communities is vital to reducing the risk of unintentional injury and death. The goal of National Safety Month is to “make businesses, homes, and all the places and roads in between safer for all of us.”

Each week of National Safety Month has a specific focus and all month long, we’ll give you tips and resources that you can use to lead a safer life.

• June 4-8: Workplace Safety
• June 11-15: Driving Safety
• June 18-22: Emergency Preparedness
• June 25-29: Safety in the home and communities

Check back often and let us know what you’re doing this month to support safe communities. Maybe you’ll come to a full and complete stop instead of rolling through a stop sign. Or maybe you’ll evaluate your desk at work for optimal ergonomic support. Whatever it is, we want to hear about it. We’ll post the best ideas at the end of each week.