This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

It’s estimated that around 60% of fire-related deaths occur in homes that do not currently have a working smoke detector. Installing a smoke detector is one of the best (and least expensive) ways that you can protect your family from a potential fire. Most smoke alarms are fairly inexpensive, and installing a smoke detector may sometimes qualify you for a reduction in your home’s fire insurance rate.

To understand how a smoke detector works, you first have to understand the different types of smoke detector. Optical and ionization smoke detectors are most commonly used for residential and small commercial businesses, while air sampling smoke detectors are mostly used to protect expensive or valuable items. Here are the three types of smoke detector, as well as an explanation of how they are able to detect fires.

Optical
An optical smoke detector contains a light source that projects a beam of light through a lens. The light beam is directed at a photoelectric or photodiode sensor. When smoke is present in the air, the light beam isn’t able to shine directly on the sensor, as the light is scattered by smoke particles. In this event, the sensor causes the alarm to be activated. Optical smoke detectors are best at detecting smoldering fires, which don’t burn hot and produce a lot of smoke.

Ionization
An ionization smoke detector is the least expensive type of smoke detector, though it also is prone to false alarms. Ionization smoke detectors contain a very tiny amount of radioactive americium-241. The radiation produced is passed through an ionization chamber, which allows a current to flow between two electrodes. If smoke is present, it causes the ionization to be reduced by absorbing alpha particles. This disrupts the current, which triggers the alarm. Ionization smoke detectors are commonly faulted for “cooking” smoke, steam from showers, and other false alarms. Most people currently own an ionization smoke detector, and many apartment complexes install them due to their low cost.

Air-Sampling
Air sampling smoke detectors are currently the most technologically advanced type of smoke detectors available. An air sampling smoke detector operates by detecting tiny particles of smoke that are present in the air. The detector is able to draw in air through a network of pipes that run in a protected room. There are tiny holes in these pipes, which allow for a large area to be covered. A sensitive optical device is used to ‘sample’ air that is drawn in through these pipes, detecting any traces of combustion in a designated area. In many cases, air sampling detectors are used in conjunction with other fire protection methods, such as an automatic fire suppression system. Due to the complexity of this type of detector, it is mostly used to protect areas holding expensive or valuable equipment, such as computer server rooms and historical archives. Air sampling smoke detectors are able to detect traces of a fire much earlier than other types of smoke detectors, which also allows for damage from the fire to be kept to a minimum.

Related posts:

1. How to Choose a Smoke Detector for Your Home This post is originally authored at the home security blog...
2. Keep Your Home and Family Safe with a Smoke Detector This post is originally authored at the home security blog...
3. Carbon Monoxide Detector – How It Works This post is originally authored at the home security blog...

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Clare Oliver was a typical 19-year old girl, who enjoyed going to the beach and shopping with her friends. However, when she saw an advertisement – “Pay for 10 tanning sessions, and get 10 free!” her interest was piqued. Clare purchased the tanning package, and began going to tan at her local salon. The tanning attendant told her that the best way to get tan quickly, was to come in every other day, and use “speed cream”. Clare took her advice, and made it through 10 tanning sessions. However, after her 10th session, Clare’s skin began to hurt, and she decided to stop tanning.

Clare went on to receive a Bachelor of Media and Communication, as well as a Masters of Cinema from the University of Melbourne by the time she was 22. She began work as a sports journalist, and had many career plans for her future. However, when she discovered a lump under her armpit, she was frightened enough to go to the doctor. Though the lump vanished with treatment, it returned one year later. Clare eventually discovered that she had seven tumors in her chest, one in her neck, and one in her lung. After being positively diagnosed for melanoma, Clare eventually stopped responding to treatments. She lived until she was 26, and become one of the strongest advocates for putting strict restrictions on the use of tanning facilities by young girls.

Many people don’t realize the true dangers of exposing their skin to UV rays, either from a tanning salon or from spending time outdoors. To be able to safely enjoy your summer, you need to know why sunscreen is important, and how it functions to protect your health.

The Two Types of UV Rays

Sun damage to the skin is caused both by UVA and UVB rays. The damage by UVB rays is almost immediate, taking place within 60 seconds of exposure of unprotected skin. UVA rays also contribute to skin damage, being one of the contributing factors for developing premature wrinkles.

What does SPF Mean?

SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. Currently, SPF ratings are only designed to rate a sunscreen’s protection against UVB sun rays, as there is currently no rating system for protection against UVA rays.

The Difference Between Sunscreen and Sunblock

When you see a product advertised as “Sunblock”, this means that it operates as a “shield” to reflect the sun’s rays away from your skin. Sunblock products usually contain titanium dioxide. A sunscreen product functions to soak up UV rays before they are able to damage your skin. Sunscreen products usually contain PABA and Salicylates. However, some sun products contain both sunscreen and sunblock ingredients.

Broad Spectrum Sun Products

In order to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, it’s recommended that you choose a sunscreen that is labeled as “Broad Spectrum”.

Premature Aging

Exposure to UV rays is the number one cause of premature aging, wrinkling and skin damage. Though having a tan may be socially desirable, it’s important to remember that a tan represents damage to your skin by the sun.

Sunscreen Effectiveness

The protection you gain from sunscreen is only effective if you apply it properly. At a minimum, you should re-apply your sunscreen after being out in the sun for approximately three hours. If you’re swimming, remember to reapply your suncreen after one hour, even if your sunscreen is “waterproof”. Make sure that you cover all exposed skin with a layer of sunscreen, in order to maximize your protection.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

It’s a largely accepted fact that the invention of traditional firearms could not have been accomplished without Chinese research. In the 9th century, several Chinese alchemists were on the hunt for an elixir of immortality. By combining saltpeter and sulfur, these alchemists discovered that they could create a highly flammable substance. In the 11th century, the first documented recipes for gunpowder began to appear, which were used to create grenades, incendiary bombs, fire arrows and mines. By the end of the 12th century, the first “guns” were widely used, being cast-iron tubes that were packed with a gunpowder mixture as well as pieces of shrapnel. These tubes were called “Fire Lances”, and evolved from a 10th century design involving paper and bamboo tubes.

Today, guns are a subject that promotes a lot of debate, since they can be used for both self-defense and criminal purposes. Primarily, the socially acceptable use of a gun for the average person involves either a desire for self-defense, or relating to a hobby (such as long-range target shooting). However, if you have a gun in your home, you are at risk for disasters such as theft, or accidental discharge. It’s important that you keep any firearms in your home secured at all times, which can be best accomplished by purchasing a secure gun safe. There are a wide variety of gun safes available, each of which have different ratings, safety features and anti-theft safeguards. Here is a general guide to help you to purchase the best gun safe for your needs.

Bolted Gun Safe
Due to the high security of many gun safe locks, many thieves choose to simply remove the safe from a residence, and crack open the lock at their leisure. Even an extremely heavy gun safe (1000+ lbs) can be removed by rolling it out on broken broom handles, golf balls, or other items in the home. Never assume that your safe is secure simply because it has a high-security lock, or is extremely heavy! Always purchase a firearms safe that can be securely bolted to the floor.

Welded Joints
Since many thieves often bring heavy tools to crack gun safes, the integrity of the safe’s material is extremely important. Some companies attempt to make their safes as aesthetically appealing as possible, polishing down welding joints until they lose a lot of their durability. A skilled thief will be able to exploit these weaknesses with a sledgehammer or other heavy tool. Be sure that your firearms safe is constructed of a sturdy material, without any weak joints.

Heat-Resistant
A prepared thief may bring a cutting torch designed for gaining entry to high-security safes. However, by purchasing a fire-resistant gun safe, you can make it much more difficult for your safe to be breached in this method. Fire safes do tend to be a bit more expensive, though they can be essential if you have a significant investment in firearms.

Seamless Construction
As mentioned before, the main weakness in a firearms safe is often at the welded joints. There is a new type of safe that’s currently available for purchase, which is a three-piece construction. The main body of the safe will be seamless and molded, without any weldings. However, the top and bottom of the safe are still welded on, which gives this safe a total of eight welded seams (four on the top, and four on the bottom). This is more secure than safes which do not have a molded body, and have a total of 12 welded seams.

Related posts:

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

On Christmas Day in 2009, a terrorist attempted to blow up Northwest Airlines Flight 253, with plastic explosives that were sewn into his pants. Dubbed the “Underwear Bomber”, this incident sparked a flurry of activity for the TSA (Transportation Security Administration). Measures were taken to tighten security, in order to avoid having any other explosives ever make it past security checkpoints. One of the security measures that has recently been subject to a lot of controversy, is the “Full Body Scanners” that have begun to make their way into airports.

What is a Full Body Scanner?

A full body scanner is a device that is able to detect items hidden under clothing. The scanner does this by creating a full 3-D image of a person, complete with detailed body contours. The scanners are effective at detecting contraband that may be hidden on a person’s body.

How Does a Full Body Scanner Work?

There are currently two different types of scanning technology that are used in full body scanners: millimeter wave scanners, and backscatter scanners. A millimeter wave scanner is able to use radio waves that are of extremely high frequencies, which are decoded in order to produce a 3-D image. A backscatter scanner makes use of high-energy rays that scatter when they hit solid materials. This allows a backscatter scanner to create a detailed image of the person being scanned.

An example of one type of Full Body Scanner.

Do Full Body Scanners Take Nude Pictures?

A full body scanner is able to strip away any items of clothing that a person is wearing, essentially producing a nude representation of a person. This allows the person screening the scans to see details that could represent concealed objects. However, it is true that the full body scanner does produce a “naked” representation of airline passengers, which is why full body scanners are subject to so much controversy.

Which Airports Have Full Body Scanners?

Currently, there are 40 active full body scanners at 19 different airports.

Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ)
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)
Baltimore-Washington International (BWI)
Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport (DFW)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
Las Vegas-McCarran Airport (LAS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
Washington DC’s Reagan National (DCA)
Amsterdam-Schipol Airport (AMS)

However, there are 11 more airports that are currently in the process of receiving them. This list includes:

Boston Logan International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Mineta San Jose International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
Port Columbus Unternational Airport
Oakland International Airport
San Diego International Airport
Kansas City International Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport

By the end of this year, the TSA hopes to have over 450 full body scanners active in airports across the United States. By 2011, the TSA projects that over 1200 full body scanners will be used.

Are Full Body Scans Required?

Under the current airport security protocols, you have the right to refuse a full body scan when boarding a plane. In the event that you refuse, you will be taken to another location in which you may receive a pat-down, a scan with a hand-scanner, swabs that can detect explosives, and other tests.

Are Full Body Scanners Open to Abuse?

Much of the controversy about full body scanners centers around the fact that yes, it is possible for the data images taken by the scanners to be abused. Concern has particularly been focused on the potential for abuse in images of celebrities, children and women. The TSA has attempted to assuage these fears by pledging that the images are deleted after the scan, and will never be used elsewhere. However, many people still feel uncomfortable with the possibility that these scan photos represent a breach in privacy.

Sources:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/12/29/full-body-scanners-in-all-our-airports-115875-21928634/

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/12/30/airline.terror.scanners/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/03/05/body.scanners.airports/index.html

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/1/6/165831/7563/travel/Full-Body+Scanners+101:+How+Naked+Is+Full-Body+Scan+Naked%3F

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwear_bomber

http://ivarfjeld.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/airport-security-line.jpg

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In today’s society, we depend on electrical power for most of our everyday needs. We use it to obtain water, heat our food, take showers and run electrical appliances. However, when the power goes out, it’s important to be familiar with how to keep your home and family safe. If you are unprepared for a power outage, it can be more than just an inconvenience. Here are a few simple tips to help you to keep your home and family safe during a power outage.

Call Your Electric Company.
In order to ensure that your electrical company is able to work on getting power restored in your area, it’s best if you report your power outage. Most electrical companies have an automated phone system to report power outages, which usually involves entering your zip code. To find the number to call, you can either look it up in your local phone book, or check your latest electric bill.

Conserve Water.
Many water pumps use electrical power in order to function. When the power goes out, you may only have a limited amount of water available. In order to conserve water during a power outage, be sure to regulate the amount of water that you use. It can be natural behavior to turn on a faucet to wash your hands, or rinse a plate. If necessary, remind yourself to avoid using water by taping over the sink or faucet with masking tape.

Keep the Fridge Closed.
Most refrigerators will be able to keep food cold (without power) for about six hours. However, this is only if you don’t open the refrigerator door during that time. You may want to duct-tape the door to the fridge closed, in order to ensure that none of your family members open it by accident.

Stay Warm.
If you have an electric heating system, you may need to take extra measures in order to ensure that you and the members of your family stay warm. Bring blankets out into the living room, and have a “sleepover” with your family. Be sure that everyone is bundled up in warm clothes, especially if the power outage occurs during cold weather.

Keep Your Family Occupied.
Experiencing a power outage can be a scary experience, especially for young children. In order to keep everyone occupied, have some activities planned while you wait for the power to be turned back on. Read a book to your children by candlelight, or organize a family board game. Give young children crayons to color with, and give older children a writing assignment.

What to Do for Extended Power Outages

If the power in your area is going to be out for more than a day, you need to take additional steps in order to ensure that you and your family remain safe. If the power outage is due to a natural disaster, be sure to use an emergency radio to keep up-to-date on the situation. If it’s recommended that you leave your home, organize your family for an evacuation. Otherwise, staying in your home is often the safest place for you and your family. Take inventory of all of the food inside your home that can be safely eaten without power. If you have a small camping stove, you may be able to use it to heat up soup and other food items. However, when using any type of open flame, be sure to practice proper fire safety procedures.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

If you are looking for ways to make your community a safer place, you may want to consider looking into time banking. Time banking is a relatively new concept that takes the element of community and utilizes it to create a type of currency system. Through time banking, it’s possible to instill a sense of coherency in your community, simultaneously making it a safer place to live with your family.

What is Time Banking?

The concept of time banking revolves around a type of barter system that uses units of time as a payment method. In this currency system, one hour of “time” equals one “Time Dollar”, which is used to purchase services from the Time Bank.

How does it work?

Let’s say, for example, that you have prior experience training dogs. Through the time banking system, you would offer your dog training services as being available for the other members of the community. When someone contacts the Time Bank about dog training, you would have the opportunity to offer your services. For each hour that you spend helping others train their dogs, you would earn one “Time Dollar”.

Now, say your son or daughter would like to learn piano. Through the Time Bank, you can find a piano teacher that is also offering their services through the Time Bank system. You could spend your earned “Time Dollars” for a few hours of piano lessons each week. For giving your child lessons, the piano teacher would then earn their own “Time Dollars”, which they could spend on other services from the Time Bank.

What are the Benefits of Time Banking?

Time Banking is a concept that emphasizes giving back to a community, and a willingness to help others. By getting to know the members of your community on a personal level, you are reaping many many of the same benefits that come from other neighborhood programs, such as joining your local neighborhood watch program. In addition to this, you are also gaining access to the services organized by the Time Bank, which gives you the ability to obtain services such as:

• Tutoring
• Computer Repair
• Electrical Work
• Yard Work
• Nutritional Counseling
• Personal Fitness Training
• Dancing Lessons
• Business Consultations
• Company Marketing
• Theater Performances
• Child Care

If you are interested in finding out if there is a Time Bank in your area (or, if you would like to start one), you can check the national Time Bank directory here.

Sources:

[1] http://www.timebanks.org/

[2]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Banking

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

When an emergency occurs, it’s natural to feel scared, disoriented and panicked. However, something many people don’t consider is how their children will deal with a disaster. The catastrophic earthquake in Haiti was an extremely tragic reminder of how important it is to be prepared, both for you and your loved ones. Even if you don’t live an area that is prone to natural disasters, it’s highly recommended that you take the time to make a disaster recovery plan with your children. If there is a disaster, you want to make sure that your loved ones will be safe. Here are some tips to help form a disaster recovery plan with your family.

Disaster Recovery Plan Tip 1: Be Realistic and Reassuring

There is always a fine line between failing to inform your children of a disaster for emotional protection, and causing your children to become unnecessarily afraid. If your children ask you why your family is making a disaster recovery plan, be honest. However, it’s not recommended that you cause your children to be afraid of a situation that hasn’t occurred yet. For example, a proper explanation would be similar to this:

“I want to do everything to keep our family safe in case something bad happens. That way, we can all be safe if there’s an emergency.”

Children, especially younger children, have some trouble understanding the concept of an emergency. Reinforce the fact that by making a disaster plan, you are taking steps to keep them safe.

Disaster Recovery Plan Tip 2: Go Over Emergency Situations

Depending on where you live, your area may be at risk for certain types of disasters. For example, if you live in the central United States, you may be in “Tornado Alley“, which puts you at increased risk for experiencing a tornado. If you live in a flood zone, it’s best if you go over how to prepare for a flood with your children. Again, it’s best if you are realistic, but not unnecessarily frightening when explaining the concept of a disaster to your children.

Disaster Recovery Plan Tip 3: Organize “Meeting Spots”

Due to school, work and other obligations, many families don’t spend all of their time together. Since there is a possibility that you will be in different places in the event of an emergency, designate a meeting spot. This should be a safe area that is central to all the places that your family travels on a regular basis. However, if your children are in school during a disaster (such as a hurricane or earthquake), it’s best if you tell them that they should stay put. During emergencies, schools are often the first buildings to receive attention from rescue crews.

Disaster Recovery Plan Tip 4: Have an Emergency Contact

In the event that your family gets separated with no communication, designate a person that is out-of-town to be your emergency contact. In the event of an emergency, if your loved ones can’t reunite, they should all call this emergency contact in order to inform them that they are safe. During an emergency, making a local call could be difficult, so be sure your contact is out of town. All of the members of your family should know the name, address and phone number of your emergency contact.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

According to the American Red Cross, a family that has an earthquake preparedness kit is in a much better position to survive a disaster. Even though it’s possible that an earthquake won’t occur in your area, it’s still highly recommended that you take measures to get you and your family prepared, just in case. The safety of the members of your household should always be your first priority. Here is a general guide for constructing a Family Earthquake Kit, sorted by category.

First Aid Supplies

First aid supplies are extremely important in any type of emergency kit. Many people purchase pre-constructed first aid kits, and believe that the supplies in these kits are sufficient. However, this is not the case. Many commercial “first aid” kits contain tools for dealing with small, non life-threatening injuries. In order to be fully prepared for an earthquake, it’s recommended that your earthquake kit at least contain the following items:

• Butterfly Closures
• Particulate Respirator Face Masks
• Heavy-Duty Gloves (Latex-Free)
• Gauze Roll Bandages
• Gauze Pad Bandages
• Medical Tape
• Alcohol Prep Pads
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Finger Splints
• Heavy-Duty Medical Scissors
• Burn Cream
• Ace Bandages
• Celox (To Stop Bleeding)
• Adhesive Bandages
• Lidocaine (Mild Local Anesthetic)
• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Iodine

Water

Something that many people often overlook as being an important part of an emergency earthquake kit is water. However, fresh water is heavy to carry, and may not be able to be transported in large quantities during an evacuation. Because of this, it’s suggested that your emergency earthquake kit contain:

• A reliable, hand-operated water filtration Device
• Extra Filters
• Cleaning solution for the filter
• Bottled Water (Several bottles in the kit, and a large amount for your home)
• Water Purification Solution

Food

Emergency food is another very important component of your family earthquake kit. It’s best to choose high-calorie foods that are lightweight and very nutrient dense. For food, you can choose to add the following items to your earthquake kit:

• MRE Rations
• Freeze-Dried Meals
• Emergency Survival Bars
• High-Energy Granola Bars
• Canned Food

Light/Communication

It’s also important that your earthquake kit contain tools to be used in case of a power outage, as well as a reliable method to keep tabs on any changes in the situation. It’s recommended that your family’s earthquake survival kit contain:

• A Battery/Solar/Hand Operated Radio
• A Hand-Crank Flashlight
• Emergency Candles
• Matches
• Emergency Lightsticks

First-Aid Classes

Though this list covers a lot of the basic items for your kit, they won’t be helpful if you don’t know how to use them. During a natural disaster, it’s human nature to panic. If you aren’t aware of how to properly use the medical supplies in your kit, for example, they aren’t of much use to you or your family.

There are basic first-aid classes offered by many reputable organizations, such as the American Red Cross. In the event of an earthquake, even a small amount of training could save your life, or the life of someone close to you. You can find a list of classes offered in your area by using this link:

Red Cross First-Aid Training

The Red Cross also offers you many ways to help out during an earthquake. You can volunteer, give donations towards earthquake victims, donate blood, or even become an employee. If it’s something you’re interested in, it’s highly recommended that you contact them through their website.

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1. Earthquake Safety Tips This post is originally authored at the home security blog...
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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

With the recent earthquake in Haiti, many people are looking for ways that they can help. Charitable organizations around the world are mobilizing to provide food, water, shelter, medical supplies and emergency care for the victims of the catastrophic 7.0 earthquake. However, just like with any crisis, there are organizations and individuals who are seeking to profit from the well-meaning efforts of others. That being said, how can you recognize a legitimate charity from a fraudulent organization? Here are some tips to help you avoid being a victim of charity fraud.

Charity Fraud Tip 1: Check A Charity’s Domain
Be wary of domains that have only been registered in response to recent events. For example, the following domains were registered shortly after the earthquake in Haiti.

• haitiearthquakefund.org
• haitiearthquakerelief2010.org
• haitianearthquakefund.org

While some of them may be the basis of legitimate aid websites, it’s still best if you use extreme caution when dealing with a recently established organization. To check the age of a specific domain (as well as some other basic information), you can use this website:

• http://www.whois.net/

Charity Fraud Tip 2: Never Donate By Phone
If you are contacted by a charitable organization by phone, it is essential that you do not donate to them over the phone. Many fraudulent organizations take advantage of the anonymity of a phone call, using it to try to solicit money from you. However, this does not necessarily mean that you should be rude when contacted by phone. Take down the name, location and website of the organization that is contacting you. Politely decline to donate, and then do your own research about the charity at a later time. A quick search on the internet will usually provide you with enough information to evaluate if the organization that contacted you is legitimate. If you wish, you can make a donation to them over the internet, or by mailing a check.

Charity Fraud Tip 3: Avoid Solicitation Emails
Some fraudulent charities may send out emails asking for donations, or so-called “personal” emails from a person that claims that their family has been victim of the earthquake. As Hurricane Katrina taught us, most of these requests are fake. Never donate directly to an individual who claims to be the victim of a disaster. Instead, make your donation to a reputable charity that is working towards improving the quality of life in that specific area.

How to Donate Safely
Since there are so many fraudulent charities, how is it possible to ensure that you are donating to a reputable charitable organization? Here are three ways that you can donate safely to a charity, and ensure that your money will go towards helping those in need.

Charity Fraud Tip 4: Do Your Research.
Only donate to a charity that has an established presence. While supporting smaller charities can be a great way to help them expand, smaller charities usually have a higher “overhead cost”, which means that less of each dollar you donate will be given directly to the cause. You can view the Forbes List of the 200 largest charities here.

Charity Fraud Tip 5: Donate Online.
When you donate to a charity online, you will usually receive an email receipt of your donation. This is not only useful for tax purposes, but can also help you to keep a record of which charities you have donated to. If you see progress from your donation, you can designate that specific charity as a potentially good organization for future donations.

Charity Fraud Tip 6: Contact the American Institute of Philanthropy.
The American Institute of Philanthropy is an organization designed to help you choose an effective, highly rated charity. They grade specific charities by using details about how the charity helps those in need. You can view their website by navigating to:

• http://www.charitywatch.org/

Related posts:

1. How To Decide Which Charities To Support This post is originally authored at the home security blog...
2. 13 Charitable and Relief Organizations in Haiti NOW This post is originally authored at the home security blog...

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

After witnessing the catastrophic events that have occured with the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti, many people are asking the inevitable question: “What can I do to help?”. Even though this earthquake occurred nearly an ocean away for most of us, it’s still important for us to join together to help donate to the victims of this disaster. If you are looking to help, there are many charities available that are accepting donations towards relief for the people of Haiti. We have compiled a list of reputable, highly rated charities that you may donate to in order to provide aid to the Haiti relief effort.

Charity: American Red Cross
Website: http://www.redcross.org
Additional Info: The American Red Cross is currently particpating in an effort to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. As a provider of aid, the American Red Cross focuses on providing for the basic needs of the citizens in Haiti. Donations to the Red Cross usually go towards general supplies, shelter and emergency food. In addition to donating through their website, you can also make a one-time donation of $10 by using your mobile phone. Text “Haiti” to the number “90999″.

Charity: Habitat for Humanity
Website: http://www.habitat.org
Additional Info: Habitat for Humanity is an established organization with a reputation for helping those in need. If you donate to their Haiti relief effort, your money will go towards constructing shelters and rebuilding for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Charity: Catholic Relief Services
Website: http://www.crs.org
Additional Info: Catholic Relief Services is a charity that often covers many areas of emergency aid, disease relief, sanitation and agriculture. If you donate to the Catholic Relief Services Haiti fund, be sure to specify “Haiti Earthquake” (either in the memo of your mailed check, or when donating online). Your donations will go towards hygiene kits, food, water and bedding for victims of the earthquake.

Charity: American Jewish World Service
Website: http://www.ajws.org/haitiearthquake
Additional Info: The American Jewish World Service often focuses on community-oriented charity projects. If you donate to the American Jewish World Service, your money will go towards mobilizing volunteers for the Haiti relief effort, mobilizing members of the Haitian community, health services, as well as social and psychological support.

Charity: Care
Website: http://www.crs.org
Additional Info: Care is an organization that focuses on combatting the effects of poverty around the world. If you donate to Care, your money will go towards emergency health responses, shelter, water and food.

The aftermath of the 7.0 Magnitude earthquake in Haiti.

Charity: Direct Relief International
Website: http://www.directrelief.org
Additional Info: Direct Relief is a charity that is focused on providing for the medical needs of victims of a disaster or emergency. If you donate to Direct Relief International, your money will go towards medical equipment, first-aid supplies and providing medical aid to the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Charity: International Relief Teams
Website: http://www.irteams.org
Additional Info: This charity is focused on creating teams of volunteers that can provide both first-aid assistance and general assitance in times of crisis. If you donate to this charity, your money will go towards organizing volunteer teams, as well as purchasing medical and other relief supplies for the citizens of Haiti.

Charity: Yele Haiti
Website: http://www.yele.org
Additional Info: Yele Haiti is dedicated towards creating community development, improving health care and providing education to the citizens of Haiti. You may donate through the website, or you can make a donation of $5 simply by texting “YELE” to the number “501501″.

Charity: World Concern
Website: http://www.worldconcern.org
Additional Info: World Concern is an organization that is dedicated to supporting people and families so that they can rise above poverty-level living. If you donate to World Concern, your money will go towards basic needs, such as food, water, shelter and blankets. In addition to this, you will also be supporting long-term projects, such as home construction, education, job training and loans for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

The effects of the earthquake in Haiti were catastrophic, leaving thousands homeless.

Charity: Shelterbox
Website: http://www.shelterbox.org
Additional Info: Shelterbox is a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing boxes of essential supplies to families. If you donate to Shelterbox, your money will go towards giving families (of up to 10 people) a box of supplies that contains a tent shelter, food, water and other supplies.

Charity: Operation USA
Website: http://www.opusa.org
Additional Info: Operation USA is a nonprofit relief agency that operates on an international level. If you donate to Operation USA, your money will go towards a specialized relief fund that has been allocated for Haiti relief efforts. This fund covers food supplements, water purification supplies and health care materials.

Charity: Doctors Without Borders
Website: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.com
Additional Info: Doctors Without Borders is a charitable organization that is dedicated to providing first aid and medical care to victims of disaster. If you donate to this organization, you will be helping fund the repair and reconstruction of the hospitals in Haiti that were damaged by the earthquake. In addition to this, funds donated to Doctors Without Borders will help purchase medical supplies and fund the transportation of 70 more doctors to help care for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Charity: The Salvation Army
Website: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org
Additional Info: The Salvation Army is a well-established charitable organization that provides essential supplies and spiritual support during times of crisis. If you donate to the Salvation Army, be sure to specify that your donation is for the “Haiti Earthquake”. Your donations will go towards essential needs such as food, water and medical supplies.

Sources:

[1]http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/WORLD/americas/01/15/haiti.earthquake/t1larg.homes.gi.jpg

[2]http://necolebitchie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/haiti-earthquake-3.jpg

[3]http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/01/15/haiti.earthquake/index.html

[4]http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=1004

[5]http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00672/USAID_CROP-1_N95869_672090a.JPG

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