New & Noteworthy

SUMMER SECURITY TIPS 2017

Heading on summer vacation? There's nothing worse than coming back to a home that had a break-in. Here's 20+ Summer Security Tips you can implement to protect your Home and Property while you're travelling.


You're Going to Need More Than a Funny Welcome Mat to Prevent a Break-in!


1. USE COMMON SENSE

If you lose a key, then get the locks changed. A better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.

Ask all strangers for identification. The person who is “lost” and looking for directions could actually be a burglar checking to see if someone is home.

Never hide an extra key outdoor - especially underneath a mat or on top of a light fixture. This is the first place the bad guys look. Leave an extra house key with a friend or a neighbor. Again, a better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.

DO NOT advertise on Facebook or Instagram that you are on vacation. Social media is the equivalent of a diary in a glass house. You may think you’re letting your friends and family know you’re having a great time, but people often forget to change their privacy settings. If you like to post photos - post them after you get back.

For insurance purposes take photos of the contents of your home and keep all receipts in an off-site location. Great options are Google Drive, Microsoft Cloud and Dropbox.

Write down the model and serial number of all electronics. This will come in handy for a future Police report and insurance claim.



2. MAKE IT DIFFICULT

Door chains are easy to bypass. Install deadbolts. We have alarm.com smart lock options with built in deadbolts.

Install window bars on all basement windows. They are a great visual deterrent and can be connected to a monitored home security system.

Install a stopper or stick on all sliding doors and windows. You can find these at your local hardware store such as Home Hardware, Canadian Tire or Rona.

Make sure all doors and windows are locked. Many burglars go door to door looking for targets that forgot to lock their front doors.

For cabins, consider installing roller window and door shutters. Visit kimbel.ca to see samples.


3. MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE AT HOME

Burglars target unoccupied homes so keep your home well lit at night. Install timers that turn lights, radios and televisions on at different times. This gives the appearance that someone is home. A better option is to install alarm.com smart lights and smart appliance modules and setup on an alternating schedules.

Cancel the newspaper and have a friend or neighbour pick-up your mail.

Park a vehicle in the drive-way. Don’t forget to lock the doors and remove any valuables.

If you’re taking an extended vacation of more than a week, hire a student or service to cut your grass.



4. INSTALL A MONITORED HOME OR CABIN SECURITY SYSTEM

The insurance companies agree. You are 400% less likely to have a break-in and can qualify for an insurance discount of up to 25%.

  • NEW! $0 Equipment, $0 Installation Plans
  • No Phone Line required
  • 24/7 Monitored Protection from intrusion, fire, flood, low temperature, and carbon monoxide
  • Includes Police / RCMP and Fire Department dispatch and Call List notification
  • Optional ALARM.COM - control your smart lights, smart locks, and smart thermostat with *free apps
  • Optional ReedHD™ Wi-Fi Doorbell - Know Who's at the front door, record audio and video onto the cloud
  • A monthly subscription is required for all service plans



5. IN CASE YOU DO HAVE A BREAK-IN

If it looks like a door or window was forced open, DO NOT go inside. The Burglar may still be on site.

Call the Police from your mobile phone and wait.


6. ALWAYS GET 3 QUOTES

Do NOT Sign Up with Door to Door alarm companies with Limited Time Offers. Before you know it you will be on the hook for thousands of dollars with a company that doesn't have a local office. Many door to door alarm companies have summer programs (May to September only). After that good luck. Be sure to search Google for reviews and ask friends and family who they use for home security.


If you would like more information on Smart Home or Business Security & Automation please Contact Us for a Free Security Evaluation.

SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
Reed Security Headquarters
Call 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)
SuRe InnoVations
Call 306.974.0888
PRINCE ALBERT 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.922.7200
CALGARY 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 587.393.2800
REGINA 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.206.0700
LLOYDMINSTER 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Fierce Electric Ltd.
Call 306.825.3772

NEW $0 DOWN PLANS 2017


We've added some new $0 Down plans with *FREE Equipment + *FREE InstallationNO PHONE LINE REQUIRED. It's never been easier to UpgradeSwitch Over from a competitor or install a New Smart Package at your Home or Business. 


We also have new security bundles, LARGER easy-to-use TouchScreens, free apps, e-mail alerts, arm/disarm with your smart phone, automatic doors, automatic garage doors, automatic lights, HD Wi-Fi doorbell cameras, no phone line options, smart thermostats, geo-services, video verification...and a whole lot more!


We do not provide pricing on our web site or over the phone. Instead we offer a No Obligation, Free Security Evaluation with a Reed Security Consultant. We carefully listen to your needs and wants and walk through your Home/Business and point out how intruders can gain access.  Then we share options on How to Properly Protect You and Help You Feel Safe. It only takes 30 minutes.


In addition to providing Innovative Products and Great Value, you will receive Award Winning Service from a local security company that Cares. #local #wecare


If you would like a preview of some of the new technology we have available Click Here.

 

What are you waiting for? Contact Us online today to book your No Obligation, Free Security Evaluation.

 

SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
REED SECURITY HEADQUARTERS...CALL 306.653.3200
SURE INNOVATIONS...CALL 306.974.0888
REGINA SECURITY INQUIRIES...CALL 306.206.0700
PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY INQUIRIES...CALL 306.922.7200
CALGARY SECURITY INQUIRIES...CALL 587.393.2800
LLOYDMINSTER SECURITY INQUIRIES...CALL 306.825.3772


WANT AN INSURANCE DISCOUNT? GET AN ALARM SYSTEM

Depending on your policy you may qualify for an insurance discount of up to 20% when you have a monitored security system.

Reed Security protects a number of local insurance brokers including The Co-operators, Cherry Insurance, Cooke Insurance and Saskatoon Insurance Agencies. We contacted them for advice and we found the discounts vary between insurance companies.

The main reason an insurance company provides a discount is because it’s less likely you will have a claim. In fact, it’s 400% less likely to have a break-in or major loss when have a monitored security system.

Sometimes the insurance discount can even pay for the entire cost of your monthly security fees. If your home insurance policy is $1600/year and you received a 20% discount, you would save $320/year on insurance costs. If the monthly 24/7 monitoring fee you pay to your security provider is $21.95/month (x 12 months = $263.40), then you would save $56.60 every year.

Some insurance companies provide a discount of 10% to 15% no matter what 24/7 monitoring coverage you have. Other insurance companies will provide additional discounts when you have monitored fire, flood and low temperature protection. To determine exactly how much you can save please contact your local insurance broker.

WARNING: If you cancel your 24/7 monitoring service with your security company you should let your insurance broker know immediately. If you were receiving an insurance discount based on lower risks – you don’t want to run into any problems when you need to use your insurance. Security companies provide records to investigators.


6 EASY STEPS TO GET YOUR INSURANCE DISCOUNT

1. Ask your Insurance Broker what discounts you are eligible for if you have a security system with 24/7 ULC Monitoring
2. Get 3 quotes from local security providers - ask your friends and check Google reviews
3. Make sure the security provider you choose has a ULC-listed Central Monitoring Station
4. Arrange to activate the security system and arrange an installation date
5. Your security provider issues a Certificate of Installation to you or your Insurance Company
6. The Insurance Company will provide any applicable discounts once they receive the Certificate of Installation

Not everyone will qualify for an insurance discount including most Businesses.



Even though you may be able to save money by installing a monitored home security system, it isn’t the main reason People install them. Installing a Reed Smart Security & Automation system helps you feel safe and keeps you connected to your home or business.

Alarm.com is super popular. It allows you to control your smart security system, smart locks, smart lights, smart thermostats and ReedHD™ cameras from your smartphone. Instant Email/Text notifications are a hit too. Alarm.com will let you know when your son or daughter arrives home after school. No phone line is required.


If you would like more information on Smart Home or Business Security & Automation please Contact Us for a Free Security Evaluation.

SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
Reed Security Headquarters
Call 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)
SuRe InnoVations
Call 306.974.0888
PRINCE ALBERT 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.922.7200
CALGARY 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 587.393.2800
REGINA 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.206.0700
LLOYDMINSTER 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Fierce Electric Ltd.
Call 306.825.3772

BEWARE OF THE DOOR TO DOOR ALARM SCAM

It's that time of year when you will be getting pressured by aggressive door to door salespeople. They will be pushing you to sign you up to "limited time offers" that expire "right away" (because they do not have a local office).  And before you know you know it you're on the hook for thousands of dollars.

Several alarm companies only have SUMMER PROGRAMS. They rent houses and hire large crews of university students which are offered large commissions ($400 to $500 per contract) to get you to sign up.

LEARN MORE by Googling "door to door alarm scam".


The Pressure:

  • Sales person won't leave even when you tell them to "Leave"
  • Sales person won't leave when you tell them "No Thanks"
  • Sales person won't leave when you say "I Already Have Your Products or Service"
  • Sales person name drops the name of your neighbor and makes it sound like "they signed up" or "they bought one" or "they referred me to you"
  • Sales person comes to the house several times and won't leave you alone

·        The Solutions:

  • Put Up Your Hand and "Say NO".
  • Immediately close the door and the sales person will eventually leave.
    Tell them "You are Trespassing" and that you are calling the BBB Better Business Bureau, Consumer Protection Branch and the Police if they do not leave.
  • BBB 1-888-352-7601, Consumer Protection 1-877-880-5550, Saskatoon Police 306-975-8300, RCMP (Saskatoon) 306-975-5173 or call your Local Detachment
  • Always Get 3 Quotes for whatever you consider purchasing. This gives you the time to gather information and to check if the "deal" being presented to you is the best option.
  • Never Accept Quick Delivery of a product or service. This gives you a cooling off period and more time to gather facts.

  • If you did proceed with the offer You Have 10 Days to Change Your Mind and CANCEL (and get a full refund). It's the Law in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
  • Create Awareness and Share on Social Media
  • Contact the local media


Reed Security has received 20+ Award Recognitions for the way we look our our People and Customers. We're Local, We Care and We Can Help!

SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
Reed Security Headquarters
Call 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)
SuRe InnoVations
Call 306.974.0888
PRINCE ALBERT 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.922.7200
CALGARY 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 587.393.2800
REGINA 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.206.0700
LLOYDMINSTER 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Fierce Electric Ltd.
Call 306.825.3772


HOW TO HACK A SECURITY CAMERA


A security camera hack occurs when an unwanted person gains access to your security cameras via a network or internet feed. The hacker could be a teenager showing off his tech skills to peers, a current or former employee wanting to gain business intelligence, or a criminal wanting to observe security measures or even disable them. Large scale hacks have occurred when internet activists such as Anonymous target specific businesses or industries.

We have installed 10,000+ i.p. security cameras and we have NOT experienced security vulnerabilities or hacking. As a professional installation company we take extra security measures. 

Spoiler: It wouldn't be responsible for us to tell you how to hack a security camera. Instead we share

5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT A SECURITY CAMERA HACK:  

1. Install the latest firmware on all i.p. security cameras, recorders, routers, switches, and wireless access points.

Updating the firmware will correct any known security issues and sometimes add security functions to the device.

2. Do not use default passwords or leave them blank.

Things to consider when picking a password:

- Do not use common words, phone numbers, address etc.
- Use a password min 8 characters long. with a combination of lower & upper case letters and numbers
- This applies to the router, some switches, i.p. security cameras, and network video recorders.

3. Keep track of who has access to your security systems.

-Do they really need it?
-Do they need to view all cameras or just a few?
-Terminate security access when an employee leaves 

4. If you have remote access to a site with your smartphone, make sure your smartphone is locked when not in use.

Some apps will give you full access to the setup of i.p. security cameras and/or NVR (network video recorder).

5. If the NVR is connected to a network that has Wi-Fi, ensure that the Wi-Fi is using encryption and again it has a strong password.


If you are having a problem with Theft (or would like to prevent one)

Contact Us today for a Free Security Evaluation or to find out more information.


SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
Reed Security Headquarters
Call 306.653.3200
SuRe InnoVations
Call 306.974.0888
PRINCE ALBERT 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.922.7200
CALGARY 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 587.393.2800
REGINA 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.206.0700
LLOYDMINSTER 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
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LOCATIONS

SASKATOON SECURITY
Reed Security Group (HEADQUARTERS)
14-1724 Quebec Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9
Ph: 306.653.3200
1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

Sure Innovations
1701 Saskatchewan Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1P7
Ph: 306.974.0888

Nine Yards Technologies Inc.
Ph: 306.341.2477

 

REGINA SECURITY
ViboPulse Services
Ph: 306.206.0700

WINNIPEG SECURITY
Guardian Advanced Solutions
Ph: 204.250.7510 or 204.878.0061

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY
Thor Security Ltd.
1-243 South Industrial Drive
Prince Albert, SK S6V 7L9
Ph: 306.922.7200

 

NIAGARA REGION SECURITY
Alltech Smart Security
Ph: 289.990.3234

KAWARTHA LAKES REGION SECURITY
Dot Communications
232 Kent St W Unit 4
Lindsay, ON K9V 6A4
Ph: 1.833.368.2666

 

CALGARY SECURITY
Oxford Security Systems
#501, 2903 Kingsview Blvd SE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C4
Ph: 587.393.2800

EDMONTON SECURITY
Ph: 1.844.384.7233